Building Homes or Extensions/Load Bearing Wall

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Expert: - 11/18/2008


Question
"I am going to be buying a house that has a wall completely dividing the living area a kitchen/den area. I am trying to determine if it is a load bearing wall, as would like to remove all of it or a portion of it. It is on the main floor with only the hipped roof above.  There is no wall directly underneath it in the basement, but one that is perpendicular. I have pictures that I can send that can give a better idea of what I am looking at.

Answer
Dan, it doesn't sound like a load bearing wall if there is not a beam or wall under it in the basement.  The other test would be look in the attic at the ceiling joists.  If the wall is running the same direction as the ceiling joists, it is NOT load bearing.  If it is running the across the joist line it is load bearing if it has the ceiling joists resting on it, especially if they are spliced over the wall in question.  If it is a truss roof, it is NOT load bearing.

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Dan Griffin

Expertise

I can answer almost all questions related to the total construction process. My expertise is in commercial construction, though I can field most any residential question. I have hands on experience in concrete, heavy equipment, masonry, all phases of carpentry, interior finishes, and I am fairly strong in mechanical and electrical.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience as a commercial carpenter and commercial construction superintendent. I have another 20 years experience in facility management for a major school district.

Organizations
My favorite hobby for he past 12 years has been singing bass in a The OkChorale men's barbershop chorus and the Mature Moments quartet.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and Math. I have completed many continuing education hours in the building trades. I hold a Master Carpenter card from the AGC, Associated General Contractors.

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