Removing a Partition Wall Cost

Want to know how much removing a partition wall costs?

This guide covers everything you need to know about the cost of removing partition walls, including identifying if it's a load-bearing wall or not, labour fees to remove a wall, and much more.

On average, you're looking at an overall cost of around £1,750 to get a wall knocked down.

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How Much to Knock Down a Wall?

Removing a partition wall can cost anywhere up to £1,750 for removing a large area wall. Smaller walls will usually cost less, but load-bearing walls often cost much more to remove as structural support, and a structural engineer, will usually be needed.

You might pay as little as £800 to remove a small stud wall, but removing a load-bearing wall quickly drives up costs, as structural engineer labour rates can add significantly to the total.

Partition Wall Removal Prices

Prices for wall removal usually include labour, waste disposal, and basic making good such as patching plaster, ceilings, and floor edges after the wall is removed.

Removing a non-load-bearing wall between a kitchen and dining room to create an open-plan layout usually falls within the ranges below, while removing a load-bearing wall often costs more than these averages because structural support such as an RSJ may also be needed.

Things to Consider When Removing a Partition Wall

There are several important points to take into consideration when removing a partition wall:

• Removing a Load-Bearing Wall — If your partition wall is a supporting structure, the cost of removing a load-bearing wall usually starts at around £1,800 and can exceed £4,000 once structural calculations, RSJ installation, and making good are included.
• Structural Engineer Costs — If the wall is load-bearing, a structural engineer costs around £200 to £500 to assess the wall and provide calculations for any required RSJ.
• RSJ Installation Cost — Installing an RSJ usually adds £800 to £2,500 depending on span, access, and making good afterwards.
• Builder Day Rates — Labour fees for partition wall removal are usually charged by a builder at a day rate of around £150 to £250.
• Flooring Repair Costs — Once the wall has been removed, you may need a flooring expert to assess and repair any floor damage.
• Moving Pipes or Wiring — If the wall contains electrical cables, sockets, switches, radiators, or pipework, you may need an electrician or plumber. This can add £150 to £600+ depending on what needs rerouting.
• Plasterer Costs — Hiring a tradesman to plaster a ceiling and repair any damage typically costs around £390, although this may be less if you only require basic repairs.
• Stud Wall Cost — If you are removing the wall but replacing it with new stud walls, installing a basic wall should cost around £800 to £1,000.
• Extension Cost Comparison — Knocking down an internal wall might not make a property bigger in itself, but it is a much cheaper way of creating extra space than building a house extension.

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Benefits of Removing a Partition Wall

Internal wall removal is a popular choice for homeowners who want to make the most of their home's space without building an extension.

If there is a partition wall within your home, removing it could be a far cheaper way of increasing usable space. However, the cost to remove load-bearing walls may include structural changes, and so it might not be as economically effective.

There are several benefits you can weigh against the cost of knocking down an internal wall, such as:

• Creating an open-plan layout.
• Increasing the usability of the existing space.
• Improving natural light across a space.
• Modernising older homes with smaller, separate rooms.

Often, wall removal will have a positive impact on your living space in multiple ways.

One of the most common reasons for internal wall removal is to create an open-plan kitchen and living area. For example, if you want a larger kitchen but can't afford to splash out on an extension, removing a partition wall between the kitchen and another room helps to create your new big kitchen without the price tag.

Permissions and Building Regulations

You will not usually need to apply for planning permission to remove a partition wall. However, if your property is listed, you may need to get consent. If you're in any doubt, check with your local authority first.

Building regulations approval is needed when the wall is load-bearing or forms part of a protected escape route, but taking out a straightforward non-load-bearing partition usually does not need approval. If you are unsure, check with your local building control body before work starts.

In the case of partition walls, regulations cover:

• Structural Issues — If the wall is load-bearing, this will usually require extra support to be installed. A Building Control Officer will need to sign off on this to ensure the building is safe.
• Electrical Safety — Rules around electrical wiring and safety are strict, and any changes to wiring in your partition wall must meet the UK wiring standard, though a new circuit, a replacement consumer unit, or work near a bath or shower also needs notifying.
• Fire Safety — The removal of a partition wall should not be allowed to affect fire-protected escape routes.

If your home was built or refurbished before 2000, the partition wall may contain asbestos, which can look just like ordinary plasterboard and cannot be identified by eye. If asbestos is present, removal usually has to be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor.

Your contractor will be able to advise which of the regulations are relevant to your partition wall removal.

Doing It Yourself

It may be possible to remove a partition wall yourself, but we recommend hiring a professional to avoid any mistakes and safety hazards. If you remove a load-bearing partition wall without proper care, you could cause major damage.

The DIY risks include:

• Accidentally removing or damaging a load-bearing wall, which may damage the structure of your home.
• Affecting the party wall between your house and your neighbour's.
• Encountering hazardous materials such as asbestos.
• Damaging services such as electrics, gas, or water that may be present within the wall.
• Failing to follow building regulations if you need approval for the work.

If you're worried about the cost of removing an internal wall and believe you can save money by doing it yourself, remember that fixing any issues caused by a botched removal may cost more money in the long run.

We recommend getting up to 3 quotes from local builders so you can receive the best price for removing partition walls. The best contractor to choose is one with years of experience in removing partition walls, giving you peace of mind that you'll receive a high-quality service from them.

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Hiring a Partition Wall Specialist Checklist

Consider the following points before hiring a specialist to remove your partition walls:

• Do they have the right amount of experience? Check the builder is experienced in removing partition walls and how often they carry out similar work. Ask to see a portfolio or examples of recent jobs.
• Are they registered as part of any schemes? Aside from being a reputable and officially registered business, see if they are members of recognised trade bodies or government-endorsed schemes.
• Are they covered by insurance? Ensure that your chosen contractor is fully insured. At the very least, this should include Public Liability Insurance, which covers accidental damage and personal injury.
• Have they got positive feedback from customers? Check online reviews, including their MyJobQuote profile, to see what previous customers say about their professionalism and quality of work.
• Have you received multiple quotes? We recommend getting at least 3 quotes so you can compare prices. With MyJobQuote, you can find local builders in your area with no obligation.
• Is everything included within the quote? Request an itemised quote so you know exactly what is covered and have a clear breakdown of costs, helping to avoid unexpected extras later.
• Will they deal with building control? If building regulations approval is needed, check whether your builder can make the application and liaise with building control on your behalf.

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