Rosie on the House: Any load-bearing wall can be removed, but itll cost you – Arizona Daily Star

A: When the wall is removed, it will be replaced with a horizontal beam, which will be supported at each end by a vertical post. These posts carry the concentrated load of all the ceiling and roof weight. This project definitely requires permitting. The permit will dictate that a construction engineer ensure that the replacement posts and beam are sufficient to hold the weight that is being displaced by the removal of the wall.

Q: What are the steps in the removal of the wall?

A: The right way to remove the wall involves prep work, creating a footing and installing the posts and beam.

Whether the beam is exposed is a matter of preference. Some homeowners like the look of the exposed wood. It does cost a bit more to recess the beam.

If the beam is exposed, it is attached to the bottom of the joists. This beam will be exposed when the drywall is replaced. It can be stained or painted to accent the room. If it is preferred that the beam is hidden, the ceiling joist will be cut just enough to slip the beam up so that it will be flush with the ceiling. Ceiling joists must be anchored to beams with appropriate hardware.

Q: What is involved after the beam is installed?

A: Heres a checklist for finishing the job:

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Rosie on the House: Any load-bearing wall can be removed, but itll cost you - Arizona Daily Star