Your much-awaited home renovation is finally here, and unlike previous years, you’re focused on a more detailed scope this time around. Part of the repair works will entail removing a few internal walls.
Although you’re not a home improvement expert, you instinctively know that wall removal during home renovation may impact a property’s structural integrity in some way. Well, your concerns are well-founded.
But as you’ll discover, removing some of the internal walls can be ultimately rewarding for your property. All you need to do is enlist the assistance of a reputable home renovation company. The technician will conduct an extensive assessment of your property and recommend the most appropriate renovation strategies.
However, even as you tap into professional help, it’s prudent to consider certain crucial factors before flagging off a home renovation project that involves wall removal. This blog looks at five of those aspects.
1. Weigh the Pros versus the Cons of Wall Removal
Many opponents of wall removal during a home renovation cite a potential breach of the property’s structural integrity.
There’s no denying that demolishing specific internal walls of a house may weaken it in some way, especially if the renovation targets the property’s foundational pillars. However, the benefits of wall removal far exceed any drawbacks.
For starters, removing interior walls lets you create extra space, for it improves access by eliminating inconvenient barriers between rooms. Through the project, you can create an open-plan living space that provides an unhindered view of several rooms in the house.
Moreover, wall removal during home renovation can enhance your house’s aesthetics and interior décor. It enables you to customize your home as desired.
And, contrary to what many homeowners believe, not all wall demotions result in weakened properties. A home renovation technician may recommend demolishing an internal wall to correct substandard workmanship or installing modern electrical and plumbing utilities.
Ultimately, it’s imperative to consider the perks vis-à-vis the drawbacks of wall demolition before approving the project.
2. Know the Type of Wall Involved
The construction material your property’s interior walls are made from is a critical consideration when mulling wall removal during a home renovation.
Concrete walls are renowned for their sturdiness and durability. Such walls are also remarkably weather-resistant, particularly if they’ve been professionally treated. However, concrete is notoriously difficult to demolish once it dries. You may need to pay more to get your concrete wall removed than, say, plasterboard walls.
Plasterboard is a common partitioning material in many homes and offices. Although less durable than concrete, the material is easier to knock down.
Metal walls have also garnered significant attention recently, thanks to their superior longevity. But just like masonry walls, metal wall partitions can be painfully difficult (and subsequently expensive) to remove.
It’s also important to note that certain wall partitioning materials, such as glass, are non-recyclable. Before you demolish such structures, consider both the aesthetic and cost implications. Besides, establish that all the replacement parts are available.
3. Determine If It’s A Load-Bearing Wall
As well as the construction materials that your home’s walls are made of, walls may be classified depending on their load-bearing capacity.
A load-bearing wall is precisely what the word implies – one that supports the weight of the structural elements above it. Such walls are essential in enhancing a property’s structural soundness, cushioning it from seismic disturbances.
Load-bearing walls aren’t permanent. But before removing them, it’s prudent to make provisions for alternative anchoring systems.
Removing a load-bearing wall without alternative support can cause your house to crack or cave in. The risks are even graver for multi-story buildings.
In most instances, a home renovation technician would begin by assessing the amount of load a wall supports before tearing it down. The company would then construct a temporary support, such as beams and columns, at reasonable intervals to transfer the weight as they remove and rebuild the wall.
Comparatively, non-load-bearing walls are easier to demolish. Just ensure the renovation specialist doesn’t damage adjacent areas, especially if the adjoining walls are load-bearing.
4. Establish the Utilities Located Within the Wall Cavity
Wall cavities can conceal a vast network of wires and pipes. Therefore, knowing what lies behind the visible exterior wall coating is paramount.
In most modern homes, wall cavities conceal electrical wires, plumbing fixtures, and ductwork. Damaging a single portion of these components can cause serious power or plumbing issues.
Before removing a structural wall, contact a home renovation expert and have them conduct a thorough examination to establish the utilities that run through the area.
Once identified, the technician will recommend the best way to reroute these electrical and plumbing elements. That may entail creating an alternative pathway through adjacent walls or holding the fixtures temporarily until the renovation work is done.
Since many homes have both electrical and plumbing systems built into their wall cavities, it’s important to engage a home renovation company with expertise in handling the different utilities. Insist on a licensed contractor to avoid safety hazards, costly repairs, or code violations.
5. Consider the Cost
The cost of removing a structural wall can vary significantly, depending on the wall type.
As already hinted, plasterboard and wooden walls are relatively easy to knock down. Since demolishing such walls requires less manpower and unsophisticated equipment, the removal cost also tends to be considerably low.
In contrast, masonry walls require heavy construction materials and more manpower to tear down. That explains why removing these walls often comes with high cost implications.
Wall removal cost will also depend on whether it’s a load-bearing or non-load-bearing wall. In the case of load-bearing walls, a home renovation technician will factor the structural support required to sustain the wall’s functionality into their quote.
Below are other factors that determine the cost of wall removal;
Utilities in the wall cavity
Walls with a vast network of utilities within their cavities will require more demolition expertise, translating into a higher removal cost.
Required finish work
Glass walls don’t typically need much finish work. Simply install the new panel, and you’re good to go. However, masonry walls may need to be painted after rebuilding, raising their overall removal cost.
Size
This is a no-brainer – the larger the wall section to demolish, the costlier the price.
Wrap Up
Any professional home improvement technician would consider the above aspects before undertaking wall removal.
But as the homeowner, it’s essential to understand the full implication of having the internal walls in your house demolished during a home renovation project. That will help uphold your property’s structural integrity and avoid costly repeat jobs.