Interior wall demolition costs and considerations: an overview of factors determining the expenses
Removing Internal Walls in the UK: A Cost and Process Overview
If you're considering the removal of an internal wall in your home, it's essential to understand the factors that influence the cost and the process involved.
Firstly, the type of wall plays a significant role. Non-load bearing walls, which support no weight other than their own, are less expensive to remove and typically take no longer than a couple of days. However, transitions between the two spaces still need to be accounted for.
On the other hand, removing a load-bearing wall is more complex and costly. The average cost for this operation in the UK ranges from £1,250 to £3,500, with higher costs correlating with more structural work and regulatory requirements.
For instance, partial wall removal with basic support can cost around £1,250 to £2,000, while full wall removal with structural reinforcement is around £2,000 to £2,750. Removing long walls needing multiple beam replacements can cost up to £2,750 to £3,500.
In addition to these costs, you may need to pay for a structural engineer (typically around £200 per visit) and purchase a rolled steel joist (RSJ) beam, which can cost around £800 to £950. Building regulations approval and planning permission, especially for listed buildings, may also be necessary, adding to the overall expenses.
Labor costs for builders typically range from £400 to £500 per day. If the wall is a party wall shared with a neighbour, additional party wall surveyor fees may apply, ranging from £90 to £450 per hour.
It's important to note that keeping the cost down is possible by rectifying only the line of the old wall instead of the entire new space. Specialist renovation insurance may be necessary if your existing policy does not cover removing a wall.
After removing an internal wall, repair jobs such as plastering and decorating may be necessary, adding to the cost.
Tina Patel, a RIBA-chartered architect and director at Architect Your Home with over 15 years' experience, and Andy Simms, a building expert at MyBuilder.com with over a decade of experience in construction, both emphasize the importance of careful planning and professional input when undertaking such a project.
[1] Cost Calculator, MyJobQuote. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.myjobquote.co.uk/cost-calculator/removing-an-internal-wall [3] Removing an Internal Wall, Trustmark. (2021, March 26). Retrieved from https://www.trustmark.org.uk/advice/removing-an-internal-wall/
- Remodeling your home-and-garden could involve updating your lifestyle by removing internal walls, but it's crucial to consider the associated costs, as the removal of a load-bearing wall can range from £1,250 to £3,500 in the UK.
- If you're thinking about enhancing your home-improvement projects, revisiting home-and-garden magazines or websites might provide inspiring ideas, such as removing internal walls to create an open-plan living space, however, one should be aware of the potential costs and processes involved.
