Bedroom Closet Wall Support: Are They Load-Bearing?

Whether or not a bedroom closet wall is load-bearing depends on the construction of the house. In homes with traditional stick frame construction, only the exterior walls and any interior walls that line up directly over them are load-bearing. Interior walls that do not run parallel to the exterior walls are generally not load-bearing. However, this is not always the case. Non-load-bearing walls may be found in homes with post and beam or truss-style framing.

Studying the building plans

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Building Plans

Building plans, also known as blueprints, are detailed drawings that provide a comprehensive representation of a building's design and structural layout. They include various symbols, lines, legends, scales, and annotations that convey specific information about the structure. It is essential to familiarise yourself with these elements to effectively interpret the plans.

Step 2: Identify the Legend and Symbols

Building plans typically include a legend or key that helps decipher the symbols and lines used in the drawings. Look for symbols indicating structural components, such as "S" for structural walls or specific marks for load-bearing walls. Pay attention to the thickness of lines, as load-bearing walls are often depicted with thicker lines.

Step 3: Analyse Wall Placement and Direction

Load-bearing walls are usually found in central locations or along the building's perimeter. Examine the placement of walls in relation to the overall layout. Walls that run perpendicular to floor joists and those spanning the entire length or width of the house are often load-bearing.

Step 4: Check for Supporting Elements

Look for intersections of walls with beams or columns, as these can indicate load-bearing structures. Identify if there are any walls directly above or below the wall in question on different levels of the building, as these are likely to be load-bearing. Also, check for reinforcement posts, columns, or extra wall support, such as pillars at the seam of two walls or extra supports around door and window frames.

Step 5: Consider Wall Thickness and Materials

Load-bearing walls are typically thicker than non-load-bearing walls to support additional weight. Compare the thickness of walls in the building plans and refer to the scale provided. Additionally, pay attention to symbols indicating the use of sturdy materials like concrete, steel, or reinforced materials, which are commonly used in load-bearing walls.

Step 6: Cross-Reference with Other Plans

If available, refer to electrical and plumbing plans. Load-bearing walls often have fewer interruptions, so look for walls with fewer fixtures.

Step 7: Consult Professionals

If you are unsure or need further clarification, don't hesitate to consult an architect, structural engineer, or building inspector. They can provide expert advice and ensure accurate identification, especially in complex cases or when planning to alter or remove walls.

Checking the joists' direction

Checking the direction of the joists is a reliable way to determine whether a wall is load-bearing or not. Joists are long horizontal supports that usually span over open spaces between beams.

To check the direction of the joists, go into the attic or basement. In a basement, you will need to search for the first floor to see the joists, while in an attic, you will need to look down to the floor below.

If the joists run perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the wall in question, that means the wall is load-bearing and should not be knocked down.

On the other hand, if the joists run parallel (in the same direction) to the wall, it is likely not load-bearing, and you may remove it. However, an exception to this is if one of the parallel joists rests directly on the wall, in which case, the wall may be carrying a load from the joist.

Another way to determine the direction of the joists is by looking at the light fixtures below. Light fixtures usually fall on a joist, so you can take out the light fixture from the j-box and wiggle it to see which side is anchored.

Additionally, you can use a stud finder to locate the joists. However, in some cases, a stud finder may not register anything that makes sense, or it may have difficulty penetrating through certain types of flooring, such as carpet or vinyl.

If you are unable to determine the direction of the joists from above, you can try coming at it from below. If it is a first-floor wall, go into the basement or crawl space and see if there are any beams, girders, or piers between the wall and the foundation, or if there are joists running perpendicular to the wall. If so, the wall is likely load-bearing.

For walls on the second floor and above, you can check if there is a wall directly below in the same spot. If there is, the wall is most likely load-bearing.

Knowing what's below the wall

Knowing what lies beneath the wall is crucial before initiating any remodelling or demolition work. Here are some methods to determine whether a wall is load-bearing or not:

Studying the Building Plans

Blueprints and building plans are the most reliable way to determine if a wall is load-bearing. These plans reveal the presence of support beams and the direction of floor joists. Load-bearing walls are typically marked with the letter "S" for structural. If you don't have access to the building plans, you can request them from the original owner, the county clerk's office, or the original building contractor.

Checking the Joists' Direction

Joists are long horizontal supports that span between beams. By observing the direction of the joists in the attic or basement, you can determine if a wall is load-bearing. If the joists run perpendicular to the wall, it is likely load-bearing. Conversely, if they run parallel, the wall is probably not load-bearing, unless one of the parallel joists rests directly on the wall.

Examining the Wall's Location

Exterior walls are typically load-bearing. In large houses, some interior walls, especially those in the middle of the home and running parallel to the roof ridgeline, may also be load-bearing. If your closet wall is in the centre of a large house, it is more likely to be load-bearing, especially if it aligns with walls above or below it.

Consulting Professionals

If you're unsure or unable to access the necessary information, it's best to consult professionals. A structural engineer, building inspectors, home remodel consultants, or building contractors can assess the wall and provide expert advice on any modifications without compromising the building's structural integrity.

Consulting the original contractor

If you are not the original owner of the property, you may need to ask the previous owner for the building plans, or you can get a copy from the county clerk's office. If you can't get a copy of the building plans, the original contractor will still be able to advise you, but they may charge a fee for the consultation, especially if the house is older.

Even if there is a fee, it is worth paying to find out if the wall is load-bearing. Removing a load-bearing wall without realizing can cause serious damage to your home, which will be much more expensive to fix than the consultation fee.

If you are unable to get in touch with the original contractor, you can consult other building professionals, such as a structural engineer, building inspector, or building contractor. They will be able to assess the wall and advise on any changes that can be made without putting the building in danger.

Consulting other building professionals

You can consider hiring a structural engineer, building inspectors, home remodel consultants, or building contractors. These professionals can help you determine whether a wall is load-bearing or not. They can also advise on the best course of action based on the structure of your home.

A structural engineer, for example, can provide a load-bearing assessment. They will typically visit your site and inspect the wall and the structure. They will collect data such as measurements of the wall and its surroundings, the material quality and type of the wall, the load distribution and direction of the wall, and any signs of damage or deterioration.

The structural engineer will then analyze the collected data and prepare a report with their findings. They will perform calculations and simulations to determine if the wall is load-bearing, what load it carries and how it affects the structure, what impact removing or modifying the wall will have, and what alternatives or solutions are available.

The report from a structural engineer will typically include a summary of objectives and scope, a description of site conditions and observations, a detailed analysis of the data and results, conclusions and recommendations, and a cost estimate for implementing the recommendations.

Other professionals you may need to consult, depending on your project and the engineer's recommendations, include architects, contractors, electricians, and plumbers.

It is important to do some preliminary research to ensure you hire reputable building professionals. Additionally, always consult with a professional engineer before making any changes to your building's structure to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes and regulations.

Frequently asked questions