Complete Guide on Removing Internal Walls At Home

Complete Guide on Removing Internal Walls At Home

If you are planning to renovate your home, removing internal walls can dramatically change the look, feel, and ambiance of the house. A well-ventilated and open space design for a living room is more peaceful and serene. Removing internal walls allows you to experience the natural light and helps you enjoy a more usable space within your home.

While Wall Cutting may sound easy at first, the process requires accurate planning and advice from a professional builder. If you plan to attempt this task at home, read on to understand the intricacies of the process.

Removing internal walls If you are planning to remove internal walls all by yourself, it is crucial to know the kind of wall you would be dealing with. Is it a load-bearing wall? Does it hide any plumbing pipes? If not, then the internal wall removal process wouldn’t be a difficult task to accomplish. Any non-load-

bearing wall made of brick, stud, or dry walls can be easily removed. However, if you are unsure of the type of wall you are dealing with, consult an expert.

Wall cutting of a load-bearing wall is a complex task. You will need an expert guide such as a structural engineer or an architect to complete the project. You will also need an experienced builder to determine the type of support required to replace the wall after it’s removed. The builders will also work towards creating the right support for the ceiling above during the wall cutting process.

How do you identify a load-bearing wall?

To differentiate a load-bearing wall from a simple stud wall, you can tap or knock on the wall to see if it sounds hollow. If so, it is a simple stud wall, and the process of removing it will be easy.

However, if you hear a dull thud sound upon tapping or knocking it, it is a solid brick wall, and removing it will be difficult. Such walls are most likely load-bearing, meaning it holds the weight of the structure above them.

Removing a load-bearing wall Firstly, before removing a load-bearing wall, replace the wall support with reinforced steel or joint (RSJ). A structural engineer is required to calculate the correct load and measurements of the steel beam that needs to be installed for support. These calculations are then sent to the building project manager, who will communicate the same to steel manufacturers and assist you in arranging the beam or joist.

Secondly, your local building inspector will examine if the structure fits in with The Building and Control Regulations after the steel beam is installed. If the structure gets clearance, the steel is boarded with fire protection, plastered, and painted. The building inspector will then give you an approval certificate.

Internal Wall Removal takes 5 to 10 days after the work begins. A load-bearing wall takes a longer time to be removed than a simple wall and this is due to the additional work and the installation process of steel joist, making goods, plastering, skirting and painting, etc.

Do I need planning permission?

You do not need planning permission to change the internal structures of your home. However, you will need to submit engineer calculations and building notices to your local Building Control Service. Apart from this, you will also require a listed building consent for any major work, internal or external, if you live in a listed property.

Final Thought For any internal or external changes in your home design and structure, it is recommended that you consult an expert. While you may be able to remove an internal wall by yourself, or make any other such structural changes at home, consult a professional builder for advice. It is even more important if the wall is a load-bearing type. You can contact any local consultants who have experience in such wall removal services and take their assistance to create the interior designs you’re looking for in your home.

Source: - https://avplenews.com/complete-guide-on-removing-internal-walls-athome/