Extension, renovation, refurbishment – these are just some reasons why you might take down an internal wall to create more space. Creating open plan living spaces such as kitchen-diners, extended lounges and sun rooms are the common rational why internal walls are often deemed to be surplus to requirements.
Proceed with caution
Not every wall can simply be demolished, especially not one that is load-bearing. Therefore, before you start swinging the sledgehammer, it is essential to find out if the wall provides structural support for the building and should not be removed.
Load-bearing or not?
There are some general rules to help distinguish between load-bearing and non load-bearing walls.
Typically, the material from which the wall is constructed is a good initial indicator: load-bearing walls are made of bricks or concrete blocks. A stud or partition wall, built with either plasterboard, or lath and plaster, is rarely constructed as a load-bearing structure. There are however exceptions to this – a stud wall may still help strengthen the structure of a building even though it may not technically be load-bearing (particularly in older homes).
Determining whether the wall is perpendicular to, or parallel to, supporting floor joints or roof braces is another way to determine whether the wall is load-bearing or not.
Seek expert advice
If in any doubt, it is advisable to check with a structural engineer, building contractor or an architect. Failure to identify a load-bearing wall could result in an unwanted and costly collapse.
When assessing the type and suitability of structural changes and modifications to a property, Charles Clarke have considerable experience designing and creating modern living spaces. Clients can rest assured that their much desired renovation, refurbishment or extension can proceed without any mishap.
