Load Bearing Wall Removal FAQ

Yes, removing a load-bearing wall is possible—but it must be done correctly. These walls support the weight of your home, so you can’t just knock them down. The wall is typically replaced with a properly sized structural beam, such as an LVL or steel beam, which transfers the load to posts or columns.

At HandyMensch Home Remodeling, we manage the entire process—structural evaluation, engineering, permits, inspections, and construction—so your open-concept space is safe, permitted, and fully up to code.

A structural wall—also called a load-bearing wall—supports the weight of your home, including the roof, upper floors, or ceiling. Removing it requires a structural beam and careful planning to keep the house stable.

A partition wall, on the other hand, doesn’t carry any structural load. Its only job is to divide spaces, so it can usually be removed or modified without major structural changes.

Not all walls are obvious at first glance. That’s why HandyMensch Home Remodeling performs a full structural assessment before any wall removal. We make sure you know what kind of wall you’re dealing with—and handle the project safely and to code.

A wall may be load-bearing if it runs perpendicular to the floor or ceiling joists, is located near the center of the home, or lines up with walls on other floors. Structural walls often have headers above doorways or openings. If a wall lines up with the steel beam in your basement, it is likely load-bearing. When the end of a joist or beam rests on a wall, it is always load bearing. However there are many cases where a joist or beam is continuous (no break) and the wall or column supporting it is still load bearing especially if there is structure on the level below.

The only reliable way to confirm is with a professional structural assessment. HandyMensch Home Remodeling provides accurate evaluations so you know exactly what you’re working with before you start demolition.

Yes, a licensed structural engineer is required to remove a load-bearing wall safely. The engineer calculates the load, designs the beam and support system, and ensures the new structure meets code. Their plans are required for building permits and inspections.

HandyMensch includes a structural engineer as part of our service, so your beam is sized correctly and built in a way that works with your space—cleanly and efficiently.

The cost to remove a load-bearing wall varies based on the size of the wall, the type of beam required (LVL or steel), and the scope of finish work. This often includes electrical work, drywall, painting, trim, and flooring patching or refinishing.

It’s a multi-step project involving several trades—not just demolition and beam installation. HandyMensch provides detailed estimates so you understand every part of the cost.

Removing a load-bearing wall is more than just a structural job—it’s a key design decision. At HandyMensch, we combine expert engineering with thoughtful remodeling so your open space is safe, stylish, and cohesive with the rest of your home.

We manage every detail: permits, structural design, construction, lighting, trim, flooring, and more. We don’t just install a beam—we transform how your home feels and functions.

Per Virginia code there must be an outlet within 6 feet of a entryway to a room and then 12 feet after that. When you remove a wall, there is a good chance you will need to change the outlet spacing. There is also a requirement to have a switched light or outlet at the entry to a room. Clients also request additional optional work such as ceiling fans, recessed lighting and floor outlets (if you have a sofa in the middle of a room).

HandyMensch always considers the flow of a space and how you will use it before giving you our lighting recommendations.

The answer depends on a number of factors such as the width of the opening and the load (weight) we are supporting above. If we can install a flitch beam made of layers of LVL and steel, we can go wider instead of taller. This is why we perform the structural evaluation first so we know what options the math will allow. There are other factors to consider when you create a wide opening such as how the load gets transferred to the floor below and into the ground. When the load is large, we may need to increase the size of a concrete footer in the basement to handle the weight