How to Take Out a Support Wall

Determine the location of all joists and rafters that are above the support wall that is being removed. This may require the removal of a strip of finished ceiling to reveal the ends of the joists and rafters.

Support the ends of the joists and rafters by placing jack posts vertically underneath them. Turn the bolts on the tops of the jack posts to extend them and press them firmly up against the undersides of the joists and rafters.

Disassemble the support wall carefully to avoid jarring or damaging the surrounding structure. Remove any internal drywall and external siding by prying it off with a crowbar. Turn off the circuit to any electrical wires that are in the wall, then remove the switches and outlets and pull the wires back through the holes in the studs to remove them from the wall. Cover the ends of the wires with plastic wire connectors before turning the circuit back on. Cut through the screws or nails that are holding the studs to the bottom plate, then pry the studs out one at a time by prying their bottom ends out away from the wall until they come off the top plate. Pry the bottom plate off the floor and the top plate off the ceiling with a crowbar.

Replace the removed parts of the wall with a spanning beam that is capable of supporting the weight of walls and roofs above it before removing the temporary jack posts.