Removing an interior wall in your home can help open up and reconfigure living spaces. However, this project requires careful planning and preparation to ensure it is done safely and correctly. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to remove an interior wall yourself or hire a professional to assist you.
Assessing the Wall and Planning the Removal
Before removing any wall, you need to determine if it is load-bearing or non-load bearing. Load-bearing walls support the structure of the home, while non-load bearing ones simply divide up space.
Identifying Load-Bearing Walls
Here are some signs that indicate a load-bearing wall:
- The wall has columns or posts, which provide extra support for weight.
- There is a wall directly above it on the second floor. Load-bearing walls must be directly aligned.
- It runs the length of the house, such as from the front to back. These often carry roof weight.
- The wall has access to the attic but does not extend all the way up. It may support the roof rafters.
- There are heavy objects, like a fireplace, stove or jacuzzi, on the wall. This adds more weight.
- Removing the wall causes cracks or shifting in floors or ceilings.
Consult your original building plans if available to identify load-bearing walls. Get an engineer, architect or experienced contractor to inspect if you are still unsure.
Planning the Removal Project
Once you confirm it is non-load bearing, plan how you will remove the wall:
- Decide how much of the wall to remove. You may opt to take down a section in the middle or entire wall.
- Determine if you will need any permits. Most interior removals don’t need permits, but codes vary.
- Plan where to start, as well as how the debris will be removed safely.
- Consider how to refinish the area after the wall is gone. You may need to install new flooring, trim or re-paint surrounding walls.
- Account for costs to remove the wall and refinish the space. Hiring pros is optimal for load-bearing walls.
Preparing the Work Area
To prep for removal:
- Move any furniture or valuables away from the wall. Cover remaining items with tarps or plastic sheeting.
- Disconnect and cap electrical wires running through the wall cavity. Turn off circuits to be safe.
- Cut any coaxial cables or phone lines so they are out of the way but still usable.
- Inspect for plumbing lines and reroute if necessary. Turn off water valves first.
- Cover air vents to prevent dust from circulating after demolition.
Wear protective gear like goggles, gloves, mask and work boots during the entire process. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergencies.
Removing Drywall
With preparations complete, you can start taking down wall layers. Begin by cutting through drywall vertically about every 16 inches using a drywall saw or oscillating multi-tool:
- Cut along any wall studs so drywall can be removed neatly in full sheets.
- Make angled cuts at corners to separate seam overlaps.
- Leave paper backing if it does not easily peel off so drywall does not crumble.
- Number panels and mark stud locations as you go for easy reinstallation later.
- Remove any screws or nails as panels are freed up. Pry off gently to limit further damage.
- Take down cut drywall pieces carefully with a second person assisting. Watch for electric wires.
- Place drywall debris into a disposal bag or haul away promptly to avoid clutter.
Repeat on opposite wall side once one is fully removed.
Removing Wall Studs
With drywall down, you will have clear access to the wall framing:
- Inspect how studs are positioned and make notes on the frame design.
- Look for special headers over doors, windows or other openings that provide added support.
- Confirm if wall studs rest on the ground or sill plate below. This often indicates a load-bearing wall.
- Check for any electrical or plumbing inside that needs disconnecting before stud removal.
With framing exposed, you can start removing studs:
- Use a reciprocating saw to cut nails or screws securing studs to top and bottom plates. Make flush cuts.
- Use pry bar to pop studs off of remaining framing. Apply force gradually to limit damage.
- Remove any support posts or columns reinforcing the wall carefully with assistance.
- Detach cripple studs and headers around openings by cutting nails or screws.
- Salvage removed studs and boards if they are in good shape for reuse later.
Go slowly to avoid destabilizing surrounding walls or ceiling areas. Have helpers ready to assist with stud removal.
Removing Remaining Debris
After the studs are out, follow these tips to finish clearing debris:
- Use pry bar to remove sill plate if possible to open the floor area.
- Pull out or hammer down any protruding nails, screws or staples.
- Vacuum and sweep up all remaining drywall dust and particles thoroughly.
- Check that electrical lines are capped and secure. Consult an electrician if needed.
- Cap any open sewage or water pipes according to code to prevent leaking.
- Remove any remaining insulation, using proper safety protocols for these irritating materials.
- Bag all debris promptly and haul to a disposal site.
Avoid leaving piles of debris overnight, which can attract pests or be a safety hazard.
Refinishing the New Open Area
With the wall fully removed, you can redecorate the new open space:
- Use vapor barrier, insulation foam and drywall to seal up the open wall cavity.
- Install new wood or metal studs if building a new smaller wall inland.
- Apply wood trim pieces around remaining walls and the ceiling for a seamless look.
- Patch and sand drywall seams so joints are not visible. Prime and paint.
- Consider adding new light fixtures and electrical outlets in the area.
- Install flooring that matches the rest of the room, using transition strips if needed.
- Add baseboards or crown molding around the borders of the room.
Take time to properly finish the area so the wall removal improves your room style and functionality.
Removing a Load-Bearing Wall
If dealing with a load-bearing wall, extra care must be taken in the removal processes. Here are some key tips:
- Have a structural engineer assess the wall and create removal plans. This is not a DIY project.
- Obtain all required city permits before starting demolition.
- Brace ceiling and floors around wall before removal. This prevents shifting or collapse.
- Support areas above with temporary jack posts secured to sill plates below.
- Saw cut load-bearing studs but do not remove initially.
- Slowly take out studs, posts or columns progressively, often starting at ends.
- Immediately install new approved headers or beams to transfer weight above.
- Follow engineer’s plans precisely. Stop work if structure seems endangered.
- Hire experienced contractors for this specialized demolition and rebuilding.
Taking down load-bearing walls is complex and best left to professionals. Budget significantly more time and money for the process.
Cost to Remove an Interior Wall
If hiring a contractor, expect to pay:
- $800-$1,200 to remove a standard 8-10 foot non-load bearing wall.
- $4,000-$8,000+ to remove a load-bearing wall and rebuild the structure.
- $100-$300 per linear foot for labor intensive demolition or rebuilding work.
- $100-$250 to remove a small section of drywall to open a new doorway or window.
- $40-$75 per hour for skilled labor, with demolition often taking 12-40 hours total.
Costs vary based on your area, the wall size and type, access issues, and refinishing needs. Get multiple quotes to find reasonable rates.
Removing a Wall Yourself vs Hiring a Contractor
You may consider doing this project yourself to save money. However, there are tradeoffs:
Benefits of DIY Removal
- You save on labor costs by not hiring contractors.
- You have freedom to take down the wall on your own timeline.
- You can customize the project to fit your exact preferences.
Benefits of Hiring Contractors
- Experts identify load-bearing vs non-load bearing walls accurately.
- Professional equipment makes removal faster and cleaner.
- Licensed firms know all safety protocols and regulations.
- Any complex structural issues are handled appropriately.
- Professionals refinish the area seamlessly with expertise.
Consider your skills, budget, timeline and the wall specifics to decide what works best. Also check if your homeowners insurance covers contractors or DIY projects. Get professional guidance either way if removing a load-bearing wall.
Safety Tips
Follow these precautions during interior wall removal:
- Turn off power at the main breaker panel so wires stay inert.
- Wear a respirator mask and eye protection when making cuts.
- Work slowly with care when prying materials down or using power tools.
- Keep fire extinguisher nearby and evacuate everyone if a fire starts.
- Use helpers and assistance equipment for safe demolition and debris removal.
- Shore up any structural components carefully before removal.
- Stop work if you find asbestos, which requires abatement by a licensed professional.
- Get medical help immediately with any injuries beyond minor cuts or bruises.
Rushing the process heightens the risks of personal harm or property damage considerably.
Interior Wall Removal FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about removing interior walls:
How long does it take to remove an interior wall?
On average, it takes 16-24 hours of labor time to remove a standard non-load bearing wall completely. This includes demolition, disposal, and finishing the open area. Load-bearing wall removal takes even longer, often 1-2 weeks for a professional.
What tools do I need to remove a wall?
Common tools include a pry bar, sledgehammer, reciprocating saw, jigsaw, oscillating multi-tool, drywall saw, drill, screwdrivers, utility knife, broom, vacuum, pliers, stud finder and safety gear. Rent or buy all required tools before starting.
What do I do with the debris after taking down a wall?
Carefully dispose of drywall, insulation, wood, nails, wiring and other debris properly at a waste management facility or transfer station. Most standard waste removal companies can also handle interior construction debris. Never illegally dump materials.
Should I get a permit for removing an interior wall?
Permits often aren’t required for minor, non-load bearing interior wall demolition. But building codes vary significantly between cities and counties. Contact your local permit office to check requirements and get licensed if needed.
What issues can arise from removing an interior wall?
Potential issues include exposing electrical wires, weakening the ceiling or floors, asbestos exposure, pipes leaking, finding hidden mold or termites, failing to brace the structure properly and inaccurate load-bearing identification. Hire pros if you have any concerns.
How much does it cost to remove a wall professionally?
The typical range is $800-$1,200 to remove a standard non-load bearing wall and $4,000-$8,000 for a load-bearing wall rebuild. Get multiple quotes as prices vary.
Conclusion
Removing an interior wall successfully requires careful planning, safety precautions and skill. But opening up spaces in your home can be very rewarding. For load-bearing walls, hire experienced professionals to ensure structural integrity is maintained. For standard walls, you may DIY if you have demolition abilities – but involve a contractor if any issues arise. With proper precautions, you can gain a more open, functional interior layout by taking down unneeded dividing walls in your home.
How to Remove an Interior Wall
Assessing the Wall and Planning the Removal
- Identify if it is load-bearing or non-load bearing
- Look for support posts, alignment above, length, heavy items
- Get professional opinion if unsure on wall type
- Decide how much to remove and project scope
- Check for any required permits in your area
- Plan workspace access, debris removal, needed finishes
Preparing the Work Area
- Remove furniture and belongings
- Turn off electricity and cap wires
- Disconnect cable, phone, internet lines
- Reroute or cap plumbing lines
- Cover vents to control dust spread
- Wear protective gear for safety
Removing Drywall
- Cut vertically into panels about every 16 inches
- Angle cuts at corners to separate drywall sheets
- Leave paper backing to avoid crumbling drywall
- Number panels and mark studs as exposed
- Pry off panels carefully with assistance
- Dispose of drywall debris promptly
Removing Wall Studs
- Inspect framing layout once exposed
- Note headers over doors or windows
- Check if studs rest on sill plate below
- Disconnect any utilities inside framing
- Saw cut studs at top and bottom plates
- Use pry bar to detach studs gradually
- Remove support posts/columns with care
- Salvage usable studs and boards
Removing Remaining Debris
- Take out sill plate if possible
- Hammer down any protruding fasteners
- Vacuum and sweep away dust thoroughly
- Confirm electrical lines are secure
- Cap any open pipes according to code
- Remove insulation safely
- Bag and haul away debris
Refinishing the New Open Area
- Seal old cavity with vapor barrier
- Install new studs if needed
- Add trim pieces around edges
- Patch and sand drywall seams
- Paint and add new light fixtures
- Install flooring using transition strips
- Attach baseboards and crown molding
Removing a Load-Bearing Wall
- Hire engineer to create removal plans
- Brace surrounding ceiling and floors
- Get city permits before starting
- Support with temporary jacks below
- Saw cut load studs but don’t remove yet
- Install approved headers gradually
- Remove studs/posts slowly starting at ends
- Follow engineer’s plans precisely
Cost to Remove an Interior Wall
- $800-$1,200 for non-load bearing wall
- $4,000-$8,000+ for load-bearing rebuild
- $100-$300 per linear foot
- $100-$250 to open up new doorway
- $40-$75 per hour for labor
Removing a Wall Yourself vs Hiring a Contractor
DIY Benefits:
- Save money on labor
- Work on own timeline
- Customize to preferences
Contractor Benefits:
- Identify wall types accurately
- Faster, cleaner demolition
- Know protocols and regulations
- Handle structural issues
- Seamless professional refinishing
Safety Tips
- Turn off electricity at main panel
- Wear respirator mask and eye protection
- Work slowly and carefully
- Keep fire extinguisher nearby
- Use helper and assistance equipment
- Shore up structure before removal
- Stop work if asbestos found
- Get medical help for any injury
Interior Wall Removal FAQ
How long does it take to remove an interior wall?
On average, it takes 16-24 hours of labor for a standard non-load bearing wall. Load-bearing walls take much longer, often 1-2 weeks professionally.
What tools do I need to remove a wall?
Pry bar, sledgehammer, reciprocating saw, jigsaw, oscillating multi-tool, drywall saw, drill, screwdrivers, utility knife, broom, vacuum, pliers, stud finder and safety gear.
What do I do with the debris after taking down a wall?
Properly dispose at a waste management facility. Most standard waste removal companies can handle construction debris. Never illegally dump materials.
Should I get a permit for removing an interior wall?
Usually not needed for minor demolition but building codes vary significantly. Contact your local permit office to check requirements.
What issues can arise from removing an interior wall?
Exposed wires, weakened structure, asbestos, leaking pipes, hidden mold or termites, failing to brace properly, inaccurate load-bearing identification. Hire pros if concerned.
Conclusion
- Careful planning, safety and skill needed
- For load-bearing, hire professionals
- DIY standard walls if skilled, get help if issues arise
- Take precautions and open up space successfully