If you’re planning to remove a wall, you may be wondering whether you need a structural engineer. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the type of wall you’re planning to remove, its location within your home, and the age and construction of your property.
In general, if the wall you’re planning to remove is a load-bearing wall, meaning it supports the weight of the structure above it, you will likely need the services of a structural engineer. Removing a load-bearing wall without proper support can result in serious damage to your property, including structural instability, cracks, and even collapse.
A structural engineer will assess the wall and provide recommendations for how to safely remove it while maintaining the structural integrity of your property. They will also provide calculations for the required support beams or other methods needed to redistribute the load.
Even if the wall is not load-bearing, there may still be other considerations that require the expertise of a structural engineer. For example, removing a non-load bearing wall that is part of a fire-rated assembly or has electrical or plumbing systems in it will require additional planning to ensure that these systems are properly rerouted.
In summary, if you’re considering removing a wall in the UK, it’s important to consult with a structural engineer to ensure that your project is safe and compliant with building regulations.
FAQs
But trying to remove a load-bearing wall – without proper assessment and planning can have serious consequences, such as damage, collapse, or injury. That's why it's important to consult a structural engineer before you make any major changes to your home, office, or other spaces.
Do I need an engineer to remove a wall? ›
Local permitting authorities will want to know if you are taking down a wall that affects the structural integrity of your home. You may even need to submit a detailed plan regarding an alternative support system. Large walls may require an architect's drawing and/or an engineer's stamp of approval.
At what point do I need a structural engineer? ›
Structural engineers are mainly needed if you're doing anything that might affect the structure of your home. Be this a rear extension, dormer loft conversion, or even removing a chimney.
Do you need a structural engineer to remove a non-load-bearing wall? ›
But beware: either you or the builder can do this, but it's advisable to appoint a structural engineer to assess the property and determine whether the wall is a load bearing or not, and advise you on how to remove the wall in terms of the structural integrity of your property.
Who is qualified to remove a load-bearing wall? ›
Simply put: Unless you are a building professional, leave this task to the experts. An architect, engineer or experienced contractor can tell you which walls must stay and which can go, as well as the work that must be done to replace the load-bearing support, after a thorough inspection of your home.
Is it expensive to remove a wall? ›
The average cost to remove a wall will be $300 to $1,000 for a non-load-bearing wall, or $1,200 to $10,000 for a load-bearing wall. The design of your home will also affect this cost, as wall removal in multi-story houses tends to cost more, particularly if you are removing a wall from the bottom level.
Do I need permission to remove a wall? ›
In most cases, knocking down internal walls is considered to be 'permitted development', which means that you don't need to apply for planning permission. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
How much does a structural engineer charge for load-bearing walls? ›
Cost of a load-bearing wall assessment
Removing or replacing a load-bearing wall can be difficult as it can jeopardise the structural integrity of your property. Hiring a structural engineer to assess a load-bearing wall will usually cost around £200.
What happens if you remove a load-bearing wall without support? ›
If a load-bearing wall is removed without proper support, it can cause the floors and ceilings to sag, leading to significant structural issues. Roof problems are another consequence of load-bearing wall removal. The roof of your home relies on the load-bearing walls for support.
Can you knock a wall down yourself? ›
Although removing non-load bearing walls is usually a straightforward job, it is still wise to consult a structural engineer or builder before you begin. In both cases, you will need to prepare yourself for the dust and mess that will be created.
A load-bearing wall is a basic structural element of architectural design that contributes to the very framework of your home — without them, your house would collapse. Non-load bearing walls do not carry or distribute any weight from the structures above them to the foundation below.
Are all exterior walls load-bearing? ›
Exterior walls are often load-bearing because they provide support for the roof and upper stories of a building. They may also support the weight from outside elements, such as snow or wind.
How much does it cost to remove a supporting wall? ›
The size of RSJ that you need will depend on the size of the wall that you're knocking through. If you are knocking through a single doorway, you can expect to pay around £700-£900 for an RSJ whereas a large open plan of around 4m may cost up to £900-£1100 for an RSJ.
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing? ›
Assess your basem*nt — Look in your basem*nt or crawl space for steel beams or joists. If you spot joists in your basem*nt and there is a wall that runs perpendicular, it's most likely a load-bearing wall. If the wall is parallel above the joists, it's most likely not a load-bearing wall.
Can I remove an internal wall without building regulations? ›
Load-bearing walls
As well as separating rooms, they transfer loads from other parts of the structure, roof and floors down to the foundations - so that without them your home could collapse. This is why alteration to, or removal of, load-bearing walls requires building regulations consent.
How hard is it to remove a wall? ›
For experienced DIYers, removing a non-load-bearing wall is not especially difficult, but it is labor-intensive and very messy. You will also need to know how to handle or rewire the electrical, plumbing, and other service lines running through the wall. You may need a professional to do the job.
How do I know if I can take down a wall in my house? ›
How to Know if a Wall is Load-Bearing or Not. To determine if a wall is a load-bearing one, Tom suggests going down to the basem*nt or attic to see which way the joists run. If the wall is parallel to the joists, it's probably not load-bearing. If the wall is perpendicular, it's most likely load-bearing.
