While removing a wall might seem to be an easy project to undertake, it is not as easy as the DIY videos present it. In reality, such a project requires a lot more than simply taking a sledgehammer to the wall & knocking it down.
The complexity of removing a wall depends upon the position of the wall, the structure of the house, its structural load, & most importantly, what lies inside the wall. Before taking down a wall, you must consider these factors because if done incorrectly, a seemingly uncomplicated project might cost you dearly & even risk your family’s safety.
The Brick Wall Removal Checklist
Despite what your DIY tutorial tells you, just tapping on the wall to ensure it is hollow is not enough precaution. We’ve compiled a brick wall removal checklist to help you cover all the bases before taking the sledgehammer.
Consult with an Engineer
It is always wise to consult an engineer about the structural load that the wall is supporting & how safe it is to take it down. Your seemingly hollow wall could be providing support to other structures in your house like:
The roof. In older houses, an internal wall often provides support & holds up the ceiling. However, in newer homes, that isn’t the case.
The floor. If you have floor joists, your internal wall may be supporting them. In that case, ensure that removing the wall won’t affect the floor.
Other walls. Often bedroom walls on upper floors are built upon the interior walls of lower floors. In such an event, knocking down a wall can risk the entire structure of the house.
Consult an Architect
Before starting your project, consult an architect or an interior designer to understand how best to proceed with the knocking & how this space can be used. It will allow for better & more effective utilisation of the space.
Hire a Professional for the Job
Legally, you cannot knock down a wall on your own and you must enlist the help of a certified builder or registered wall removal services for your brick wall removal. And there is a reason for that too!
Reasons to Enlist Professionals for Removing Internal Walls
Getting Approvals from the Government. Under most circumstances, you don’t need approvals for removing internal walls. However, government rules vary from one region to the other. And it is only expected that a layman gets confused about them. A professional will know about the permissions needed for getting the job done.
Assess the Costs & Arrive at a Budget. Before starting with your brick wall removal project, you must consider the cost you’ll encounter. A professional will help you assess all the costs incurred & come up with a budget.
Expenditures You Need To Keep In Mind
The key factor you need to consider here is the size of the wall; the larger your wall’s surface area, the greater your costs will be. Some of the expenses you’ll have to consider before starting your project are:
Structural report from an engineer
Getting a copy of your land’s deed & title
Hiring a wall removal company or an architect & certified builder
Labour charges & materials
Obtaining all the necessary permissions from the local government
Council fee
Taking a Home Warranty Insurance
Wall removal is a massive project & a lot can go wrong on the job. So always keep a 10 to 15 percent buffer in your budget for the unseen costs. Make provisions in your budget for the following:
An interior designer to help you make the most of all the freed-up space
An electrician to help with the moving & rewiring that might be necessary
A plumber to help with moving any pipes that might get displaced
A painter to fix up the damage caused to the rest of the house because of the Wall Sawing
A carpenter to help with the floors (if you have wooden floors) & re-shelving
Why Choose a Wall Removing Service?
Wall removal is a lengthy & intensive process. And a lot can go wrong. But with these simple tips, you’ll be better prepared to take on the project with confidence.
A wall removing service provides comprehensive services to ensure your project gets completed safely, timely, and efficiently & without causing too much hassle. They offer a complete service package that includes everything from assessing your wall to providing custom solutions based on the structure of your house. Their services include offering designing & planning, brick wall removal, and much more.
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