This is the moment you’ve been dreaming about from the time you decided to move forward with your remodeling project. It’s the DIY-er’s dream. Tearing down the old space before getting to work installing the new, sledgehammer in hand, ready for destruction.
But wait — what’s behind that wall?
If you’re considering a DIY home remodeling project, be sure to think carefully before swinging away with that sledgehammer.
1. Load-Bearing Walls
These are walls that cannot be knocked down. The best way to determine whether or not a wall is load bearing is to find the alignment of floor joists in the basement. Typically, these are positioned moving side to side across the width of the home. Walls that are at right angles to these floor joists are often load bearing and should be avoided unless a professional Wichita remodeling contractor is handling the job.
2. Multi-Story Homes
Even if the wall in question passes the load-bearing test, for multi-story homes, the matter is still complicated. The attic should also be checked, to see if any of the framework is resting on the wall. Even for individuals attempting to take this on their own, it still may make sense to consult with a structural engineer or local remodeling contractor beforehand.
3. Locating Obvious Obstructions
Electrical outlets, switches and HVAC vents are the obvious, externally visible signs of obstructions within the wall. If an outlet or vent is present, then there is wiring and further ventilation within, and simply tearing that wall down has the potential to create havoc.
4. Locating Less Obvious Signs
But just because there’s no visible obstruction, it doesn’t mean that the wall is free of all obstacles. In many cases, there may still be plumbing, wires or ventilation heading to other parts of the home. One way to start tracking these down is to start in the basement, and see where all of these components begin working their way up through the home. All of these elements will need to be relocated or rerouted before a wall can be torn down.
5. Still Keep the Sledge in Check
Even when all signs seem to be clear that the wall isn’t load bearing, and there are no obstructions to sort out, the sledge should still be used sparingly. Start by opening a small hole in the drywall with a hammer, and pulling out the hole to create a larger opening. Inspect the opening with a flashlight. Then, and only then, is it sledgehammer time. Even so, don’t sledge the studs inside the wall. Use a tool such as a reciprocating saw to slice the studs out of place.
Ultimately, with correct planning and careful work, skilled DIY homeowners are often able to knock down walls without producing disastrous results. But if there’s even the slightest bit of concern about the work, hassle, or risk involved, then it’s always a wise decision to let a professional home remodeling contractor handle the task instead.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 2016 and was updated in December 2020 for accuracy.