Solid Wall Removal

Knocking down walls to create an open-plan living area is still one of the most popular renovation requests. Just in case you're thinking of removing a wall within your property, we thought it would be helpful to share both the administrative and building steps for doing so.

Our photos (click "Read more" below) from a recent solid wall removal will give you an idea of the step by step process.

Wall to be removed

Let's start with the administrative steps:

1. Seek permission from the freeholder.
2. Contact a structural engineer to see what structural support will be required.
3. Share the structural report with your builder, who will then accurately prepare for the removal (such as sourcing the size of steel required as well as giving you an correct price for the work).
4. Before removal begins, contact building control. They will visit to make sure the work is performed according to building regulations.

Now here's what your builder will do to remove the wall:

1. Provide temporary structural support with strongboys.

Cut a section of the wall to insert a beam.

Make padstones to provide permanent structural support of the beam.

Remove strongboys, demolish the wall and conceal the beam.