Flipper/Rehabber · NC · Member since 2016 · 21 posts · 6 votes
I am new to removing walls. so can someone confirm if this wall is load bearing or not. I am assuming it is not because there is no header running across the ceiling to the right of the wall. Is the correct?
Architect · Alexandria, VA · Member since 2016 · 317 posts · 371 votes
8y
You can’t truly tell unless you make a few holes in the ceiling. Get a hammer and have fun. See which way the joist run. Take a photo and share.
A few tips if load bearing:
1. Don’t hire an architect for this (full disclosure I am an Architect). Hire a structural engineer. You can find one and pay per hour. Read tip #2 why you need a structural engineer and not an architect or contractor.
2. You can easily install a header across. However if you do you are now changing how the loads transfer from the roof to the foundation. You will need a post at both ends. These post will have a tremendous amount of weight on them going to the foundation. The structural engineer will tell you if you need to make your footings bigger and what size header you will need. This can add a lot of costs.
3. You also have to notify the city if it is load bearing. They will require plans and give you a permit. Another cost but you can sketch out the plans and the engineer can provide the calculations.
Good luck!
You need to determine which direction the roof rafter run in. If they cross at 90 degrees to the wall it is likely load bering. Also if you have a basement and there is a similarly located support wall or beam in the basement it is load bering.
Look at the slope of your roof over the wall or stick your head into th eattic to determine th edirection of your rafters.
Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2015 · 117 posts · 39 votes
8y
Other things to consider whether or not a wall is load bearing: What is above it? Are the ceiling joists sitting on the wall or do they continue through to another wall? Did they use trusses to frame the roof of is it stick built? If your not sure what your doing pay an architect $300 to take a look at it.
Rental Property Investor · Mercer Island, WA · Member since 2008 · 22k+ posts · 14k+ votes
8y
Is there an attic over this? If so, do ends of rafters sit on this wall? What's underneath this wall. Even without a header in the hallway next door this could still be a bearing wall. The rafters over that hall may be supported from above. Really impossible to tell from that picture. Best bet would be to spend a few hundred bucks to have a structrual engineer have a look and tell you want to do.
Architect · Alexandria, VA · Member since 2016 · 317 posts · 371 votes
8y
You can’t truly tell unless you make a few holes in the ceiling. Get a hammer and have fun. See which way the joist run. Take a photo and share.
A few tips if load bearing:
1. Don’t hire an architect for this (full disclosure I am an Architect). Hire a structural engineer. You can find one and pay per hour. Read tip #2 why you need a structural engineer and not an architect or contractor.
2. You can easily install a header across. However if you do you are now changing how the loads transfer from the roof to the foundation. You will need a post at both ends. These post will have a tremendous amount of weight on them going to the foundation. The structural engineer will tell you if you need to make your footings bigger and what size header you will need. This can add a lot of costs.
3. You also have to notify the city if it is load bearing. They will require plans and give you a permit. Another cost but you can sketch out the plans and the engineer can provide the calculations.
Good luck!
Real Estate Professional · Hoboken, NJ · Member since 2017 · 46 posts · 26 votes
8y
Sort of disagree with breaking holes open.
Any good GC should be able to tell you if it’s load bearing or not. Depending on the complexity of the house, Looking from the outside at the roof lines could give you some clues, also see if there are walls above and below this one. And if you can get to the attic with unfinished floor or basement with unfinished ceiling and see how the joists run and where they land. Basement look for steel I beams or other supports under the wall.
After that if still unsure, bust out the hammer.