What to Know Before Knocking Down Walls to Create an Open Concept Floor Plan

If you’re longing for a more open floor plan, you may want to take out a home improvement loan and use the proceeds to knock down some walls. This can make your home feel larger and allow everyone in your home to feel more connected. But before you head to the garage to dig out your sledgehammer, follow these steps to ensure optimal safety and the best results. 

Figure out if the walls are load bearing

Load-bearing walls help support the weight of your home and are necessary for its structural integrity. These walls are usually located in the center and run perpendicular to floor joists, which you can view from a basement or crawlspace. Needless to say, knocking down a wall that’s holding the weight of your home can be quite problematic.

If you believe the walls you want to knock down are load bearing, you’ll need to consult a structural engineer who can confirm either way. If they indicate it’s okay to remove the wall, they can outline what you’ll need to do to make it happen.

Decide if you want to DIY or hire a pro

Depending on the nature of your project, your confidence level, and your schedule, you may knock down walls on your own or pay a contractor to do it. If you plan to knock down multiple walls, your walls are load bearing, or you’ve not previously tackled a similar project, it’s worth calling a professional for help.

Gather the right tools

Unless you decide to hire a pro, you’ll need to invest in the right equipment if you don’t already own it. In most cases, you’ll need a sledgehammer, power drills, crowbar, and reciprocating saw. It’s also important that you have protective gear, such as safety goggles, gloves, long pants, and a mask. You should be able to find everything you need at a local home improvement store.

Check your walls thoroughly 

Look closely at all the walls you want to knock down, cutting small holes as needed. Do you notice any plumbing, HVAC, or electrical wires? If so, additional steps may be involved. For example, you may have to reroute pipes, relocate vents, and disconnect wires. This may mean you’ll need to hire a plumber or electrician before moving forward with your renovation.

Prep for demolition

Once you’ve assessed your walls and confirmed that there are no wiring or pipes, you can prepare your space for demolition. To protect your home and family from debris, lay a sheet or drop cloth on the floor. Also, plastic sheeting and tape should be used to cover windows, vents, and other fixtures, and partitions should be formed between other rooms. Otherwise, everything in your house may be coated in a fine layer of dust.

Knock down the walls

Now you’re ready to actually knock down the walls. If you’re only removing a small portion of the wall, clearly outline it with a pencil and only target that section. With a utility knife, cut a line between the wall you want to remove, the ceiling, and the surrounding walls. Be sure to mark where your studs are, then take your sledgehammer and punch a small hole between the studs. 

After you remove a small part of the drywall and confirm it’s free of wires, ductwork, and pipes, continue cutting through it. Repeat this process using your reciprocating saw until you’ve removed all the drywall on the first side of the wall and do the same on the other side.

Be careful and safe

While knocking down walls can be exciting, especially if your vision is a more open floor plan, it may also be dangerous. By following the steps above, you may reduce your risk of safety issues and set yourself up for a successful finished product. When in doubt, always consult a professional contractor before starting any home renovation project.

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