28 Aug What to Consider Before Opening Up Walls in Older Homes

Opening up walls in older homes can totally transform your space, bringing in more light and creating a larger, more functional living space. But before you knock down an interior wall, it’s important to consider a few things. No matter how satisfying your demo day promises to be, put aside the sledgehammer and rad on before you take that first swing.

If you’ve ever watched any home improvement and remodeling shows, you know there’s that moment when the host turns to the camera with a look of dread shortly after opening up walls. You know they’ve found something that’s going to create an issue with their project. In fact, opening up walls in homes built before modern codes were in place often results in surprises that turn a weekend project into a lengthy ordeal. Here’s what you need to consider before opening up walls in older homes.

Your First Concern: Potential Structural Issues

The first concern most DIY remodelers have is whether or not the wall is load-bearing. In older homes, this isn’t always obvious just from the position of the wall. Some walls may appear to be decorative, but actually support the floors or roof framing above them. In fact, many mid-century homes have structures that use a method called “balloon framing.” Using this method meant walls often spanned two stories, with support relying on interior ledger boards that rested on different interior walls. 

If you’re not sure, it’s wise to consult a professional contractor or engineer before opening up walls. These professionals know what to look for in terms of structural support and framing joists, and will examine your walls right down to the foundation. Hiring a professional to consult on this matter saves you time and money in the long run. Removing a structural support wall can cause floors and ceilings to sag, or, worse yet, collapse. 

Opening Up Walls May Reveal Hidden Utilities

Most older homes have been renovated and remodeled piecemeal over their lifetime. Sometimes opening up walls reveals more than you expected in terms of utilities. You may uncover old gas lines for fixtures that were removed, old wiring, cast-iron plumbing, and HVAC ductwork added after a prior renovation. 

Armed with any available blueprints and a good stud finder with wire and pipe detection, you can usually determine that something is behind the wall before you take a whack at it. If your budget allows, having a plumber or an electrician do a walk-through can help immensely. Those hidden utilities in our wall can end up taking a chunk out of your budget.

Hazardous Materials are Common in Older Homes

Asbestos is common in the plaster, vinyl flooring, and insulation in homes built before 1980. Additionally, before 1978, lead-based paints were also common. There are regulations in place that you must adhere to when you encounter these deadly materials. Messing with either one without taking the proper precautions presents a pretty big health risk. Professional contractors won’t proceed with your project until you’ve had a sample of your materials tested, and you shouldn’t either. If either substance is present, abatement (removal) by licensed professionals is required.

Is it Mold?

When opening up walls in older homes, many Quad Cities homeowners discover what may be hazardous mold. If you find what appears to be mold when you begin knocking down your wall, stop immediately. Seal off the area with plastic sheeting to prevent spores from escaping,  and wear protective gear like an N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses. Contact a licensed plumber or, preferably, an IICRC-certified mold specialist, especially if the area appears larger than 10 feet.

Plaster versus Drywall

The use of drywall didn’t come into fashion until the post-war housing boom of the 1940s and 50s. It took less skill to install drywall than lath-and-plaster walls. If your home predates the World War II boom, then you may have plaster walls. These walls can make for a difficult demo day. They crack unpredictably, sometimes beyond where you intended. They create quite a lot of dust, are much heavier, and removal takes longer than it does with drywall. Opening up walls that are plaster is a very big project in terms of time and debris. You will need to plan accordingly.

Permits and Code Compliance 

Interior renovations may require a permit, especially if entryways are affected (‘means of egress’ in code language), or a load-bearing wall or ventilation is involved. Skipping this step isn’t wise. When you sell your home in the future, the required inspection will uncover your unpermitted structural work, which could result in fines and negate any sales transactions.

Be sure to budget for permits, and possible inspections for code compliance.

Before Opening Up Walls in Your Older Home, Contact Us

,permits

Ideally, you’ll make sure your budget has some wiggle room for any unforeseen issues you find when opening up walls in your older home. The best way to ensure that? Speak with the professionals at Seiffert Building Supplies before you start your project. We have project management on site who are more than happy to assist our Quad Cities neighbors with their renovation projects. Please contact us today.

Image: Pexels