If you have a house that isn’t up to code, you might be wondering how to take down a non-load bearing wall without having to demolish the entire building. There are many things to consider before undertaking such a project. In many cases, you will need a permit, alter plumbing and HVAC systems, and change electrical circuits. Getting help from professionals will help you avoid potential hazards.
Requires a permit
If you want to remove a non-load bearing wall, there are some things you should know before starting this project. First of all, you will need a permit from the city or county you live in. In NYC, you will need to consult a building engineer and an architect to find out if you need a building permit to demolish a wall. You may need a building permit for Alteration Type 2 in order to demolish a wall.
Another way to find out whether a wall is load-bearing is to consult the original blueprints. These blueprints may have been provided with the home when you bought it, or you can get a copy at the city planning department, which is typically located in City Hall. It is also important to get professional drawings before removing a load-bearing wall.
Another problem with tearing down a non-load bearing wall is that it may expose hidden services. This could complicate the project and add to the cost. Hidden services may be marked on the original construction drawings, and licensed professionals can inspect the walls to find out what services are hidden. If there is a problem, the contractor must reroute these services to adjacent walls, or obtain separate permits for associated electrical or plumbing work.
In Los Angeles County, Chapter 95 covers concrete tilt-up buildings. These buildings were built before April 13, 1975. The code includes systematic procedures and standards for identifying tilt-up buildings. You must obtain a permit before removing a non-load-bearing wall. In most cases, if a non-load bearing wall is deemed unusable, you’ll need to either strengthen the building or demolish it.
A building permit is also needed for any changes to an existing building. It will be necessary to obtain a permit for any changes to the house, including removing existing windows and skylights. Other renovations, such as replacing an existing water heater, siding, or changing the ventilation system, will require a permit. A permit is also needed for exterior work such as changing grading.
Requires altering electrical circuits
It is important to understand that tearing down a non load bearing wall involves rerouting plumbing and electrical circuits. To be safe, you should first find all wiring and HVAC ductwork that is in the wall before you begin the demolition project. These areas may contain hidden plumbing pipes or HVAC ductwork. You will need a building permit to get the job done safely.
Before you begin to demolish a non load bearing wall, you should hire a construction professional to perform the demolition. A construction professional will ensure that all changes adhere to building codes, ensuring that the home is safe for future generations. If you are unsure of the permit process, contact the local L&I office to learn about the requirements. Alternatively, you can also consult an engineer, who will assist you with the process.
Requires altering plumbing
If you want to change a load-bearing wall but do not know how to proceed, you should hire a structural engineer. A structural engineer can help you plan the removal of the wall by calculating the size of posts and beams needed, and whether you’ll need support under the posts. Most cities require beam calculations for construction permits, so you should hire a structural engineer with experience in residential construction. Such a service can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000, but the cost is worth it.
Regardless of the cause of the damage, taking down a non-load-bearing wall is not a DIY project. It’s an invasive process that involves potentially dangerous materials, sharp metal, and vermin. Additionally, it can damage your home and cause a great deal of stress and anxiety. To avoid this, be sure to check the original blueprints of the house and consult with a professional in the city planning department.
Another consideration is moving utility lines. Moving utility lines can add to the cost of a wall removal, but they aren’t impossible to remove. Just make sure you don’t disturb utility lines if you’re taking down a load-bearing wall. If you are moving utility lines, you may have to relocate the pipes and wiring. Fortunately, you can often get away with this without a permit if you’re only removing a non-load-bearing wall.
Requires altering HVAC
Before you begin tearing down a non load bearing wall, it is important to consider the location and routing of your plumbing pipes, electrical circuits and HVAC ductwork. If this will require rerouting of pipes and wiring, it may be necessary to get a building permit. The building permit process will ensure that the mechanical work is safe for your family and property. Before tearing down the wall, locate all HVAC and plumbing pipes and wires. Also, keep in mind that some pipes and ductwork are hidden inside the wall.
Before tearing down a non-load bearing wall, make sure that you have the proper engineering drawings and permits. The engineer will be able to calculate the required size of the beams and posts and whether or not you’ll need additional support underneath the posts. Beam calculations are needed in most cities to obtain permits, so you should look for a structural engineer with experience in residential construction. It will cost anywhere from $300 to $1000 to hire an engineer.
