Cost to Take Out a Load Bearing Wall

Are you considering remodeling your home and looking to remove a load-bearing wall? Understanding the costs involved is crucial for planning your project.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average cost to take out a load bearing wall ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on factors such as the size and location of the wall, materials used, and labor costs.

Benefits of Removing a Load Bearing Wall

Creating an Open Floor Plan: Removing a load-bearing wall can create a more spacious and inviting living area.

Benefit	How to Do It
Create an Open Floor Plan	Engage a structural engineer to design a support system to replace the load-bearing wall.

How to Remove a Load Bearing Wall

Step 1: Hire a Structural Engineer

Consulting a structural engineer is essential to ensure the safe removal of the wall and prevent structural damage to your home. They will assess the wall's load-bearing capacity and design a support system to replace it.

Step	Cost
Hire a Structural Engineer	$500 - $1,500
Design a Support System	$500 - $2,000

Story 1: Creating a More Spacious Living Room

Homeowners desired to create a more spacious living room by removing a load-bearing wall separating it from the dining room. They hired a structural engineer who designed a steel beam support system to replace the wall. The total cost to take out the load bearing wall and install the beam was $12,000.

Story 2: Transforming a Kitchen into a Great Room

Another homeowner wanted to transform their kitchen into a great room by removing the load-bearing wall between the kitchen and living room. A structural engineer was hired, and a support beam and columns were installed. The project cost to take out the load bearing wall and create the great room was $14,500.

Cost to Take Out a Load Bearing Wall