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Remodeling a Load-Bearing Wall

Load-bearing walls help maintain the structural integrity of your home, and moving or removing them is a dangerous business. Remodeling a load-bearing wall is possible, but homeowners must take precautions before they begin playing around with the weight distribution inside their homes. An improper remodeling job could result in a sagging roof or a dangerous cave-in. Correctly redistributing weight makes it possible to remodel, remove or replace load-bearing walls inside your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape
  • Stud finder
  • Sledgehammer
  • Drywall
  • Primer
  • Paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the studs in the wall using a stud finder. Whether you remove the wall completely or just make an opening for a door or window, you may need to leave the studs in place so they continue to support the weight of your home.

    • 2

      Mark the location of the studs using tape.

    • 3

      Consult with a professional contractor or structural engineer to learn how to best shift the load. The professional may advise adding a support beam, which may be as simple as placing a two-by-four between studs to preserve the integrity of the wall. Some part of the load-bearing wall must remain in place, even if it is reduced to beams, to prevent sagging and collapse in the future.

    • 4

      Demolish the areas of the wall that will be removed with a sledgehammer and the supervision of a professional contractor. Brace supports may be wedged into place to support the ceiling as you work.

    • 5

      Place new studs and supports using two-by-fours, 4-by-4 posts or whatever is recommended by the professional.

    • 6

      Apply drywall boards around the wooden studs and beams to make them look like walls again.

    • 7

      Prime and paint the walls to finish the project.

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Next:

Walls
  1. Turning the Studs on a Load-Bearing Wall
  2. Adding Support for a Load-Bearing Wall
  3. Guidelines for a Load-Bearing Wall
  4. How to Open Up Load-Bearing Walls
  5. How to Open Up a 16-Foot Wall
  6. How to Build a Narrow Wall
  7. Wood Wall Framing Techniques
  8. Removing the Studs on a Load-Bearing Wall
  9. How to Fix a Rotten Load-Bearing Wall
  10. How to Fix Rotted Studs in a Outside Load-Bearing Wall
  11. How to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall in a House
  12. Remodeling Attic Walls

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