Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 6/6/2007

Question
Hi.  I have a split-level home, and would like to remove the interior wall between the kitchen and dining room.  This wall sits on an I-beam, and the floor joists run perpendicular to the wall, however the ceiling joists run *parallel* to the wall.  Above the wall is attic space only, and no special arrangement of joists.  So, is this an interior wall? (which will require a header).  The living room, which sits in front of the kitchen/dining room, does NOT have a wall in it, nor does it have a header.

Any help is appreciated.

Answer
Dale,

If the joists above a wall are parallel to it, and there is no other framing (such as roof bracing) bearing on it, then it is not a load bearing wall.  

From your description, the I-beam below the wall is presumably supporting the floor system plus the minor dead load of the wall itself.

It seems safe to remove the wall without adding a beam or header.

Go slow, and be observant during demolition.  Change your plan of attack if new information about loads on the wall becomes apparent.

Best of luck with your project,a and please let me know if you need additional information.

--Steve Major