Wall Removal

Wall removal involves taking down interior walls to open up your living space, whether you're dreaming of a modern open floor plan or simply want more natural light flowing through your home. This project ranges from removing non-load-bearing partitions to structural modifications requiring permits and engineering expertise. Angi helps you connect with pros who can assess your walls and guides you through every step of the process.
Wall Removal Articles and Advice
Before you can start a major remodel, you need to know how to tell if a wall is load-bearing. Learn what a load-bearing wall is and how to identify one.
Get the facts on the cost to remove wood paneling, including average prices, key factors, and tips to help you budget your project with confidence.
If you are planning some home updates, removing a wall can open up a room to make the interior feel spacious. Follow these tips to tear down a wall safely.
If your home lacks effective flow, removing walls can open it up nicely—but it must be done correctly. Here’s how to remove a load-bearing wall safely.
Looking to add utility and easier access to your basement? Use this guide on the cost to cut a concrete wall to add a door to your basement.
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.
The cost to demo a kitchen depends on its size, construction complexity, materials, and whether you DIY the job or not. This guide will help you budget better.
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Common Wall Removal Questions

In most cases, yes, you will need a permit to knock down a wall, regardless of whether it’s load-bearing or not. Removing a wall always has the potential to compromise the structural integrity and safety of your home, and a rigid permitting process helps ensure that the removal is completed safely and doesn’t put your home at risk. Your contractor will usually be able to determine if you need permits and even pull them for you, but you can also ask your local building department if permits are necessary for your specific project.

Removing wall panels yourself is cost-efficient and can be fun, but if you hire a pro, expect to pay around $1.50 per square foot for the demo work. Once the panels are removed, there’s a possibility you might need to replace the underlying drywall, which will cost an additional $1.60 to $2.35 per square foot.  

In many areas, advice from a structural engineer or an architect will be required by your building department before you can remove a wall, but even if it’s not necessary, it’s a good idea. Accidentally removing a load-bearing wall—even if a general contractor advises that it’s safe—can cause major structural damage, putting you and your family at risk and potentially costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.

Yes, columns can be used to replace a load-bearing wall. However, you will need to use a support beam as well. Using columns can be a great way to provide additional support for large areas and improve your home's aesthetics.

Removing a load-bearing wall is best handled by professionals. However, if you have the skill set and decide to DIY the project, you will still need at least one additional person to assist you. Aside from helping with demolition, you'll need another hand to install the new support beam.