Taking Down Walls: A Quick Guide on What You Need to Know

The BroLaws

Mar 103 min read

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Thinking about opening up your main floor? There’s no doubt that taking down walls can add space, light, and a more communal vibe to your home. But it’s a process that comes with essential considerations to ensure you get both the aesthetic and the functionality you’re after. Here’s what you need to know before taking a sledgehammer to that wall.

Where to Start: Bring in the Pros (Yes, That Means an Engineer)

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When removing walls, there’s no substitute for professional insight. While contractors have extensive structural knowledge, a structural engineer should always be involved, even if it’s just for a site visit to determine if a wall is load-bearing. They’ll provide stamped, certified drawings that ensure your home’s safety. Sure, the cost ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, but that’s far better than the price of a structural mishap.

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Bearing Walls: A Quick Guide

Curious if your wall is load-bearing? Here’s a quick rule of thumb: if the wall, including drywall, is around 4.5 inches thick, it’s likely framed with 2x4 lumber, and may not be load-bearing. If it’s closer to 6.5 inches, it’s probably framed with 2x6 lumber, which often indicates it’s bearing.

But remember—when in doubt, always check with a structural engineer.

Steel vs. LVL or SPF Lumber Beams: What’s Right for Your Project?

Once the wall is down, you may need a beam to support your newly opened space. There are

two main types to consider—steel and LVL (laminated veneer lumber) or SPF (spruce-pine-fir) lumber. Here’s the breakdown:

• Steel Beams: Steel is incredibly strong, which means it can support the space with a narrower profile, giving you a cleaner, more minimal finish. The downside? Steel beams are generally more expensive, both in terms of material cost and labor. In some cases, you’ll need a steelworker for the installation, especially if onsite welding is involved. Steel beams are readily available but usually need to be cut to size before installation.

Exposed wooden ceiling with insulated wires and junction boxes. Exposed beams.

• LVL and SPF Lumber Beams: LVL and standard lumber beams offer a more budget-friendly option, with accessible material costs and the ability to be cut to size onsite by a carpenter. The trade-off here is in the beam size. Since lumber isn’t as strong as steel for deflection, you may need a larger beam, which can affect the aesthetic. However, LVLs and lumber are often more practical for many projects due to their availability and ease of installation.

Project Costs: What to Expect

The cost of removing a wall is specific to each space, but there are several factors that generally influence the price:

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• Framing Requirements: How the house is currently framed affects the size and type of beam needed, as well as whether additional support like footings or point loads will be required.

• Utility Rerouting: Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC lines that run through the wall will need to be rerouted, and the complexity of these moves will impact costs. Rerouting HVAC, in particular, often requires additional bulkheads due to the size of the ducts.

• Flush vs. Bearing Beams: If you prefer a flush beam, that will typically add to the cost, given the extra work required for a smooth, uninterrupted ceiling line.

For example, in a recent project, we worked on a budget-friendly wall removal where we patched into the existing flooring, installed two bearing-style LVL beams (15’ and 12’), and rerouted electrical and two heating lines by creating new bulkheads. From demo to finished space, this project came in around $24,000. It’s important to remember that removing a wall is no small project and should always be handled by professionals.

Functionality First: Is Open Concept Really Right?

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Open concept can be beautiful, but it’s not always ideal for every home. Think about how the space will be furnished and how it will function day-to-day. Sometimes keeping certain walls in place can actually make the layout more functional. Maybe a half-wall or lookthrough would better suit your needs. At BroLaws, we’ll help you decide if taking down walls will truly improve your home’s flow or if other adjustments might serve your needs better.

Ready to Smash 'em Down?

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, large island, and black chairs. Stainless steel appliances and wood floors. Bright and clean with half-wall looking into adjoining room.

Taking down a wall might feel like a simple way to open up your space, but as you’ve seen, there’s more than meets the eye (and the hammer). From engineers to beams, it’s all about making the right choices to ensure your home stays safe, stylish, and functional. Ready to make a move toward open-concept living? Give the BroLaws a shout via email or head over to our contact page for ways to reach us, and get a free quote.