Adelaide has some of the most beautiful homes in South Australia, including Victorian and Edwardian cottages, bungalows, and brick veneer homes from the 1960s and 70s.
While these homes are a testament to the building skills of Australians, they don’t quite measure up to what we consider to be beautiful or desirable interiors.
If you are like most people who prefer open-plan living, which is a newer concept, you’ll find older homes dark and dreary, especially those that have never been remodeled.
This doesn’t mean you have to sell your current home to enjoy more open living spaces. Removing walls is a very real possibility, becoming more popular every year.
Wall Removal Experts SA wants to provide you with information so you can make a more informed decision.
Understanding Structural Walls in South Australian Homes
For many South Australian homeowners, it’s important to understand structural walls since many buildings were built decades ago (some even built more than a century ago).
Structural walls or load-bearing walls support the weight (load) of roofs, upper floors, floor joists resting on them, and the main house itself.
Many of these walls are made of solid masonry or double brick, while others are made of timber frame and drywall.
Removing load-bearing walls without distributing the weight to another form of support is a recipe for disaster. The entire house can, quite literally, fall around your head if your contractor doesn’t take proper measures.
This is why identifying whether a wall is load-bearing or simply a divider is super important, especially in homes with multiple storeys.
What Makes a Wall Structural or Load-Bearing?
As we mentioned above, a structural wall, sometimes called a load-bearing wall, is what supports the weight of the building itself.
Imagine a car. The tyres support the frame. The frame supports the engine and seats. You could remove the doors, and the car would still be fine, since doors do not support any weight other than their own.
Now, imagine removing a tyre.
Removing a load-bearing wall without distributing that weight elsewhere not only violates local building codes, but it can also cause sagging floors, ceilings,.
You are compromising safety standards anytime you remove a wall without first determining if it is a load-bearing one.
How Engineers Determine if a Wall Can be Removed
To determine whether a building has load-bearing or non-load bearing walls, engineers use a systematic approach.
First, if there are any original building plans, those are helpful in identifying partition walls and load-bearing walls.
By inspecting the roof, many engineers can determine a load-bearing wall by looking at the rafters and ceiling joists,
Engineers also look at the construction material, the thickness of the wall, and whether lintels or beams are present.
This assessment will determine not only whether it is a load-bearing wall or not but also helps to identify where the weight can be redistributed in case the wall to be removed is load bearing.
Common Misconceptions about Removing Internal Walls
Some DIYers have some common misconceptions when it comes to removing walls, such as:
- If it’s an internal wall, it can’t be a load–bearing wall- This isn’t true. Many internal walls are load-bearing walls supporting the weight of ceilings and roofs.
- If it’s not a brick wall, it isn’t a load-bearing wall- Timber-framed walls can and do support weight and structural stability.
- We can just add a beam later if we want to- This isn’t a matter of want but need. When a load-bearing wall is removed, the weight must be shifted to temporary supports or a new support beam. This isn’t optional!
- No one will see it- council approval isn’t necessary- Major structural changes almost always require council approval and must comply with building regulations.
- DIY will save you tons of money- While this might be true in the short run, imagine the costs if part of your home collapses because of a lack of support.
Any internal wall removal must be carefully planned, point loads identified, and support beams or support systems designed. Also, you’ll need to obtain permits as required.
Safety, Approvals, and Compliance Requirements in SA
Sadly, many homeowners believe that removing a load-bearing wall is just a simple demolition task – grab a sledgehammer and get to it! That’s a recipe for structural damage to any renovation project.
South Australia building regulations consider any wall removal, whether structural or non-structural, to be a regulated building alteration.
A structural engineer or licensed builder can assess whether the wall is load-bearing or not. You must have a detailed plan, building development approval, and all the necessary permits.
As a part of the approval process, most engineers will submit beam specifications, design details (such as where they plan to move electrical wiring or outlets), with proper documentation, inspections, and certifications.
Everything must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC), as well as local council requirements.
These laws might sound like a lot of red tape, but they were put in place to protect homeowners from unscrupulous builders.
This also protects homeowners by confirming that the wall removal process is legally compliant, structurally sound, and safe for current and future occupants.
When Must You Call a Licensed Wall Removal Specialist
While there are many tasks that a homeowner can do themselves, any wall removal should involve a licensed wall removal specialist.
Getting a professional involved is essential especially when the home is constructed of brick, has brick interior walls, and lacks the original building plans.
You will need a structural engineer for your wall renovation if other features run inside the wall, such as ventilation, gas lines, or electrical wiring.
Don’t cut corners when it comes to wall removal. People’s safety is non-negotiable.
Call Wall Removal Experts SA – No Call-Out Fee!
If you’re considering having one or more walls removed in your home, you would be wise to call a professional, such as the team at Wall Removal Experts SA.
We specialise in all types of wall removals, offering safe and compliant work done in accordance to the NCC and Australian standards.
We never charge a call-out fee, so you can get a free estimate and solid advice with zero obligation.
You owe it to yourself and your family to make your home not just beautiful but safe as well.
Call Wall Removal Experts SA today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to remove a load-bearing wall in SA?
A: Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of the wall, the materials used on the wall, and the presence of items (electrical wiring, plumbing, vent pipes, gas lines, etc.) that need to be rerouted.
Q: Do I need an engineer to remove a structural wall in Adelaide?
A: In almost all cases, yes, you will. You must have engineering documentation for building permits and approval.
Q: Do I need planning permission to remove a structural wall if I live in Adelaide?
A: Removing a structural wall requires a planning permission and building approval. You will need an engineer to present engineering documentation, inspections before and after work has been completed, and a certificate of completion.
If this sounds confusing, call Wall Removal Experts SA for a free estimate. We also take care of all permits and planning so you don’t have to!
Q: Can a structural wall be removed in Adelaide?
A: Yes, it can, but you will need a structural engineer for load-bearing wall removal. This will ensure the structural integrity of the building and the safety of its occupants.