Removing load bearing wall

[areyouhavingagiraffe]

Guys, how disruptive is this? I have just seen a house, all newly renovated. But I would be keen to take out a wall which is defo loading bearing. Does is for example disrupt upstairs, will I end up having to replaster everywhere

If its load bearing and you remove it then your upstairs will end up in your downstairs ! Best person to ask is someone who will be able to see whether you can put in something to support the weight and remove the wall without disrupting upstairs ( and your house falling down )

It depends on how big a wall you're talking, whether it affects the overall stability etc. If it is just a simple knock through with a steel beam support then expect some cracking in the wall/ceilings above.

Sorry I may not have explained my question. I realise that it needs supporting and needs a Rsj. I just don't know how much disruption it will cause.
My engineering masters taught me that if it is not supported the "upstairs will end up downstairs"

As long as they support it properly between knock through and putting the beam in, you should be ok.

Our builders didn’t so we ended up with minor cracking upstairs which needed filling. Tiles also needed replacing.

Plastering and flooring needs to be done too.

We had it done in our kitchen. It was not that disruptive- it only took 3 days. Cost was £6.5k 3 years ago.

There should be no damage to upstairs if done properly.
Obviously downstairs, the RSJ will need to be boxed in in some way, and the gaps in the walls and ceiling will need to be boarded and plastered, plus the flooring will need to be re-done.

I had this done this year, it's a total bloody mess in the two rooms you do it in and the dust does go up the house a bit as well, but it's not that bad. You won't have to replaster anywhere outside the area the wall is being taken down.

It’s a dusty job, but shouldn’t cause cracking in the rooms above if done correctly. You’ll obviously need plastering done where the wal has been removed.

@Movinghouseatlast 6.5 just to remove the wall? You do realise you’ve been had?

It certainly could be that amount of money for all the work and calcs needed You might also have to build piers and rent props so the space above doesn’t collapse. It all adds up and in some areas builders cost a lot of money.

Get the builders to erect plastic sheets either side of the wall that’s knocked out to try and minimise dust. We have had several load bearing walls taken out and it’s not cheap if they are sizeable - worth it though!

We did it recently. About 4K including builders, support equipment, RSJ, skip, structural engineer calcs, building regs, skimming. The builder aspect took a couple of days and then skimming another day or so. Quite straightforward

Ours was done as part of a project so disruption wasn't a consideration. Dust and tiny grey ball bearing things went everywhere so cordon off your entrances and empty the room as much as poss beforehand. Cover anything remaining with a sheet. Builders should clean up after themselves but consider their access in and out.