I'm considering opening up my kitchen walls to make the space more open, and I've already created a small exploratory hole in the Sheetrock. Is there a way to figure out if this wall is structural without having to call in a professional?
3 Answers
If the ceiling joists run parallel to the wall and the wall isn’t supporting any roof structure, it’s likely non-structural. Just keep in mind that guessing can be risky—better safe than sorry!
One way to check if a wall is load-bearing is to look at the header. If it's just a single 2x4, chances are it's not load-bearing. But do take a peek in the attic too; I've seen hidden surprises like old AC units affecting things. Always a good idea to check before making any big changes!
Check how the wall relates to your roof peak. If the wall runs under the peak and goes in the same direction as the roof rafters, it’s probably structural. Looks can be deceiving, so take a good look!