Moving a wall by yourself.
By
on
July 24th, 2009
We are getting ready to remodel our kitchen and plan on moving the wall a few feet to open it up. How exactly do you build the new wall and then tear the old one down. We are trying to do this ourselfs to save a lot of money. If anyone could help I would greatly appreciate it.
It is not a wall that will damage the structure if moved and it is just plaster.
sfrazilus says:
Unless you are positive it’s not a load-bearing wall, you’re better off getting outside help. Losing a few dollars is nothing compared to losing the structural integrity of your home.
July 24th, 2009 at 8:16 am
raggy1852 says:
hi ya
first of all is the wall you are taking down brick or plaster board.
and are you putting up a brick or plaster board it is very important to know before any advice can be given as the wall could be a supporting wall so could be dangerous to dismantle.
let us know
July 24th, 2009 at 8:52 am
John M says:
Is it a load-bearing wall. Also, check to make sure there are no vents going up through it. Weekend Warriors had a couple try to do this very thing, only to find out after it was too late that it couldn’t be done inexpensively.
July 24th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Karen says:
Hey good luck, but if you don’t know what your doing the roof can come down on you. Believe me not a pretty sight. My friend just did it. He didn’t think he needed to support the ceiling. bad very bad
July 24th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Rich says:
Hi,
You should be very careful when removing a wall as it may end up costing more in the long run if you do it incorrectly. Have you received any quotes to do the job. This site will provide you some free quotes from different professionals in your area. http://www.elyfe.com/remodeling.html
July 24th, 2009 at 11:02 am
cheezyhill says:
Fist determine if it is load bearing or not.
If it is load bearing, sometimes you can move it with out great problems (if only a foot or so), but most of the time you will need to header out a load bearing wall.
A load bearing wall will be built perpendicular to the joist above (and below) it.
Second determine where the electric and/or plumbing is located inside the wall. Can this be rerouted without too much trouble. (There is always at least some electrical wires in a wall.) You may have heating/ac vents or pipes hidden in the wall that you are unaware of. You must remember that the floors above and below a wall are affected by the wall and its internal components.
Once you have solved the first 2 steps you can proceed to dismantle the existing wall. Peel the plaster or drywall away to make sure you don’t have any unknown internal components you missed and have to deal with.
Once you have peeled the plaster and lath off the wall you can take down the studs.
When you build the new wall you want to build it 1 1/2″ shorter than the ceiling then stand it up and place another 2 x 4 at the top. Or you can stick build the wall in place.
If you don’t know what I am talking about, you might try to find a friend or hire a professional that will let you help.
From my own experience, it takes me longer to do a job when the homeowner helps me. I generally recommend that the homeowner do the demo and leave the new construction to me.
July 24th, 2009 at 11:59 am