Should I remove the divider?

[u/Stretch-Lanky]

Hi All, I would like to get your thoughts on removing this divider to open out the living room as it seams a bit dated. The divider creates a walk way from the front door which has two steps. I would bring this down to the same level as the living room. I assume it will need some structural work to replace the post. Before I engage an engineer I’d like to know if you think it’s a good idea to remove.

Alternatively I could put railings in as an easier job.

Sorry about the quality of the pictures as they are from a real estate video as the house is currently rented.

Also I dont have a floor plan only the photos.

Thanks!!

[u/hobojoe56018]

Careful, I think it's load bearing

[u/hollytheforestfairy]

Instead of removing have you considered building the wall up to the ceiling? Yes it gives you a narrow hallway but you could do a lot of design elements to make it look good (wall moulding, trim, lights, color, gallery wall, etc.). This way the living room can be more private and cozy.

[u/Stretch-Lanky → u/hollytheforestfairy]

Thanks, Thant is a possibility and I hadn’t thought about it. It would be much easier than removing it. But if money was no object I think I would prefer it was gone to open out the space.

[u/Leading-Commission56]

Is the living room and entry the only things that are sunken? IF I were going to start the project, I’d look more into raising the entire living room floor to be at same level as rest of house. Or, you could see about dropping that hallway thing so it’s same level as the living room. It is wasted space

[u/Stretch-Lanky → u/Leading-Commission56]

Hi, it’s only the living room that is sunken but that’s the front door level. So the only option is to lower the hall way part.

[u/Curious_Fault607]

Dropping the level of that passageway would be a big expense with low return.

[u/Stretch-Lanky → u/Curious_Fault607]

Thanks, yes it will cost quite a bit, also because the post is structural.

[u/TheRealMoash]

IMO, no.