Cost to remove load-bearing column and half wall? (for sale, how much)

[riverrtp]

Does anyone have a rough idea of what it would cost to remove a load-bearing column and a half wall in a two story house in the Triangle? Are we talking $2000, $10,000, $20,000? We would replace the flooring at the same time, so that cost would not need to be included. Thanks!

[BC1960]

Closer to $10,000 than $2,000.

[cheapdad00]

Originally Posted by riverrtp

Does anyone have a rough idea of what it would cost to remove a load-bearing column and a half wall in a two story house in the Triangle? Are we talking $2000, $10,000, $20,000? We would replace the flooring at the same time, so that cost would not need to be included. Thanks!

I would think between 2 and 10k if hired out and permitted. If permitted, you would potentially need architect or structural engineer to sign off on plans, reinforce floor under endpoints of new beam and then installation of new beam and all the finish work. How much flooring you were going to replace would be greatest impact to cost. Also, if you were ok with the support being below the floor joists as you have drawn, it will be much cheaper than if you make the beam flush with the ceiling.

[riverrtp]

This is helpful, thank you both!

[dedratermi]

I agree it's probably close to $10k. Looks like you'll need some electrical work also. Structural engineer and permits alone will probably be $800+

[BoBromhal]

yes, I'd estimate between 7K and 10K, closer to 10K. An engineer is going to be <$1K, permits < $1K (really could be close to $1K total for both), demolition about $1K. any crawlspace loads the engineer figures need help, that's about $1K - $1.5K per point (2 of them). Then it's a matter of how big and how long the new beam needs to be.

[twingles]

i agree with the others, closer to $10K. We had a non load bearing wall removed and that was closer to $2K. We had other stuff done at the same time so can't remember exact amounts.

[919 rtp]

While you are removing walls, take out the wall in front of the stairs. I'll assume it is a load bearing wall, but I don't like the look of the blocked stairs.

[riverrtp]

Thanks everyone. This is actually a house for sale that we're looking at this afternoon. 919 rtp, I totally agree about the wall blocking the stairs. This gives me an idea of how much money we'd have to spend to alter the layout (on top of the asking price).

[Bpobill]

Not even close to $10k. I guess you can hire the most expensive contractor in the world, or find someone more reasonable. Permitted, structural engineer, and everything you can get it done for under $5,000. That includes finishing the sheetrock around the new support as well. I have rehabbed homes top to bottom and have removed several load bearing and non load bearing walls. My current home had three walls removed. If there is electrical in that half wall and you have a crawl space you can move it somewhere else but that wont cost you much. Couple hundred bucks maybe.