Framing and Structural Changes
Opening up a kitchen to adjacent spaces is one of the most popular remodel upgrades—but it requires careful structural planning. Here's what you need to know about removing walls, adding windows, and changing your kitchen's footprint.
Quick Summary
Timeline
3-7 days
Wall removal cost
$3,000-15,000
Engineering fee
$300-800
Never Assume a Wall Isn't Load-Bearing
Removing or modifying a load-bearing wall without proper support can cause immediate structural failure or slow sagging that damages your home over years. Always get an engineer's assessment before any structural work. This isn't optional— it's essential for your safety and your home's value.
Understanding Load-Bearing Walls
Load-bearing walls carry the weight of the structure above—roof, upper floors, or ceiling joists—down to the foundation. Removing them requires installing a beam to carry that weight.
Signs It May Be Load-Bearing
- • Runs perpendicular to floor/ceiling joists
- • Located near the center of the house
- • Has a beam or wall directly above it
- • Sits on a beam in the basement
- • Is thicker than other walls (2x6 vs 2x4)
Signs It May Be Partition Only
- • Runs parallel to joists above
- • Added after original construction
- • Located at room edges, not center
- • No wall directly above or below
- • Built with 2x4 studs
Important: These are indicators, not guarantees. Many homes have been modified over the years. Only a structural engineer can definitively determine if a wall is load-bearing and design the proper support solution.
The Structural Change Process
Hire a Structural Engineer
Before demo begins, have a structural engineer visit your home. They'll assess which walls are load-bearing and design the beam and support system needed.
What the Engineer Provides
- Stamped drawings required for permits
- Beam size and type specifications
- Support post requirements and locations
- Foundation requirements (may need footings)
Cost: Expect $300-800 for engineering fees. This is money well spent—it protects your home and is required for permits.
Pull Permits
Structural work always requires a building permit. Your contractor submits the engineer's drawings to the building department for approval.
Don't skip permits. Unpermitted structural work can void your insurance, create selling complications, and hide safety issues. It's not worth the risk.
Install Temporary Supports
Before removing any structural framing, temporary walls or jack posts are installed to carry the load above while the permanent beam goes in.
Remove the Wall
With temporary supports in place, the wall can be carefully removed. This is also when you discover what was hiding inside.
Common Wall Contents
- • Electrical wiring (needs rerouting)
- • Plumbing vents or supply lines
- • HVAC ducts or returns
- • Low-voltage wiring (cable, phone)
Added Costs
- • Electrical reroute: $300-800
- • Plumbing reroute: $500-2,000
- • HVAC modification: $500-1,500
- • Structural surprises vary
Install the Beam
The permanent beam goes in to carry the load that the wall previously supported. Beam type and size are specified by your engineer.
| Beam Type | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| LVL (engineered) | Most residential spans | Easy to handle, hidden in ceiling |
| Steel I-beam | Long spans, heavy loads | Very heavy, requires welding |
| Glulam | Exposed beam applications | Attractive when stained/finished |
| Flush beam | Matching ceiling heights | More complex installation |
Pass Structural Inspection
Before closing walls, the building inspector verifies the beam and supports match the engineer's specifications.
What Inspectors Check
- • Beam size matches stamped drawings
- • Proper bearing at support points
- • Correct hardware and connections
- • Adequate foundation support for posts
- • Temporary supports still in place if needed
Adding Windows and Doors
Cutting new openings in exterior walls for windows or doors requires similar structural considerations, plus weatherproofing.
Header Requirements
- Every opening needs a header to span the gap
- Header size depends on opening width and load above
- Jack studs and king studs support the header
- Non-load-bearing walls still need headers for rigidity
Weatherproofing Steps
- Flash around new openings before installing
- Integrate with existing house wrap
- Proper sill pan under windows
- Caulk and seal all joints
Cost expectation: Adding a standard window opening: $1,500-4,000. Adding exterior door opening: $2,500-6,000. Costs increase significantly for larger openings or if siding needs extensive repair.
Common Structural Mistakes
Skipping the engineer
A contractor saying "that wall isn't load-bearing" isn't the same as an engineer's assessment. Always get professional confirmation.
Undersized beams
Using a beam that's too small causes sagging over time. It may pass initial inspection but fail years later.
Inadequate support posts
Posts need to land on proper footings, not just the floor. Point loads can crack concrete or damage floor systems.
Removing temporary supports too early
Temp supports stay until the permanent beam is fully installed and connections are complete. Removing early risks collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
Look for walls running perpendicular to joists, located centrally in the house, or with walls directly above/below. However, these are just indicators—always have a structural engineer confirm before any work begins.
How much does it cost to remove a wall?
Non-load-bearing walls cost $500-2,000 to remove. Load-bearing walls cost $3,000-10,000+ including the beam, posts, and engineering fees. Add $300-2,000 if plumbing, electrical, or HVAC needs rerouting.
Do I need a permit for wall removal?
Yes. All structural work requires permits. Your contractor submits engineer's drawings for approval. Inspections happen before closing walls. Unpermitted work creates major issues when selling.
Can I leave support posts visible?
Yes, if designed for it. Posts can be wrapped to match trim work or left as architectural features. Discuss with your designer—some people embrace the industrial look while others prefer hidden supports.
Ready for the Next Step?
With framing changes complete, it's time for electrical rough-in—running new wiring for your updated kitchen layout.