Wall Removal & Structural Alteration FAQs
Planning to remove an internal wall, install an RSJ or make structural alterations to your home?
We've answered some of the questions homeowners most commonly ask us about load-bearing wall removal, RSJ installation, Building Regulations, structural openings and chimney removal.
Wall Away specialises in structural alterations across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and North London. We manage projects from the initial assessment and structural calculations through to installation and Building Control sign-off.
Load-Bearing Wall FAQs
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
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A load-bearing wall supports part of the structure above it, such as floor joists, another wall or the roof. You cannot reliably determine whether a wall is load-bearing simply from its thickness, material or by tapping it.
The safest approach is to have the wall professionally assessed before carrying out any demolition. Wall Away provides wall removal surveys to establish whether a wall is structural and what would be required to remove it.
Can a load-bearing wall be removed?
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Yes. Load-bearing walls can usually be removed provided the weight they currently support is safely transferred to a suitable replacement structure.
This commonly involves installing a structural steel beam, often referred to as an RSJ, although the exact solution depends on the property, the size of the opening and the loads involved.
Do I need a structural engineer to remove a load-bearing wall?
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For structural wall removal, structural calculations will normally be required.
A structural engineer assesses the loads being supported and specifies the steel beam and supporting structure required to safely replace the wall.
At Wall Away, we coordinate the structural engineering and calculations as part of the wall removal process.
Do all load-bearing walls need an RSJ?
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No. A load-bearing wall needs suitable replacement support if it is removed, but an RSJ or steel beam is not automatically the correct solution in every situation.
The required support depends on the span, loads, existing structure and design of the property. A structural engineer should determine the appropriate solution.
Do all load-bearing walls need an RSJ?
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How much does load-bearing wall removal cost?
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Yes. It's possible to create a smaller opening within a load-bearing wall rather than removing the entire wall.
The remaining structure still needs to be assessed and the new opening may require a steel beam, lintel or another engineered support.
There isn't a single standard price for removing a load-bearing wall.
The cost depends on factors including the length and construction of the wall, the steelwork required, access to the property, structural calculations, Building Control requirements and whether services such as electrics or plumbing need to be moved.
Wall Away provides a free site survey and quotation so the cost can be based on the actual structure of your property.
How long does it take to remove a load-bearing wall?
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The structural work itself may only take several days, but the complete project also involves assessment, structural calculations, steel preparation, Building Control and finishing work.
At Wall Away, a typical wall removal project is completed within approximately two weeks from start to finish, although more complicated structural alterations can take longer.
RSJ & Steel Beam FAQs
What is an RSJ?
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RSJ stands for Rolled Steel Joist. The term is commonly used by homeowners to describe the structural steel beams installed when creating openings or removing load-bearing walls.
The beam takes over the structural load previously carried by the wall and transfers it safely into the supporting structure.
When do I need an RSJ?
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A steel beam may be required when removing a load-bearing wall, creating a large structural opening, installing bi-fold or sliding doors or carrying out other alterations that change how a building is supported.
Whether you need one — and what size or configuration is required — should be determined through a structural assessment and calculations.
What size RSJ do I need?
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There is no standard RSJ size for a particular wall length.
The correct steel beam is calculated according to factors including the span of the opening, loads from floors and walls above, roof loads and the way the beam itself will be supported.
This is why an RSJ should be specified by a structural engineer rather than selected based purely on the width of the opening.
How much does an RSJ installation cost?
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RSJ installation costs vary considerably depending on the size and weight of the steel, access, the complexity of the installation and the supporting structure required.
The steel itself is only one part of the cost. Structural calculations, temporary support, labour, Building Control, lifting and associated building work can all contribute to the final price.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our guide to steel beam and RSJ installation costs.
Sometimes.
Depending on the direction and position of the existing floor joists and the structural design, it may be possible to install steelwork within the ceiling void to achieve a more seamless appearance.
However, this isn't possible or appropriate for every property. It needs to be considered during the structural design stage.
Can an RSJ be hidden in the ceiling?
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Do I need an RSJ for bi-fold or sliding doors?
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Large openings for bi-fold or sliding doors frequently require structural steel because part of the external wall is being removed while the structure above still needs support.
The required beam will depend on the width of the opening and the loads above it.
Wall Away provides structural openings for bi-fold and sliding doors, including the associated steel installation.
Building Regulations & Planning Permission FAQs
Do I need Building Regulations approval to remove a load-bearing wall?
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Yes. Removing or altering a load-bearing wall is a structural alteration and Building Regulations approval is required.
Structural calculations and details of the proposed support will normally need to be provided so Building Control can assess the work.
Wall Away manages Building Control and structural engineer coordination as part of our fully managed structural projects.
Do I need Building Regulations approval to remove a non-load-bearing wall?
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Not necessarily, but you shouldn't assume that approval isn't required simply because the wall isn't load-bearing.
Removing an internal wall can affect matters such as fire protection, escape routes, ventilation, drainage and electrical installations. These factors need to be considered before work begins.
Do I need planning permission to remove an internal wall?
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For most houses, planning permission is not normally required simply to remove or alter an internal wall.
That doesn't mean the work is unregulated. Structural alterations can still require Building Regulations approval.
Different requirements can also apply to listed buildings, where Listed Building Consent may be necessary for internal alterations.
What is the difference between planning permission and Building Regulations?
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Planning permission primarily deals with whether a proposed development or alteration is acceptable in planning terms.
Building Regulations set standards covering how building work is designed and constructed, including structural safety, fire safety and other technical requirements.
A project may therefore require Building Regulations approval even when planning permission isn't needed.
Do I need structural calculations for wall removal?
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Who arranges Building Control for a wall removal?
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If you're removing a load-bearing wall and installing structural steel, calculations will normally be required to demonstrate that the proposed support can safely carry the loads above.
These calculations are produced by a structural engineer and form an important part of the information submitted to Building Control.
The homeowner or contractor can arrange the Building Control application, depending on how the project is being managed.
With Wall Away, Building Control coordination is included within our managed structural service, so homeowners don't have to organise each stage independently.
Chimney Removal FAQs
Can I remove a chimney breast?
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Yes. An unused chimney breast can often be removed to reclaim floor and wall space.
However, chimney breasts form part of a larger structure and removing one section may leave masonry above that requires additional support.
The existing chimney and property therefore need to be assessed before demolition begins.
Do I need Building Regulations approval to remove a chimney breast?
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Building Regulations approval will normally be required where removing the chimney breast affects the structure of the building.
The remaining chimney stack or masonry must be adequately supported and Building Control will need to be satisfied that the proposed structural solution is safe.
Can I remove a chimney breast but leave the chimney stack?
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Yes, in many properties the internal chimney breast can be removed while the external stack remains.
However, the remaining masonry needs an appropriate means of support. The correct solution depends on the construction and condition of the property and should be professionally designed.
What happens if a chimney breast has been removed without enough support?
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An inadequately supported chimney can become a serious structural problem.
Failure may not necessarily happen immediately. In some properties, inadequate historic support can remain in place for years before movement or partial collapse occurs.
If you've bought a property where a chimney breast was previously removed and you're unsure how the remaining stack is supported, it is sensible to have the structure inspected.
Structural Opening FAQs
What is a structural opening?
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A structural opening is an opening created in a part of the building that contributes to its structure.
Common examples include widening an opening between a kitchen and dining room, creating an open-plan living space or forming a large opening in an external wall for bi-fold or sliding doors.
Because part of the supporting structure is being removed, replacement support such as structural steel may be required.
How wide can a structural opening be?
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There isn't one maximum width that applies to every property.
The achievable span depends on the building, loads above the opening, available bearing points, foundations and the structural steel solution that can be designed.
Large openings are possible, but they generally require increasingly substantial structural engineering.
Can you create an opening for bi-fold or sliding doors?
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Yes. Wall Away creates structural openings ready for the installation of bi-fold and sliding doors.
This can include removing the existing masonry, installing the specified structural steel and preparing the opening for the door installers.
What to Expect During Wall Removal
Can I stay in my house while a load-bearing wall is being removed?
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In many cases, yes.
Wall removal creates noise, dust and temporary disruption, but it is often possible for homeowners to remain in the property while the work takes place.
Whether this is practical depends on the scale and location of the structural work.
How messy is wall removal?
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Removing masonry and installing structural steel inevitably creates dust and debris.
Professional preparation, dust protection and waste management can significantly reduce the impact on the rest of the home, but homeowners should still expect some disruption while structural work is underway.
What happens to electrics and plumbing inside the wall?
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Electrical cables, pipework and other services sometimes run through the wall being removed.
These need to be identified and safely isolated or rerouted as part of the project. The exact work required will depend on what's discovered during the assessment and opening-up process.
Will cracks appear after an RSJ installation?
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Minor cosmetic cracking can sometimes occur as materials settle following structural work, particularly around newly plastered areas.
However, significant, widening or persistent cracks should not simply be assumed to be normal. They may warrant further investigation.
Wall Away provides a six-week post-project inspection as part of our service.
Still Have a Question About Your Structural Project?
Every property is different.
The age and construction of your home, previous alterations, the direction of floor joists, loads above the wall and even work carried out decades ago can affect what's required today.
That's why the best structural solution starts with understanding the property rather than simply choosing a beam or knocking down a wall.
Wall Away provides load-bearing wall removal, RSJ installation, chimney removal, structural openings and wall removal surveys across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and North London.
From the initial site assessment through structural calculations, steel installation and Building Control, our team can manage the structural work from start to finish.
Have a wall or structural alteration you're unsure about? Contact Wall Away to arrange a free site survey and quotation.