COST GUIDES
Load-bearing wall removal costs 2026 (UK)
Updated 03/26
There’s no better way to transform a space than removing a wall. And the job can even be completed in as little as two days – with the right professional.
Fast Facts
The average cost to remove a load bearing wall ranges from £1,250–£1,750
An RSJ will cost around £800–£950
A structural engineer costs approximately £200 per visit
Removing walls can open up so many possibilities. From creating a light and airy open-plan layout, to building an extension.
Here, we'll break down the costs involved in removing an internal load-bearing wall with the help of trusted professionals.
How much does it cost to remove a load bearing wall in the UK?
| Load bearing wall removal costs | Unit | Cost +VAT (low range) | Cost +VAT (high range) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single doorway (approx. 1m) | Per project | - | - | £1,085 |
| Double doorway (approx. 2m) | Per project | - | - | £1,525 |
| Large open plan (around 4m) | Per project | - | - | £2,700 |
| Rolled steel joist (RSJ) – material cost | Per m | £140 | £325 | £232.50 |
| Lintel Beams (concrete) | Per lintel | £7.90 | £165 | £86.45 |
| Lintel Beams (steel) | Per lintel | £8.50 | £730 | £370 |
| Lintel Beams (steel cavity) | per lintel | £34 | £650 | £342 |
| Knocking through kitchen and dining room | Per project | £1,500 | ||
| Last updated: March 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
The average cost of knocking down a load-bearing wall can range from £1,250–£1,750
RSJs typically cost around £232.50 per metre
Installing structural supports normally cost in the region of £800–£950
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How to tell if a wall is load bearing?
Outside walls are usually load bearing, but identifying an internal load bearing wall is less simple.
Here's the important things to know about load bearing walls before you start your project:
They support the floor or roof above and are integral for the property's structure
You'll need to install a support to prop up parts of the building
Even partial walls can contain microlam beams that make them load bearing
That's why any load bearing wall removal job must begin with the help of a structural engineer or professional builder.
How to tell if a wall is load bearing
Want to open up your home by knocking down a wall? You will need to know how to tell if a wall is load bearing. With signs to look for plus safety and legal tips.
What affects wall removal costs?
1. Size of the wall
The size of the wall you want to remove or the opening you're looking to create in the wall will have a big impact on your overall cost. Here's some size comparisons:
Size of a single doorway (around 1m) is likely to cost in the region of £1,085
Size of a double doorway (roughly 2m) will cost around £1,525
A larger opening (around 4m) is approximately £2,700
2. Lintel & RSJ beam installation costs
RSJs are the most popular steel beams used in construction today. Meanwhile, lintels can support your doors and windows for smaller jobs:
RSJs typically cost £232.50 per metre
A concrete lintel will cost roughly £86.45
A steel lintel will cost in the region of £342 - £370
An experienced structural engineer will be able to tell you exactly what structures you need to support your new opening.
3. Structural engineer fees
Before removing a wall, you should have it inspected by a builder or structural engineer to confirm whether the wall is load bearing. Plus, they'll identify any electrical or plumbing issues that could affect the job.
A structural engineer or builder will charge approximately £200 per visit.
4. Party wall agreement costs
If the load bearing wall you're removing is adjacent to a party wall (a shared wall with a neighbour), then the RSJ will need to be placed within this party wall. This means you'll need a party wall agreement:
A party wall agreement typically costs around £1,525
If a party wall surveyor is needed (because you can't reach an agreement with your neighbours), you're looking at around £1,000 for a party wall award
Don't forget, once the work is complete, you'll need to fix any damage to your neighbour's home at your own expense as well. Always make sure to take photos of both sides of the party wall to avoid any disputes.
5. Waste removal
You'll be surprised how much waste knocking down a wall can produce. Waste removal is usually included in your wall removal quote.
But if not, waste removal is usually around £200.
6. Labour costs
Keen to know what load bearing wall removal hourly rates are? On average, you're looking at paying an hourly rate of roughly £62.50 - £94.
That said, you'll most likely be given an overall price rather than an hourly rate.
7. Building regulations approval
Once the work is complete, you'll need apply for a completion certificate from the building control body. A completion certificate costs around £250–£450.
This will make it easier to sell your property in the future. It will also give you peace of mind that all work has been properly certified.
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Hidden costs to consider
When it comes to removing a load bearing wall, it's easy to forget some of the costs to finish the job. Such as:
1. Making good
First things first, once your load bearing wall has been removed, you'll need to 'make good' the space. This might include:
Levelling the floor – For example, screeding is £33 per m² (materials and labour)
Fixing any sagging ceilings
Replacing your flooring so that it can run seamlessly across your new space
Decorating – For example, a painter and decorators typically charge around £325 per day.
2. Moving radiators and switches
Often, the wall you're removing will have radiators, plug sockets or light switches on it. In this case, you'll need to move them to a new location:
Moving a radiator to another wall starts at around £275
Moving or installing a new light switch will cost around £150 - £200
Moving a plug socket will cost in the region of £150
3. Open plan renovation cost
Knocking through the kitchen and dining room wall can cost more than some other projects. This is because you'll be potentially rerouting pipework, plumbing, and electrics.
On average, the cost to knock down a load bearing wall between a kitchen and dining room is £1,500.
Load bearing wall removal cost calculator
To calculate the average cost to remove a load bearing wall, why not give our free interactive cost calculator below a try based on your wall size?
Job Estimate Calculator
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How to save money when removing a load bearing wall
Removing a load bearing wall is a big investment, we get it. While the structural work should always be left to professionals, you may be able to save money by:
Doing the painting and finishing yourself
Consider buying a reclaimed RSJ beam (with guidance from your builder or engineer)
Sharing skip hire (if a neighbour is also doing renovation work)
Combine work with a larger renovation to lump together setup and labour costs (ike renovating a kitchen or living space)
Keep the opening smaller (which means a smaller steel beam and less structural work)
Choose an exposed beam (less structural work and plastering needed)
Get at least three quotes from local tradespeople so you can compare prices and find a fair deal
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Find load-bearing wall removal specialists near you
Removing a load-bearing wall is a safety-critical job. That's why choosing a reliable builder matters.
Search your postcode to compare professional builders and engineers working in your local area and request quotes with confidence.
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Checklist (load bearing wall removal costs)
Your building project may require several different skills, but at Checkatrade, we've got you covered. Find checked and reviewed plumbers, electricians, plasterers, carpenters, and more, all in one handy place, all committed to quality and a job done right.
Load bearing wall removal FAQS
What does removing a load bearing wall involve?
Removing a load bearing wall requires careful planning and professional structural support. The process usually involves the following steps:
Inspection – A builder or structural engineer confirms if the wall is load bearing and checks for pipes or electrics
Preparation – Furniture is cleared, dust protection added (a must!), and services like electrics or radiators disconnected
Temporary supports – Props are installed to support the structure above the wall
Install structural beam – Builders cut the opening and install padstones and a steel beam (usually an RSJ
Remove the wall – The masonry is demolished once the beam is secure
Make good and clear up – The beam is sealed, the area plastered, and debris removed
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How long does it take to remove a load bearing wall?
All in all, it usually takes around two to three days to remove a load bearing wall:
The first two days will usually be spent installing the RSJ, removing the existing wall and taking away any waste
Then plaster and finishing can be done on the next day
Any electrical or plumbing work needed will add extra time
How much does it cost to replace a load bearing wall?
The easiest and cheapest way to replace a load bearing wall is with a stud partition wall, which costs around £100–£150 per m².
Do I need planning permission to remove a load bearing wall?
No, you won't need planning permission to remove an internal load bearing wall unless you live in a listed building.
Do I need building regulations to remove a load bearing wall?
Yes. Building regulations approval is usually required when removing a load-bearing wall because it affects the structural stability of your home.
Your builder will often help arrange building control approval, but it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure the work complies with regulations.
Do you need a structural engineer to remove a load-bearing wall?
Yes. In most cases, you’ll need a structural engineer before removing a load-bearing wall.
They will:
Confirm whether the wall is structural
Calculate the size of the steel support beam (RSJ) required
Provide structural calculations for building regulations approval
How much of a load-bearing wall can be removed without a beam?
Wondering if you can partially remove a load bearing wall? In most cases, none of a load-bearing wall should be removed without structural support.
Removing sections without a beam can cause structural damage. A structural engineer will determine what's best.
Is removing a load-bearing wall expensive?
It can be a significant project, but it’s often more affordable than homeowners expect.
Just remember, the final price depends on factors such as wall size, labour, finishing work, and structural complexity.
Is removing a load-bearing wall safe?
Yes, removing a load-bearing wall is safe when carried out by experienced professionals, such as qualified engineers and professional builders.
Attempting to remove a structural wall without proper support can risk serious structural damage, so professional advice is essential.
Is removing a load-bearing wall worth it?
Removing a load-bearing wall can significantly improve how a home feels and functions. Benefits include:
Creating open-plan living spaces
Improving natural light
Making rooms feel larger and more connected
Potentially increasing property appeal and value
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