Options before getting into project for a wall?
#1
Options before getting into project for a wall?
Ok we want to remodel some........kitchen/dining room. Our house is a 35 year old ranch. I have a pic of our attic above this wall that borders our kitchen/dining room and living room. Behind the sheetrock is a 2 x 4 wall and at the 4 foot opening now there is a header but it is not supported by any jacks?? Do I have options on what to do with this wall?? Currently it spans about 17 ft bordering the 3 rooms and there is the one 4 ft opening. Can this be opened up more? Can the whole wall come down with running headers the whole length that are either supported at each end or in the middle also? Can a frame be opened up as a large picture type opening and maybe the 4ft opening opened a little more?
I attached two pics, one of the joists.....the wall is directly under where they overlap each other, and one of the roof type.
Not looking for specifics, basically ideas or suggestions that may lead to possibilities. We just want to make our entertaining area(kitchen/dining room/living room)feel more open/larger. thanks chris allen
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y84/chrisa0215/9bf834eb.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y84...5/ddc4a753.jpg
I attached two pics, one of the joists.....the wall is directly under where they overlap each other, and one of the roof type.
Not looking for specifics, basically ideas or suggestions that may lead to possibilities. We just want to make our entertaining area(kitchen/dining room/living room)feel more open/larger. thanks chris allen
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y84/chrisa0215/9bf834eb.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y84...5/ddc4a753.jpg
#2
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Parsippany, NJ
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Basically, you can open up any wall as long as you provide the proper sized header. An engineer/architect can tell you the size needed depending on how much you want opened. If wider openings are desired, it may be that an engineered beam (laminated) will be needed. Span tables may give you a rough idea, but an engineer/architect should sign the plans you submit for permit approval.