How to remove a non-load bearing wall

Not an easy DIY task; make sure that before you start, the wall you're removing is definitely non-load bearing! Do not mess about with any wiring on your own - you'll need to get a professional in to help you with this.

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

• Sheets
• Dust mask
• Hard hat
• Goggles
• Electrical tapes
• Chisel
• Crow bar
• Claw hammer
• Bin
   

The steps to follow

Note:
You'll need to consider utilities such as electrical, cable, telephone and plumbing wiring that run through the walls. Your safest bet will be to hire an electrician to "cap off" the wiring.

1. Cover your floor with used sheets and make sure the room is well ventilated.
2. Wear your dust mask, hard hat and safety goggles before you start work. Prepare a large dustbin for all your rubbish.
3. Turn off your electric current.
4. Get an electrician to disconnect all wires and put electrical tapes over the ends.
5. To avoid nearby walls and ceilings from getting pulled off while you remove the wall, first cut along corners of the plaster wall.
6. Smash the plaster with a hammer. Then use a claw hammer to pull off the lathe.
7. Make sure a recommended and qualified electrician removes any electrical lines or boxes in the wall and reroutes the lines.
8. If you find water pipes, you can get a plumber to cut and cap them or reroute them or do this yourself.

Note:
Rerouting waste water pipes is a more complicated procedure. We recommend that you get a professional plumber in to do the job.

9. Remove studs by loosening them from the bottom plate with a hammer and twist them from the top. You can also saw through and twist the top and bottom half separately.
10. Pry off the top and bottom plate with a crow bar.
11. Remove all remaining parts of the wall with hammer and clean out the debris normally.
12. When you're finished, proceed with the next step of your project.