One fewer wall
Our renovation project began with the demolition of a wall.
The space next to the kitchen was divided between a small dining nook (which connected with the living room) and a tiny laundry room. The new floorplan gives us room for a large dining table, and it opens up the back windows to the living space.
Knocking down a wall was easier than I anticipated:
- A structural engineer checked to make sure it wasn't a shear wall (it wasn't).
- We applied for permits from the city, including the engineer's drawings.
- Drywall came down in a cloud of dust.
- Contractor added a new header beam (the opening in the ceiling) and an extra column for support through the foundation.
- Contractor removed the framing and now-unnecessary beams from the original wall.
It took about two weeks total, once we were able to schedule the structural engineer. We now need to move the lighting, repair the hardwood, and install a glass back door to let in sunshine.
