Creating an open kitchen in your existing home is a popular way to achieve more space and a modern look. By strategically removing walls, you transform an enclosed kitchen into a spacious, bright living area that flows seamlessly into the living room or dining room.

Breaking down walls for an open kitchen, however, requires careful planning and professional execution. From determining which walls can be safely removed to applying for the proper permits, every aspect requires expertise to ensure your renovation proceeds successfully and safely.

What exactly does creating an open kitchen entail?

Creating an open kitchen means breaking down one or more partition walls between the kitchen and adjacent spaces, such as the living room, dining room, or hallway. This process involves concrete sawing, concrete drilling, and the safe removal of wall structures to create a continuous living space.

The work begins with a thorough analysis of the existing situation. A structural engineer must first determine whether the walls to be removed have a load-bearing function or are merely partition walls. Load-bearing walls require additional measures, such as the installation of steel structures, to maintain the stability of the building.

The actual breaking through is carried out using specialized equipment. Professional concrete drillers use diamond core drills and saws to remove walls in a controlled and dust-free manner. This minimizes damage to adjacent structures and ensures a neatly finished result that is ready for the new kitchen layout.

Which walls can you safely break down for an open kitchen?

Only non-load-bearing partition walls can be removed without structural modifications. Load-bearing walls always require replacement steel structures and an environmental permit before they can be safely removed.

Non-load-bearing walls can be identified by various characteristics. They usually run parallel to the roof beams, are not situated directly beneath other walls on the floors above, and are often thinner than load-bearing walls. Partition walls 70-100 mm thick are usually non-load-bearing, whereas walls of 150 mm or thicker often do have a load-bearing function.

In the case of load-bearing walls, remove load-bearing wall a more complex process. Before the wall is removed, a structural engineer must design a steel structure that takes over the load-bearing capacity. Temporary props support the structure during the work, after which permanent steel beams or columns are installed.

It is essential never to guess which walls are load-bearing. Based on drawings, on-site inspection, and sometimes boreholes, a structural professional can determine exactly what function each wall serves for the stability of your home.

How long does it take to have a wall drilled out?

Drilling out a non-load-bearing partition wall takes an average of 1-2 days, depending on the thickness, material, and size of the wall. Load-bearing walls require 3-5 days due to the additional steps for structural support.

The duration is influenced by various factors. Thin gypsum block walls are faster to remove than thick concrete walls. Accessibility also plays a role: walls in confined spaces or with many pipes surrounding them take more time to work on safely.

For load-bearing walls, additional time is required. First, temporary props are installed, which takes half a day. The actual drilling then takes 1-2 days, followed by the installation of the permanent steel structure and the finishing, which takes another 1-2 days.

Experienced concrete drillers can often start work within two days of your request. The schedule depends on the complexity of the project and the availability of any necessary steel structures or permits.

How much does it cost to have a wall professionally broken through?

The cost of professionally breaking through a wall varies greatly depending on the situation. Non-load-bearing partition walls are significantly cheaper than load-bearing walls, which require additional structural measures, such as steel structures and more extensive work.

Several factors determine the final price. The thickness and material of the wall play a major role: a thin gypsum block wall costs less than a thick reinforced concrete wall. The size of the opening, the accessibility of the workspace, and any complications, such as pipes in the wall, also influence the costs.

For load-bearing walls, additional costs are incurred for structural support. This includes design by a structural engineer, steel beams or columns, and their installation. Applying for permits also entails costs.

It is wise to always request a no-obligation quote in which all work is clearly specified. This way, you avoid surprises and can compare different providers based on the same work.

What permits do you need for an open kitchen?

You do not need an environmental permit to demolish non-load-bearing partition walls. Removing load-bearing walls always requires an environmental permit, because this alters the structure of your home.

You apply for an environmental permit at your municipality. You must submit structural drawings demonstrating how the stability of the building remains guaranteed after the removal of the load-bearing wall. A certified structural engineer must prepare and sign these drawings.

The permit procedure usually takes 6-8 weeks. During this period, the municipality assesses whether your plans comply with building regulations and whether the proposed structural solutions are safe. Sometimes the municipality requests additional information or adjustments.

Therefore, start the permit process well in advance. First, schedule a meeting with a structural engineer to determine what is possible, then have the necessary drawings made, and only then submit the permit application. This will prevent delays in your kitchen renovation.

How De Betonboorder helps with your open kitchen

We specialize in the professional installation of open kitchens by safely removing both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. Our team of experienced professionals ensures a complete service from start to finish:

Thorough analysis of the existing situation and advice on possibilities
Professional drilling and sawing of walls with high-quality diamond equipment
Installation of temporary and permanent steel structures at load-bearing walls
Tidy up neatly and leave the workplace broom-clean
Support with permit applications and contact with structural engineers

With our nationwide network, we can often arrange a professional within two days, contacting you within 24 hours. Thanks to our continuous liability insurance, you are always covered for any damage. Contact us for a no-obligation quote and realize your dream kitchen safely and professionally.

How do you create an open kitchen in an existing home?