Home Plans And Home Designs - Load Bearing wall

I have a 1920's two story two family attached home the width is 18'6" by about 40'. I would like to remove a 15' wall between kitchen and dining room, although this wall runs perpendicular to floor joists they are full length pieces 3x8 old timber running widthwise. The second floor has a similiar set up and the basement has a beam running down the center. The wall I am removing is 2x4 situated sideways and the top header is only a single 2x4 as well. Is this load bearing even though floor joist run continuously across.

When it comes to removing a wall, you need a professional (not a contractor) look at the building.

If is simple for someone to do a modification and have it look good and stand for a while. The big problems come with the deflection/movement (that cause craacks and doors not working). This is because many contractors look at span tables and do not factor in the other factors or the use.

Dick

Hi dieseljw,

For your own safety (and your family's), let me explain some issues, starting with the building codes
As we all know, there is a building code, but each state / province has its own version / adaptation. An Architect, Engineer, etc must elaborate the interpretation / application of the Building codes, calculation of structures and foundations, for each project, etc. Not only for the technical understanding of these issues, but for the liability.
An advice regarding a technical subject (something basic as remonving a wall and independent if you are paid for this advice or not) implies liability.
Structures / materials are quite different depending the characteristics of the project, load, soil / topography, wind conditions and seismic calculations.
Certainly, removing a load bearing wall is not a DIY task

judging by the setup alone it sure sounds like it is. the only thing pointing to it not being a bearing wall would be the single plate. but this is not evidence enough, as sometimes brg. walls are constructed in this way with older houses. the joists being continuous, again, this is even more common (even in modern construction).

Ditto to the advice of a structural engineer. You can't simply walk into a home and go 'ho-hum' rip it out. For every action there is an equal an opposite reaction (Newton). Get professional advice.

thanks guys, did consult a professional it was not a load bearing wall and therefore I was able to rip it out and continue with my work thanks and just so you know the cross beams wer actually 3 x 8 of 20 foot spanBeer 4U2 Beer