Split Level Kitchen Wall Removal Guide

Opening up the kitchen is often at the top of the list when homeowners start planning renovations for their split level houses. Removing walls to create a more open and airy kitchen provides additional prep space, allows for better traffic flow, and enables the whole family to easily interact while meals are being prepared. However, taking out walls in a home's existing structure requires careful planning and execution.

We'll explore the benefits of opening up the kitchen, important safety considerations before demolishing walls, recommended steps for the removal process, structural changes needed to support the new layout, design ideas for achieving an airy, open concept aesthetic, and tips on maintaining the functionality of your revamped kitchen.

Benefits of Removing Split Level Kitchen Walls

Homeowners decide to take out walls between rooms for good reason - opening up interior spaces offers many advantages. Here are some of the top benefits for removing walls in a split level home's kitchen:

Open Up Space

Eliminating walls helps make small, cramped kitchens feel more spacious. Removing physical barriers gives the illusion of a larger room, allows natural light to permeate deeper into the home, and enables better traffic flow around cooking and prep areas.

Improve Natural Lighting

Increasing natural lighting helps make any space feel more inviting and airy. With fewer walls blocking windows or the entry of natural daylight from other rooms, a kitchen can become brighter and feel more open.

Create Modern, Open Concept

Today's homeowners frequently desire a contemporary, open concept floorplan. Taking down kitchen walls helps achieve this popular aesthetic. Open layouts also facilitate easier conversations and supervision of kids from multiple rooms.

Enhance Home Value

Remodeling projects that open up interior spaces not only provide better livability but also boost resale value. Open concept kitchens are highly desirable to potential home buyers.

Facilitate Entertaining

Removing walls makes kitchens more conducive to hosting parties and accommodating groups. An open layout better connects the kitchen to other living areas to allow for easier mingling of guests.

Evaluate Existing Wall Construction

Before demolishing any walls during a home remodel, it's critical to fully evaluate the existing wall structure. Failure to properly assess load bearing components or overlook what lies inside the walls can cause catastrophic structure failure or injury. Follow these tips:

Identify Load Bearing Walls

Determine if the wall(s) support the weight of anything above it. Load bearing walls in split levels often separate upper and lower levels or support roof rafters. Removing one carelessly can severely undermine structural integrity.

Understand Framing and Drywall

Carefully look inside the wall and take note of how it was constructed. Improper wall removal around framing members or drywall panels can lead to uneven floors, gaps in insulation, or holes.

Check for Plumbing Lines

Kitchen walls frequently house water supply lines, drains and vent stacks. These must be properly disconnected and rerouted before removal.

Look for Electrical Wiring

Various appliance circuits, light fixtures, switches and outlets are often wired inside kitchen walls. All electrical components require safe removal before demolition.

Create Remodeling Plan and Budget

Major structural changes like removing walls necessitate upfront planning regarding required work, projected costs and the installation of replacement structures where needed. Be sure to:

Consult Contractors

Hire qualified contractors to evaluate the job scope and provide accurate estimates. Consult carpenters, plumbers and electricians to coordinate all trades.

Get Required Permits

Secure all necessary permits for structural demolition, electrical, plumbing and any load bearing modifications to ensure code compliance.

Estimate Timeline

Factor adequate project lead times for permitting, sourcing special order items like beams, and scheduling subcontractor work. Wall removal alone may only take a few days but entire projects commonly take 8-12 weeks.

Factor Demolition Costs

Removing walls is messy work. Allow for proper debris disposal fees, potential asbestos abatement, and preliminary cleanup or site containment.

Account for New Lighting/Flooring

With walls coming down, existing lighting layouts and floor finishes may need to change. Be sure to budget for additions like new can lights, transitions between flooring types, etc.

Prepare the Kitchen for Remodeling

Taking all necessary precautions to prepare for a wall removal project prior to demolition prevents damage or dangerous lapses in safety. Steps include:

Protect Surfaces and Appliances

Cover nearby cabinets, countertops, sinks and residue appliances with thick plastic sheeting to guard from dust, debris and potential damage from tools or materials.

Reroute Plumbing and Electrical

Safely cap off, disconnect and divert any water, drain or gas lines as well as lighting, switches and receptacles running inside walls slated for removal.

Shore Up Load Bearing Walls

Temporary structural reinforcements that properly support the weight of ceilings, upper floors and roofs must be in place before altering critical load paths.

Remove Cabinetry if Needed

Kitchen, utility or storage cabinetry directly in front of demolition zones should be dismantled and set aside before work begins for full access.

Taking Down the Wall

Carefully deconstructing walls before removal maintains safety and prevents collateral damage. Follow these tips:

Wear Protective Equipment

Use safety glasses, breathing masks, ear plugs and gloves when taking down walls to prevent injury from debris or tool operation.

Take Safety Precautions

Prevent collapse damage by verifying temporary bracing is secure. Have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit nearby.

Cut Wall Studs

Use a reciprocating saw to slice vertically through wall framing at stud locations to free separate segments for easy removal.

Remove Drywall Panels

Pry drywall sheets off exposed wall studs. Carefully pull insulation away and bag asbestos containing materials separately if encountered.

Dispose Debris Correctly

Sort and haul off generated debris. Arrange covered disposal bins and make multiple transfer trips to avoid overloading piles.

Structural Considerations

Maintaining continuity of structural support after removing walls prevents catastrophic building failure or sagging floors and ceilings over time. Implement reinforcements like:

Install Temporary Support Beam

Erect temporary wooden support beams to replace load bearing walls until permanent steel posts and headers are set.

Reinforce Floors and Roof

Sister-up any engineered joists or rafters left unsupported by an absent wall below and reconnect them securely.

Maintain Insulation Rating

Replace wall insulation equivalently during removal to avoid energy performance gaps or temperature fluctuations indoors.

Preserve Structural Integrity

Work with structural engineers to specify proper sizing of new headers, posts, anchors and spans between to code.

Combine Rooms

With walls open between spaces, finishing work is needed to unify different floor plans. Enhancements include: