Last updated on November 15th, 2022
How much does it cost to remove a load bearing wall?

Fast Facts
- Average prices range from £1,250 – £1,750 to remove a load bearing wall
- Engineers and builders cost approximately £200 per visit
- RSJs will cost around £800 – £950
From creating a light and airy open plan layout, to building an extension, or even turning two small rooms into one that’s right for you, removing a load bearing wall massively expands the design opportunities for your home.
Below, we’ve researched the cost to remove a load bearing internal wall along with our top tips on how to save money during your home renovation
Average cost of removing a load bearing wall
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 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
The most commonly removed walls are those between the kitchen, dining room and living room, as well as external walls for conservatories. On average, prices range from £1,250 – £1,750 remove the wall and £800 – £950 to install structural supports.
Load bearing wall removal cost calculator
To calculate the cost of removing a load bearing wall you’ll need to take into account the size of the wall/space involved and the supporting structures that will be affected by removing the wall. It’s best to get professional construction experts to assess the wall (ideally a structural engineer) and provide you with quotes for the work.
Load bearing wall removal quote
We recommend obtaining at least three quotes from our trusted tradespeople. Our post a job feature is perfect for getting quotes – you post details about the job you want doing and we’ll send it out to local tradespeople in your area. Try it out.
Load bearing wall removal hourly rates
When you’re budgeting for removing a load bearing wall, you’ll most likely be given prices for the job rather than an hourly rate. As mentioned, the average cost of removing a load bearing wall in the UK is in the region of £1,250 – £1,750.
What is a load bearing wall?
Load bearing walls support the floor or roof above, whilst non-load bearing walls only support themselves. While external walls are usually load bearing, identifying an internal load bearing wall isn’t as simple as knocking on it and checking for a hollow sound. Even partial walls can contain microlam beams that make them load bearing.
The best way to identify a load bearing wall is with a structural engineer or professional builder.
What does removing a load bearing wall involve?
Prior to removing a wall, you should have it inspected by a builder or structural engineer to identify any electrical or plumbing issues and whether the wall is load bearing. Engineers and builders cost approximately £200 per visit.
Once you’ve agreed to go ahead then the space should be cleared of any furniture or decorations and a dust screen put up (trust us when we say, dust gets everywhere!). Then, any electrics should be disconnected and plumbing such as radiators should be removed.
With both rooms now cleared, a temporary support can be installed to prop up the masonry above the room. An opening will be cut, where padstones and a supporting beam will be fitted – typically a rolled steel joist (RSJ). The RSJ will either be recessed into the ceiling for a seamless transition between the rooms, or protrude into the room, which can be a design feature in itself.
The wall is then knocked down, and the temporary supports are taken out. You’re now left with the new opening and the RSJ, which is dry-packed and covered. Lastly, the waste is removed, and any dust is extracted.
What factors affect the cost of knocking down a load bearing wall?
Your load bearing wall removal cost will depend on the size of the job. A single doorway sized space (approx. 1m) can cost around £1,085; a double doorway sized space (approx. 2m) around £1,525; and a larger open plan space (around 4m) around £2,700.
There’s also the cost of the supporting structures. RSJs cost around £232.50 per metre, whilst lintels (to support doors and windows) range from £86.45 per lintel for concrete lintels and £342 – £370 for steel lintels.
Waste removal is typically included in the price quoted, but if not, then it will cost around £200 to remove any waste.
How long does it take to remove a load bearing wall?
All in all, it usually takes around 2 to 3 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. Additional days will be required for any electrical or plumbing work.
How much does it cost to replace a load bearing wall?
If you change your mind or later want to change the layout, then you can replace the internal load bearing wall that has been removed with a stud partition wall. This is the cheapest solution, as the load is already being borne by the RSJ.
To replace a load bearing wall costs around £100 - £150 per sqm.
Adding a new door costs around £70.
Knocking through kitchen and dining room cost
One way to really open up the space in a home is to remove the load bearing wall between a kitchen and dining room. This means you can entertain your guests whilst cooking for them, or feel part of family conversations whilst cooking a meal. You can even rearrange your kitchen to take advantage of the space, adding a kitchen island or breakfast bar.
Knocking through the kitchen and dining room wall costs more than some other projects due to the extra risk of pipework, plumbing and electrics that will need to be rerouted. On average, removing the wall between a kitchen and dining room costs £1,500.
Do I need planning permission to remove a load bearing wall?
No, planning permission is not required unless you live in a listed building. You may need to apply for a building notice from your local council or a private building control body. This will also give you the reassurance that all fire regulations will still be adhered to.
Completion certificate
Once the work is complete, it’s highly recommended you apply for a completion certificate from the building control body. This will make it easier to sell the property and will give you peace of mind that all work has been properly certified. A completion certificate costs around £250 - £450.
If the load bearing wall to be removed is adjacent to a party wall (a shared wall with a neighbour), then the RSJ will need to be placed within this wall. As this wall is also owned by your neighbour, you’ll need their agreement to do this. Therefore, a party wall agreement will be required.
Party wall agreement
Arranging a party wall agreement costs around £100. This can rise to over £1,000 if they refuse and both parties are in dissent, requiring structural engineers to reach an agreement on the works. Once works are completed, if your neighbours’ home is impacted, you will need to fix it at your own expense as well. It’s important to have photos taken of both sides of the party wall in order to avoid any disputes.
Additional costs to consider
With the wall removed, the remaining costs include any work done to make good the space. This could include levelling out the floor and ceiling where the two rooms meet, fixing any sagging ceilings, replacing flooring and any other decorating work.
If you removed a radiator or no longer feel the existing radiators are enough to heat the space, it costs around £300 for a new radiator to be installed, with new pipework adding to the cost. Moving light switches and sockets will cost an additional £150 – £250.
Key takeaways for calculating load bearing wall removal costs
- Removing a load bearing wall is a great way to open up a space or create new spaces with an extension.
- It’s not easy to tell whether a wall is loading bearing, so be sure to consult with a specialist.
- The main costs are to knock down the wall and to install an RSJ to support the masonry above.
- Building notices, party wall agreements and completion certificates may be needed.
- Moving radiators and plugs, as well as any decorating and plastering will also add to the cost.
Checkatrade
Hi Myra, thank you for your comment. To get quotes from tradespeople near you, I recommend filling in our request a quote form. Simply fill it in with details about your job and we'll send it to three tradespeople near you. I hope this helps!
Myra
I wanted to remove the wall from dinning to kitchen looks like wall bearing approx.2meter with have both radiator in both side but I dont think there is no place to put radiator, and there is our switch for the light on one side. Csn you give me quote if I can afford thanks in advance.
Checkatrade
Hi Syeda, if there is an opening with brick or blockwork above, it will need suitable structural support. If you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional - request a quote here and we'll send it on to 3 tradespeople who will be in touch with you.
Syeda
Hi. We have changed our bay window to be squared off and into porch and extended the front. We live in a 1960's terrace house. The original wooden beams are in place, does this still require steel beam or lintel? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Checkatrade
Hi Beverley, thanks for the comment. If you complete our Post a job form we'll send your details on to 4 relevant tradespeople who come recommended by your neighbours. Then they will reach out to you with a quote.
Beverley
1 Half ton of bricks and soil it would be best u come an see it it is a flower bed as we live in a flat
Checkatrade
Hi Rasik, if you're looking to have two load bearing walls removed, I recommend entering your postcode in the search bar to find builders near you. Alternatively, fill out our request a quote form and we will send your job to four tradespeople near you.
Rasik Limbachia
Removal of x2 load bearing wall at ground floor level.