Knocking out a loung wall

Dolby

Dolby

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id like to 'open' my lounge and knock out a 2.8m wall and have it open plan.

Is this expensive? Does it take long? Quick job?
 
Is it a load bearing wall? If not you could probably do it yourself if you're handy with a sledgehammer and plaster :)
 
Very important that. Climb in the roof and check that the wall does not support any roof trusses or extends right up to the tiles (firewall), if it’s only a “freestanding” wall that ends just as it comes through the ceiling then it should be fine, check for electrical outlets or water pipes, as this can push the price up. 2.8 meters? If you are not taking out the entire section, but leaving a section in tackt at the top to save the ceiling, you might need to put in a lintel. If you want to DIY take a big grinder with a masonry disk, cut out the profile and then remove the wall with a bolster and 4 pound hammer. Then enjoy the 4 hours cleaning up the dust.
 
bwana said:
Is it a load bearing wall? If not you could probably do it yourself if you're handy with a sledgehammer and plaster :)
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I assume load bearing wall is the type of wall DDV TECH is talking about below? I wouldn't take a chance myself ;)

DDV TECH said:
Very important that. Climb in the roof and check that the wall does not support any roof trusses or extends right up to the tiles (firewall), if it’s only a “freestanding” wall that ends just as it comes through the ceiling then it should be fine, check for electrical outlets or water pipes, as this can push the price up. 2.8 meters? If you are not taking out the entire section, but leaving a section in tackt at the top to save the ceiling, you might need to put in a lintel. If you want to DIY take a big grinder with a masonry disk, cut out the profile and then remove the wall with a bolster and 4 pound hammer. Then enjoy the 4 hours cleaning up the dust.
Click to expand...

I'll need to get in the ceiling and check it out for the support of trusses - I know it's not a firewall though. I forgot there is a plug point on the current ... good point!

I'm thinking of the entire wall - and a fireplace on the other wall as well ....
 
When you decide to go ahead, arrange a "bring down the house" party. A mate of mine had a structure he wanted gone, so he invited us all and instructed us to bring beers and a beeg hammer each...was great fun...had a pounding headache the next morning though.:D
 
Ænema said:
When you decide to go ahead, arrange a "bring down the house" party. A mate of mine had a structure he wanted gone, so he invited us all and instructed us to bring beers and a beeg hammer each...was great fun...had a pounding headache the next morning though.:D
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Reminds me of a few of the barn-raising parties I attended back in NY. Good-times :)
 
Please, remember that a "beer coat" will not protect one from a drunkenly swung sledge hammer, flying debris, a falling roof truss etc.

I would recommend a hard hat (I used a cycling helmet), shin pads (hockey pads should do) and protective eye wear (el-cheapo snorkelling goggles would suffice).
 
Dolby said:
id like to 'open' my lounge and knock out a 2.8m wall and have it open plan.

Is this expensive? Does it take long? Quick job?
Click to expand...

Yes. Check if the wall is a supporting wall and if not, it should take you about 4-6 hours depending on how fast and efficient you work. I usually start by removing the cornice and removing the top layer of bricks, then removing them with a 4 pound sledge hammer one by one. This allows you to use the bricks afterwards (if you want to clean them, that is :D) amd also minimises any chances of breaking tiles/things around you. Get a decent sized tarpaulin to catch most of the small bits of rubble and dust. Clear out the whole room and seal it off if possible...
 
Dolby I'm sure your GF mentioned something about knowing some structural engineers who would be happy to come in and ascertain which walls are load bearing and which aren't...

Having said that, I can't imagine anything more likely to amuse than seeing you with a sledge hammer and snorkelling goggles *s*******
 
+1 for the load bearing wall thing. If you do decide to go the grinder route make sure you seal the room of or you'll be dusting for a long while, that damned dust gets everywhere. Personally I would ditch the hard hat and go for goggles and a dust mask especially if using the grinder.
 
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