Does your kitchen feel cramped, making cooking a less pleasant moment for you and your family? Opening up the space by knocking down the wall between your kitchen and dining room can make a lot of difference. Asides from cramped space, there are other unfavorable conditions that make homeowners realize that it is finally time to remove the wall between their kitchen and dining area, which will be later addressed in this blog post. Removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room will undoubtedly improve the functionality and beauty of the living area, however, achieving this requires a lot of both pre-wall demolition plans and construction plans.
In this blog post, first, we will expound on reasons that have made homeowners decide that it is time to take down the wall between their kitchen and dining. Second, for a better understanding of what to expect during your open floor concept remodel and what can be at stake, we will delve into crucial factors to consider before wall demolition. Last, we will go into an overview of the steps your remodeler will follow to execute the project.
When is it time to remove the wall between the kitchen and the dining room?
Ever since we started flipping kitchens here at Penn Construction + Design, below are some of the reasons that have been making homeowners across Delaware County PA, Montgomery County PA and the City of Philadelphia come to us that it is time to take down the wall between their kitchen and dining:
Experiencing a tight space
One of the most common reasons for removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room is the constant inconvenience of a cramped kitchen. There is no better sign indicating that it is time to knock down the wall between your kitchen and dining than this. Removing the wall will create an open-concept floor plan, which can greatly improve the flow and functionality of the space. This can help create more square footage, making the kitchen ideal for more people at a go.
The appeal of modern kitchen style
In recent years, homeowners have shown more preference for an open-concept layout for their kitchens, as it allows for a more spacious and connected feel. This kitchen design style also helps to create a more social atmosphere, where you can engage with guests and family members while cooking or preparing meals. The trend towards open-concept kitchens has continued to grow till this moment, so if you are looking to update your home into a more modern style, removing the wall between your kitchen and dining room could be a good option. In addition, a larger, more open kitchen and dining area can create the modern aesthetic of a new-generation home, making your home feel more sophisticated and stylish.
Intent to sell
If you are considering selling your home in the future, removing the wall between your kitchen and dining room can be a great way to increase your home value. An open-concept living space is highly desirable in today’s US housing market, and removing a wall to create this kind of space will definitely help make your property appeal to more potential buyers and increase your home’s value.
Factors to Consider
To make an informed decision, there are stringent factors to contemplate and review before removing the wall between your kitchen and the dining room. The following are the factors to consider:
The type of wall
This concerns the type of wall that is separating these two rooms. There are two main types of walls that are typically found between kitchens and dining rooms: load-bearing and non-load bearing. A load-bearing wall is an essential structural element that supports the weight of the upper floors and roof of the building. To remove such a wall, beams or pillars are incorporated to fill in for their function. On the other hand, a non-load-bearing wall does not support any weight, so it can be removed without compromising the structural integrity of the building.
The contractor or structural engineer will be able to determine whether yours is load-bearing or non-load bearing. Removing a load-bearing wall not only requires specific skills and equipment but also requires more time and effort.
Pipes and wires
Before removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room, it is important to take into account the presence of pipes wires, cables, and other construction materials that may be running through the wall. These can also include plumbing and electrical lines that are critical to the functionality of both rooms. Before starting any demolition work, our professionals will assess the wall to determine if there are any pipes or wires that need to be relocated and they will help reroute them all. This will prevent damage to these important systems and ensure a smooth and successful renovation.
Consider the present floor and ceiling
It is important to assess the current floor and ceiling in both rooms (the kitchen and dining). If the flooring is uneven or the ceiling height differs, this could cause difficulties when removing the wall and may require additional renovation work to make the transition between the two spaces seamless. If the floor and ceiling are already on the same level, this is a positive factor, making the process of removing the wall easier. Additionally, it is important to consider the potential impact removing the wall may have on any fixtures such as light fixtures, ductwork, or plumbing. An experienced contractor or inspector can help you evaluate these factors and determine if removing the wall is feasible and what additional work may be required.
The number of stories in the house
Removing a wall in a one-story house is much simpler and less complicated than in a multi-story house, as the load-bearing walls may need to be reinforced in a multi-story structure to ensure safety. Additionally, access to plumbing and electrical systems may also be affected in other parts of a multi-story house, making the process more complex. This may also impact the cost and timeline of the project, so it is important to get your fact right before making a final decision.
Budget
Removing a wall can be an expensive project, especially if it is load-bearing and requires additional structural support. It is essential to have a clear budget in mind before starting the project and to factor in all the costs, including materials, labor, permits, and any other related expenses. Then you will also need to consider the cost of all additional updates or renovations to your kitchen and dining area after the wall removal, such as new flooring, electrical or plumbing work, or finishing touches like paint or decoration. Having a clear budget in place will help you make informed decisions about the scope of the project and ensure that you have enough resources to see your job through to completion.
How to Do It
Once you have weighed the pros and cons and have made the decision to remove the wall, it is time to get to work. The following is an expert overview of how to remove the wall between your kitchen and dining room, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible:
Hire a design-build contractor
When you are ready, ensure to work with a design-build contractor. A design-build contractor knows to analyze the impact that removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room will have on the structural stability of your home, and they will ensure that the job is done correctly and safely. As a design-build contractor, we run a collective system. We have licensed expert designers and contractors working together from the beginning, as a team, offering a unified project execution process to fit your schedule and budget.
Obtain necessary permits and building codes
Before starting any major renovation or demolition work, it is essential to obtain the necessary permits and comply with all state building codes. This is to ensure that the work being done is safe, up to code, and meets the regulations set by the local authorities. Failure to obtain the necessary permits and comply with building codes can result in penalties and fines. Before beginning the process of removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room, part of our responsibility as your contractor will be to figure out the specific building codes and regulations in your area, and ensure that you have the necessary permits in hand.
Prepare the construction area
Before starting the actual process of removing the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, it is important to prepare the space. First, remove appliances and furniture from the area, and cover any nearby delicate surfaces with plastic or fabrics to protect them from debris and damage. Second, turn off the electricity, water, and gas supply to the area to prevent any potential hazards. Lastly, professionals will ensure that the wall can be safely removed without affecting the structural integrity of the building.
Remove the wall
After a lot of planning and preparation, the wall itself is physically removed. This can be a complex process. The wall removal process typically involves removing drywall, insulation, and any electrical wiring or plumbing HVAC systems that may be present. Once the wall has been removed completely, the new opening can be framed and prepared for any necessary electrical and plumbing work. This will involve licensed electricians, plumbers, etc to ensure that the job is done safely and to code.
Finishing
This involves patching up any holes or cracks in the walls and ceiling, installing new flooring or carpets if necessary, and painting or wallpapering the space depending on the overall style of your home. The goal is to create a seamless and attractive transition between the kitchen and dining room while ensuring that the new open-plan living space is functional, feels good to be in, and is safe to use.
To finish the space, other considerations may include installing new light fixtures, cabinetry, countertops, or other features to match your desired aesthetic and enhance the functionality of the entire kitchen and living area. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality workmanship, you can create a beautiful and functional open-plan living space that will be the heart of your home for years to come.
Wrapping Up
Removing a wall can be a big project, but with careful planning and proper execution, it can be a rewarding renovation entirely transforming your home from 0 to 100.
Our expert contractors will inspect the structural integrity of the wall, and work around your budget, your present floor and ceiling, and your overall home style. We will consider all of the factors involved and take the necessary steps to ensure that the job is done correctly and safely. Whether you are looking to create more space, improve your home’s aesthetic, or simply want to add value to your property, we promise to provide you with customer service that will be worth your investment. See our gallery to get a glimpse of classic full open concept living spaces we have continuously delivered for clients.
Here at Penn Construction + Design, our Penn Process has you covered right from the design and pre-construction stage to execution and final walk-through. You can trust us to manage your project efficiently while you relax. Contact us today to get started with merging your kitchen and dining into a modern kitchen.
