Removing a Wall Between a Den & a Living Room

Inspect the wall to determine if it is a load-bearing wall. If you are unable to make this determination, consult a structural engineer before proceeding, as it is essential that load-bearing walls are not removed without first reinforcing the building.

Turn off the power at the breaker for both the den and the living room. Turn off the water to the home as well.

Remove all the furniture from the den and living room. Cover the floors with sheets to prevent damage. Cover any fixtures or furniture that cannot be removed from the room with sheets. Remove any fixtures from the walls, such as lights or paintings. Unscrew any plug sockets or light switches on the wall using a screwdriver. Remove the sockets and switches. Cover the exposed wires with wire nuts to make them safe.

Remove the skirting board from the base of the wall using a prybar or screwdriver. Cut the wall away from the other walls using a reciprocating saw to separate the wall along the corner lines. Use the sledge hammer to break through the drywall. Strip the plaster from the wall using a prybar. If the drywall is held on with mesh, cut this with wire cutters.

Cut through the wooden frame of the wall using the reciprocating saw. Remove the wood from the wall. Clear away the remaining debris from where the wall used to be. Consider re-plastering the walls joining on to the removed wall, to create smooth surfaces where the join between the walls used to be.