Expert: Ted Barnhill (Principal, Design45 LLC) - 3/9/2009

Question
Hi,
I am planing for a major kitchen re-do.  I am thinking to
remove 2 walls on the first floor.  It will give me a lot
of option if I could remove without adding any structure
support.

Wall #1
It is a 9 ft wide wall that is between the dining room and
the current kitchen.  It is parallel to the floor joints
and ceiling joints.  There isn't any post in the basement
under the wall.  It is in the middle of 2 closet is the
second floor.

Wall #2
this is a 6 ft wide wall between the kitchen and the mud
room.  It is perpendicular to the floor joints and ceiling
joints.  There is nothing underneath in the basement and it
is in the middle of a bedroom upstairs.

If I remove both of them, do i need to additional structure
support?

Thanks,
-Danny

Answer
Danny,

From your description, I would guess that these are not bearing walls.  However, they may be structural in some other capacity (as shear walls, for example), so you should have a professional look at your home before demolishing anything.  Enjoy your new kitchen!  Ted

P.S. The correct term is joist, not joint.