Removing a load-bearing wall in a corner house is a complex renovation that requires careful planning and professional execution. Corner houses often have a unique construction where certain walls are essential for the stability of the building. Before you start making plans, it is crucial to understand which walls are load-bearing and what the consequences of removing them might be.

In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about removing load-bearing walls in corner houses, from identification to costs and safety aspects.

What is a load-bearing wall and how do you recognize one in a corner house?

A load-bearing wall is a structural wall that supports the weight of floors, roofs, or other structural elements and transfers this weight to the foundation. In corner houses, load-bearing walls can often be recognized by their position beneath beams, their thickness (usually thicker than 15 cm), and their continuous construction from basement to roof.

Corner houses typically have a specific construction in which the exterior walls and certain interior walls provide the load-bearing capacity. Load-bearing walls usually run parallel to the roof ridge and are often located centrally in the house. They can also be recognized by their material: often constructed of brick, reinforced concrete, or other sturdy materials.

Look out for signs such as cracks in the ceiling above the wall, a thicker wall construction than normal partition walls, or a wall that extends to the floor above. If in doubt, it is always wise to have a structural inspection carried out by a specialist.

Are you allowed to simply remove a load-bearing wall without a permit?

No, you may never just a remove load-bearing wall without the proper permits and professional guidance. Removing a load-bearing wall always requires an environmental permit from the municipality, because this substantially alters the structure of your home.

The process begins with applying for an environmental permit, for which you must submit structural drawings and calculations prepared by a structural engineer. This professional assesses whether the load-bearing wall can be safely removed and what reinforcing measures are necessary.

In addition, you often need to contact your insurer and mortgage lender, as structural changes can affect your policy and mortgage. Ignoring these procedures can lead to dangerous situations, fines, and problems when selling your home.

How do you know for sure if a wall is load-bearing?

The only way to determine with certainty whether a wall is load-bearing is to have a structural inspection carried out by a qualified structural engineer or structural engineer. This professional can analyze the original construction drawings and conduct an on-site investigation.

A structural engineer considers various factors: the position of the wall relative to the foundation, the presence of beams or other structural elements resting on the wall, and the continuous structure spanning multiple floors. The thickness and material of the wall are also taken into account.

Although there are some visual clues that can help (such as wall thickness and position), these can be misleading. Modern construction methods and past renovations may have altered the original structure. Therefore, professional inspection is always necessary before deciding to remove a wall.

What are the costs for removing a load-bearing wall?

The costs for removing a load-bearing wall vary widely, depending on the size of the wall, the material, the required steel structure, and the complexity of the project. You must take various cost items into account: the environmental permit, structural calculations, the actual demolition, and the installation of a replacement steel structure.

The environmental permit usually costs between 500 and 1000 euros, while structural calculations can vary from 1000 to 3000 euros. The largest cost item is often the execution itself, where factors such as accessibility, dust control, and the required steel structure determine the price.

In addition, unforeseen costs often arise, such as repairing floors, ceilings, and walls after the work has been completed. It is wise to request multiple quotes from specialized companies and maintain a buffer of 20-30% for unforeseen expenses.

What are the alternatives to completely removing a load-bearing wall?

There are several alternatives to completely removing a load-bearing wall that are less invasive and often cheaper. You can create an opening in the load-bearing wall by drilling or sawing, while keeping the rest of the wall intact to preserve its load-bearing function.

Another option is to partially remove the wall, where only the lower part is taken away and the upper part is supported by a steel beam or girder. This creates a half-height wall that still offers some separation but provides more openness.

You can also choose to create multiple smaller openings instead of one large one, or replace part of the wall with glass elements. These alternatives still require professional calculations and often a permit, but are usually less complex and costly than complete removal.

What happens if you remove a load-bearing wall incorrectly?

Incorrectly removing a load-bearing wall can lead to serious structural problems, including cracks in walls and ceilings, floor subsidence, and in extreme cases, even the collapse of parts of the building. This damage occurs because the weight borne by the load-bearing wall is no longer properly transferred to the foundation.

The consequences can manifest immediately, but can also develop gradually over time. You may see cracks appearing in adjacent walls, doors and windows that no longer close properly, or floors that start to sag. In the worst case, the stability of the entire structure can be compromised.

In addition to physical damage, there are also legal and financial consequences. Your insurer may refuse to compensate for damages if you have worked without a permit. The municipality may also impose a penalty and require you to rectify the situation. Problems may arise when selling your home if no permits were applied for structural changes.

How De Betonboorder helps with removing a load-bearing wall

We specialize in the safe and professional removal of load-bearing walls in corner houses and other buildings. Our experienced team guides you through the entire process:

Structural inspection and advice on the feasibility of your project
Assistance with applying for the necessary permits
Placement of temporary props for safety during the work
Careful removal with high-quality diamond core drills and saws
Installation of permanent steel structures to take over the load-bearing capacity
Clearing debris and leaving the workplace broom-clean

With our continuous liability insurance for construction, you are fully covered against any potential damage. We will contact you within 24 hours and can often arrange a professional within two days. Do you have questions about removing a load-bearing wall in your corner house? Then contact us for professional advice and a no-obligation quote.

Can you remove a load-bearing wall in a corner house?