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Architecture/load bearing wall

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Expert: - 10/21/2009


Question
I would like to remove the wall seperating two closets in my house to make one larger walk-in closet.  The wall runs perpendicular to the joists, but there are no walls or beams anywhere near it in the basement.  How do I tell if it is a load bearing wall for sure.

Answer
Michael:  Even if this wall is carrying some load, you may be able to remove it and transfer its load to the walls where it presently terminates.  To speak to your initial question and to the possibility raised here, I'll need more specific information--length and height of the wall, size of the studs within the wall and their spacing if you can determine that, the floor framing above, any walls directly above, what framing is actually supporting this wall from below and how far that framing spans between supports.

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Cary Simmons

Expertise

I can address light construction questions--how things should be assembled, why they come apart and how changes in construction practices, technology and deferred maintenance should be factored into any consideration of the proper fix. I cannot answer complex construction queries that require specific site knowledge and would elect to avoid those that smack of a litigation history.

Experience

I have been in private practice in New England for more than 30 years, during which time, as a hobby, I have personally owned and restored for either personal or adaptive reuse, five pre-1775 homes, of which my wife and I still own and maintain three.

Organizations
social and recreational only

Publications
have not yet felt the need to be published

Education/Credentials
B. Arch, Cornell 1967 advanced studies, Harvard GSD, 1971-72 and 1976-77

Awards and Honors
numerous historic preservation awards in Massachusetts, although historic preservation is not our core practice

Past/Present Clients
they are several, loyal and of long-standing, and would prefer to remain private

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