Demolishing Load Bearing Walls

One question often asked of construction and demolition contractors is whether it is possible to remove an internal or external load-bearing wall. The simple answer is yes; effectively, no wall cannot be removed.

However, there are certain things you need to consider as walls do vary on their safety, construction, demolition difficulty and cost when carrying out any expert demolition work.

Before you start any interior strip out work like removing a wall from a building or structure, you will need to know whether it is a load-bearing wall or not to seek the right professional services from a reputable building or demolition contractor.

In this article we look at some of the many questions often asked, along with some of the issues you may need to address before carrying out any demolition work.

Most homeowners hire demolition contractors to carry out the work as it is a difficult technical project that often requiring the services of an expert. However, if you consider doing any of the work yourself, check if you need a permit from the local authorities first, as you will many need to adhere to building regulations and pass an inspection. Municipalities are not the same, and therefore, it is advisable to check with your local permitting authority to know whether you can comply with their requirements.

Demolishing interior walls do not always need authority approval. However, if it is a load-bearing wall that needs demolishing, you will need to obtain a permit from the authorities that regulate home renovations that involve structural changes, plumbing, fences, amongst other things.

You cannot do the work without a valid permit and inspection report from an expert. Your local approval authority will ask questions to determine whether you want to take down a wall that affects your home’s structural integrity, if you need to remove a large wall then you may be asked to submit an architect drawing with an alternative support system to replace it.

Completion certificates show that the work was done and completed to the appropriate building standards, without this certificate, problems can arise, as even though you may comply with all the relevant building regulations, you will face challenges selling the property in the future without approval from building control.

As soon as you finish any building demolition work, contact building control for immediate inspection. You may be asked to obtain certification which is like making a retrogressive building regulation application.

It is important to replace the support that you take away. If you are doing a small-scale load wall demolition, also consider the surrounding windows and doors. The wall or material removed may be holding the building up, and therefore cutting holes in these walls may compromise the building support structure. You can always replace any holes made with window headers, basically known as small beams, these replace the removed portion of the wall framing.

If you are doing large-scale load-bearing wall removal, you will use the same concept, however, you must replace this area with either a beam, or a beam and post.

If using beams, use the ones without vertical bearing points. Structural horizontal beams offer sufficient structural quality when used to replace walls. You can also use a beam and a horizontal post to support a removed wall.

Semi-detached or terraced houses need expert consultation before any walls can be altered or removed as the process can have an impact on neighbouring party walls.

Beams used to support the demolished part of the wall will need to rest on the party walls that separates your house from your neighbour’s property. There are building regulations that legally need to be complied with concerning party walls before engaging in any construction work, therefore, you will need to speak to a building surveyor or specialist in this area.

If the building or property is old, it is highly likely that the party walls will not be strong enough to support new loadings, since many buildings were only constructed of a single skin.

Request expert advice about building new brick piers if this is the case, you can also consider installing steel columns as a support system for new beams.

In summary, these are just some of the things you should consider before removing a load wall before engaging in any building alterations. If in doubt of the work required, you may end up contravening regulations which can be costly to fix.

If you suspect that removing your load bearing wall will be unsafe, consult experienced specialists who can advise or carry out the work required on your behalf.

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We are here to help

When you are next researching for a quality and competitive demolition company for whatever construction project, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team, we offer a free quote and site survey.

Call us today on 01322920 053 to get a quote for your next demolition project.

1. Can I do internal demolition work myself?

2. Do I need authority approval for demolishing a load bearing wall?

3. Will I need building regulation certification?

4. Do I need to structurally replace load bearing walls?

5. Removal of Internal Walls Affecting Party Walls

Demolition Notice – What is it?

Building Regulations

UK Demolition Laws

Demolition Services

Hiring The Best Demolition Company

Demolition Quotation and Costs

Tower Demolition

Demolition of Historic Buildings

Shopping Centre Demolition

Safety in Demolition

Our Demolition and Scaffolding teams are available for jobs at short notice. We work in conjunction with the local authorities, emergency services, district councils and private tenants, to carry out sensitive work to the highest standard.

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