How to Remove a Wall

Changing the layout of a house is a common step in the remodeling process. Quite often to accomplish this task, you must remove a wall. Follow these steps to safely remove that old wall from your house so you can begin your remodeling project.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Drop cloths
• Protective eyewear
• Dust mask
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Saw

Instructions

1. Determine if the wall is a load-bearing wall before you begin any project. If it's load-bearing, you must take special precautions to support the house frame. Locate any plumbing, ductwork or electrical wiring that you may have to work around.

2. Close off the rest of the house from the demolition area by hanging sheets of plastic with duct tape. Put drop cloths down to protect the floors. Cut the power to that wall.

3. Put on your protective gear. Pry the moldings from the baseboard. Remove drywall by punching a hole between studs with a hammer. Use a pry bar to pull the pieces off the studs. Remove all the surface material from both sides of the wall back to the first stud. Remember to remove all the nails from the studs as well.

4. Double-check to make sure the electrical outlets are dead and that the water is off. Remove the old wiring and plumbing. Cap plumbing and terminate circuits. If you're unfamiliar with this process, contact a professional electrician or plumber.

5. Use a saw to cut through all the studs. Make a cut a few inches from the floor. Twist the studs out of the top plate. Use a hammer to knock the short pieces from the floor plate. Pull out any remaining nails.

6. Cut the top plate and floor plate flush with the adjoining walls. Pull out the boards and nails. Your old wall is down now, and you can begin your remodeling project.