There are a multitude of reasons why you might consider knocking down an internal wall.
Perhaps you’re keen to extend a room, or maybe you’ve got your eye on open-plan.
Either way, you’ll be reaching for the hammer before you can say ‘Timber!’.
But, is it such a good idea to rush into wall demolition? Perhaps not.
After all, your walls aren’t just there to block your light.
They often also support your property and generally ensure a safer home through priorities like fire safety.
Hence why, before getting rid of them, you should always ask these key questions.
1. Is it a Load-Bearing Wall?
Far from simply sitting pretty, load-bearing walls provide vital structural support to your property.
Removing them can result in foundation shifts, notable cracks, and even sagging or caving walls.
Admittedly, there are safe ways to remove load-bearing walls if your heart is set on this, but they require careful expert handling, structural support replacements, and more.
You certainly can’t handle this task alone!
Checking your property blueprints is one of the best ways to tell if you’re dealing with a load-bearing wall, as thicker lines and symbols will typically signify this for you.
Other notable signs of a load-bearing wall include a wall that’s perpendicular to your property’s joists, partial walls with beams, or walls with support systems underneath.
In any of these instances, either scrap your plans or get the professionals on board.
2. What is the Wall Made of?
It’s also worth thinking about the materials used within your wall, as this will impact everything from how you approach your demolition to who you need on board.
For instance, if your wall is made of plasterboard, removal should be as easy as one, two, hammer.
But, if you’re dealing with masonry, then you’ll probably need some pretty heavy-duty gear.
Equally, be wary of potentially toxic materials like asbestos, which is found within the walls of many older Australian homes and can be toxic when inhaled.
In this instance, you should always seek specialist asbestos removal that meets NSW safety standards. You definitely shouldn’t just go straight in there with hammers swinging!
3. What Utilities are in the Wall Cavity?
Even if a wall looks non-bearing, simple to remove, and ready for action, do you know what utilities are in that wall cavity?
Many walls in your property will house plumbing pipes and electrical wires galore.
If you hit one of those, you’ll either harm yourself, your house, or potentially both.
Checking your house plan or contacting your local council to get an idea of utilities is your best option here, as is working with professionals with experience in working around these obstacles.
You may need to relocate those utilities to another area, or you could cover them with a custom bulkhead.
Either way, there’s probably more work here than you first realised.
We get it – the urge to jump ahead with internal wall demolition is strong, but ask these questions first to save yourself, your home, and your finances.
