The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Top tips to help safely create open-plan home
Open-plan living spaces are extremely popular and are often highlighted in property descriptions because of that.
Homeowners might decide to knock down internal walls to create this much-desired layout.
Calling a professional to knock down a kitchen or dining room wall can cost up to £1,750.
With that in mind, Robert Quinton, owner of online shop Construction Megastore, explains how you can knock down an internal wall yourself.
He stresses this is only if it is not load-bearing and must be done safely.
Robert says: “The key starting point for knocking any wall down in your home is to ensure the wall you intend to remove is non-load-bearing.
“A non-load-bearing wall is a partition that doesn’t support the structure of your home, and you can typically identify these walls by their construction.
“Look for walls that run parallel to floor joists, as they typically don’t support the structure.
“Non-load-bearing walls often feel hollow when tapped and may not align with the main framework.
“While non-load-bearing walls generally don’t require structural approval, it’s wise to check with your council or building control to ensure compliance with any relevant regulations, especially if your property is in a conservation area.”
PREPARE WORKSPACE
“Once you are sure it’s a non-load-bearing wall, clear the area by removing furniture and covering floors with protective sheeting,” says Robert.
“Seal off the space with dust sheets and ensure you have all the necessary tools and safety gear. You’ll need a sledgehammer, crowbar, reciprocating saw, dust mask, safety goggles, gloves and a hard hat to do this significant piece of DIY work safely.”
TURN OFF UTILITIES
Robert says: “Before you start the fun, heavy-hitting work, it’s essential to check for any electrical wiring, plumbing or gas lines running through the wall.
“Turn off the relevant utilities at the source to avoid accidents, and if you are unsure about handling this, hire a professional electrician or plumber to safely disconnect and re-route any services.
“Now you’re ready to dismantle your wall. Begin by carefully scoring the plaster or drywall along the edges with a utility knife to create a clean break line.
“Next, use a hammer and chisel to remove the plaster or drywall, exposing the underlying structure. Work slowly to avoid damaging adjacent walls or ceilings and, once the studs are visible, use a reciprocating saw to cut through the vertical wall studs.
“Start at the top and work your way down, cutting one stud at a time.
“This machinery must be respected, so be cautious and maintain control of the saw to prevent kickback.
“If there are horizontal supports (noggins), cut through them as well.
“Use a crowbar to pry the sections of the wall loose, taking care to support each piece as it comes free to prevent it from falling abruptly.”
Remove all debris and dispose of it responsibly – you will likely need a skip.
Once the area is clean and tidy, you can apply finishing touches, such as plastering and painting.
“If you’ve removed electrical or plumbing services, ensure they are properly reconnected and compliant with safety standards,” adds Robert.