ne of the most common things people ask us is: Can we knock this wall down to make the kitchen bigger?
And in many cases, the answer is yes. But there are a few important things to consider before you start swinging the sledgehammer.
In this post, we’ll explain what’s involved in removing a wall, when you’ll need professional help, and what it’s likely to cost, all based on what we’ve seen over years of helping customers open up their homes.
Why knock a wall down?
Most people want to remove a wall to either:
- Create an open-plan kitchen-diner or kitchen-living space
- Make room for an island or a larger layout
- Let in more natural light
- Improve the flow of the ground floor
We’ve seen some amazing transformations over the years, often by taking out just a single internal wall.
Is it a load-bearing wall?
This is the big one. Some walls just divide rooms — others are holding up part of the house.
If the wall you want to remove is load-bearing, you’ll need a steel beam (RSJ) installed to take the weight. It’s nothing to panic about — it’s done all the time — but it does need to be properly specified by a structural engineer and fitted by a qualified builder.
If it’s not load-bearing, it’s usually much more straightforward. But either way, it’s always worth getting advice before you start. We can point you to the right people if you’re not sure.
Planning permission and building regs
Good news: removing an internal wall usually doesn’t need planning permission.
But you will need to comply with building regulations. This is to make sure the structural work is sound and safe — and you’ll need a sign-off certificate if you ever sell the house.
Again, if you’re working with a proper builder and structural engineer, they’ll take care of this for you.
What’s involved?
Here’s a rough idea of what to expect if you’re having a load-bearing wall removed:
- Structural calculations from an engineer
- Builder on site to support the structure, remove the wall, and install the RSJ
- Possible rewiring or plumbing if pipes, sockets or switches are in the wall
- Plastering and finishing to make the space look seamless
It’s usually a few days’ work, depending on the complexity and access.
How much does it cost?
It’s hard to give exact prices without seeing the job, but here’s a ballpark based on what we’ve seen locally (North Manchester and surrounding areas):
- Non-load-bearing wall removal: from £800–£1,500
- Load-bearing wall removal (including beam, labour, and finishing): £2,500–£4,000+
These figures don’t include any electrical or plumbing changes, or VAT. And of course, every project is different, so we always suggest getting a proper quote before committing.
Can we help?
We don’t knock walls down ourselves, but we work with fantastic builders and trades who do.
If you’re planning a new kitchen and want to open up your space, we’ll help you work out what’s possible, and put you in touch with the right people to make it happen.
Just pop into our showroom in Whitefield or give us a ring. We’re always happy to have a chat about what you’re planning, and how we can help make it work.