5 Things to Consider Before Removing a Wall to Enlarge Your Kitchen…

Is your kitchen too small to have a functional living space or work area? Maybe if your could remove a wall it could improve your kitchen? Opening up the floor plan in an older home will make it more attractive and functional. Removing a wall updates any kitchen design, transforming it into a modern, open-plan space. The following will let you know what you need to consider before removing walls…

Can I Remove Any Wall?

Almost any wall can be removed but it’s a matter of how much you’re willing to spend. Look for pipes, ducts, and wiring that run up into the wall. If you discover plumbing, heat ducts, or wiring you will want to call in a pro for advice and to see what it will cost to remove it. An assessment is first required to see the impact of removing the wall. If you find the wall you are removing is structural, it is still possible but will add to your remodeling costs and construction time.

How To Replace the Support of a Structural Wall?

Only some of your walls are needed to hold up your house. These are called load-bearing walls. The rest of the walls are just partition walls and are used to divide rooms. You can remove either type of wall, but if the wall is load-bearing wall, you have to take special precautions to support the structure during removal. You will also need to add a beam or other form of support in its place. A steel beam is the strongest option, followed by a laminated veneer lumber beam. Pillars might be needed when you remove a load-bearing wall.

What Happens to the Pipes and Wires From a Wall You Remove?

When removing your wall it is possible you will have to reroute cables, plumbing, and electric wires. Walls HVAC running through them will make the project much more complicated. Depending on what is in the wall, you may need an electrician, a plumber, and/or an HVAC technician to complete your remodeling project. Most experienced kitchen remodeling companies will be able to coordinate everything for you.

What Else Should I Consider When Removing a Wall?

In almost all cases, when removing a wall, you have to patch in flooring and drywall to fill the voids the old wall covered. Hardwoods can be tricky, depending on the condition and type of existing floors and the direction they’re running. If the hardwoods aren’t “prefinished”, you may be forced to sand and finish a large area to blend everything in. The ceiling can also be tricky, especially if it’s popcorn, which may force you to scrape all the ceilings, refinish, sand, and paint. The gap on the surrounding walls will need to be rendered and the whole room painted.

Is It Worth It to Remove a Wall?

Ask why you’re doing this, and if it’s right for you and your lifestyle. What problem are you trying to solve? Do you want your space to look larger? Do you want to be able to keep an eye on your kids while you cook? Do you want to actually use your formal dining room on a daily basis instead of just holidays? Just know that a wide-open space will provide less privacy and more noise. You will also lose a room as you open things up. You just need to weigh what is most important to you.  Changing your kitchen design to a larger, open floor plan transforms your home and definitely increases its value.

Creativity makes all the difference in remodeling your home! Becraft Plus has vast experience creating new additions for customers. 

Contact Us (301-929-3401) For a Free Consultation!

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About Becraft Plus

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Since 1989, Becraft Plus has provided customized design and construction services to customers in the Washington, D.C. area. We specialize in custom home building, additions and remodeling, and whole house renovations with a focus on creating living spaces that are tailored to the needs of our clients.
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