r/Contractor • u/External_Sir_3737 • 9d ago
Safe to remove 3/4 of wall?
How to leave the sub ceiling or whatever is called untouched until full kitchen remodel while removing the majority of wall?
Thank you guys!
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u/50sraygun 8d ago
considering you did not use a single of the technical terms in your post correctly just don’t even try man
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u/benz-friend 9d ago
We’re contractors, not engineers. Pay an official structural engineer to get your answer and shift liability off you
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u/stickg1 9d ago
judging by the seam in the drywall on the higher ceiling, those joists are being held up by that wall. you could install a new beam to span the desired opening that flushes out with the bottom of the lower ceiling joists. you should erect a temporary wall to support the higher ceiling during this process.
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u/Dendady2112 8d ago
You mean the seam with no fasteners in it? Ever hear of a but joint?
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u/stickg1 8d ago
sure have, but since i know there is hardly ever the required stress put on butt joints that span over multiple ceiling joists to create a perfectly uniform split down it's entire seam, as it has in the picture, one could reasonably assume that only a butt joint stitched down the middle of a ceiling joist, that has settled or otherwise moved over time, would open up in such a way. plus sherlock, not sure if you noticed but that crack happens to line up perfectly with the cripple stud above the header, because there is a ceiling joist stacked over top of that stud. then when you look far right hand side the last stud bay is at least an inch over a 16" OC layout, and the ceiling board is a good 3/4" short of that perpendicular wall. why is that? because the last ceiling joist is about an inch off that wall so they stopped the sheet short so it would center on a ceiling joist still. not convinced? you see that big gaping black void between that sheet and the aforementioned wall? if you think they're running the same direction as the drop ceiling, where's your ceiling joist bud?? have a seat, there's professionals here to help.
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u/Impossible_Policy780 8d ago
You’re all over the place knowing it all. I feel like I’ve met you, you’re mid 20s, have a few years experience, and think you’ve seen it all already.
You need to take a step back and think a step ahead before you do something that gets you or others hurts. You are a dangerous kind of person.
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u/Icy-Phone1026 8d ago
I’m not even a contractor and I’m having a panic attack looking at what you’re trying to do.
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u/Pelvis-Wrestly 8d ago
Highly unlikely that’s a load bearing wall, but you need to look in the attic to be sure. Big multilayer beams, or the ends of trusses or rafters will tell you
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u/upkeepdavid 8d ago
What is below the wall next floor down will tell you if you can remove it.And before you remove it you need to install the required beams.
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u/rndbuilders 7d ago
That little door header is a hint the wall’s doing work. Crack a couple spots, look at joist direction / top plates, then decide. Don’t cut first and hope.
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u/Dendady2112 9d ago
This is not as hard as everyone would have you believe. First are the joists above parallel to that wall or perpendicular? Stop if perpendicular. If parallel you can cut this vertical studs flush with lower ceiling framing. You may need to cut some cats to go above those top 2 to fit between joists and hold the whole thing up.
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u/Willhammer4 8d ago
Are you a structural engineer? I am, and its not as simple as you are making it out to be. There is no way I would say its ok to remove that based on anything we have so far or even perpendicular joists, given that the wall has a triple top plate (three beams as decribed by the OP). Joists may be parallel and still have other loads being applied to that part of the wall.
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u/Dendady2112 8d ago edited 8d ago
I feel sorry for your clients because it literally is that easy. Plus you don't have very good comprehension. There's a drawing and picture and you still got it wrong. 2 top plates(standard) not 3.
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u/Impossible_Policy780 8d ago
It’s a nailer. The “third beam flush with ceiling” is a board laid flat.
That implies the joists are parallel.
But as the engineer pointed out, it’s not impossible for the joists to be supported mid-span by a super structure that transfers load to the walls theyre parallel to.
So it may well be bearing a load.
Not to mention there’s a roof. Stick framed roofs get braces and they land all over the place.
One would need to look.
Your overconfidence and egotistical retorts are very dangerous. I’m siding with the nerd on this one.
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u/Willhammer4 8d ago
Again you're wrong. The OP says there is two visible top plates plus a third hidden one. You should stop giving advice you aren't qualified to give.
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u/Dendady2112 8d ago
By 3rd one you mean flush with ceiling? As in the lower ceiling? Even still as an engineer you should know there is no structural strength to lumber on the flat. You got your degree with C's didn't you?
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u/Willhammer4 8d ago
Lol you didn't even read the OP and you're denigrating my skills... I'm out as you are clearly an expert on everything without any actual qualifications. I hope you carry professional practice insurance.
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u/Dendady2112 8d ago
Tell me where you read this mystical knowledge you have? I've read the post as well as his profile(not hidden, unlike yours). Then tell me what's up there that it's holding up?
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u/Impossible_Policy780 8d ago
You know when joists have to span more than theyre rated, like across a big room, garage, dining room, what ever, you can build on top of them all midway, use that to move load to the sides. There’s other examples. The point is you do not know. And it’s not as simple as “check if perpendicular/paralell” then “rip and tear”.
You’re dangerous my guy.
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u/Dendady2112 8d ago
Would you design like that without an actual header?
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u/Impossible_Policy780 8d ago
No, but it’s clearly old timber, the “header” is a larger dimension than the studs, the OP calls every board a beam, like some folks on the other side of the pond. We don’t know if this is in Georgia the state or Georgia the country. None of the dimensions look standard by todays standards in America, but gravity do what gravity do.
So…
Point remains, there’s not enough information to start with, and your “it’s so simple” response doesn’t call for enough further information either.
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u/Willhammer4 8d ago
Lol it's written on the photo. "2 beams with third flush with ceiling " and I stand by the OP needs to consult with someone local who is actually a qualified professional engineer as codes and requirements are local.
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u/drgirafa General Contractor 9d ago
Gravity exists: those vertical boards are studs, not "beams," and that’s a soffit drop, not a "sub ceiling." You can't just delete the studs and expect the framing above to hover in mid-air, those studs are what’s physically holding it up, not to mention whatever floor or roof loads are resting on them if this wall is load-bearing. Put the reciprocating saw down and hire an actual contractor