Load-bearing wall or not? Who knows that?

I would like to tear down a wall in my house to enlarge the living room and connect it with the kitchen. For that, I would like to know how much I should expect to pay, or what I can/should do myself.

But that primarily depends on whether the wall is load-bearing or not. If it is, then I have to install a beam (right?), which I definitely couldn’t do alone. Simply removing the wall wouldn’t be a problem.

The question now is, how do I know if the wall is load-bearing or not? Who can tell me? Do I have to ask a structural engineer?

Yes.........

I would like to tear down a wall in my house to enlarge the living room and connect it with the kitchen. I would like to know how much I should expect to pay or what I can/should do myself.

That primarily depends on whether the wall is load-bearing or not. If it is, then I have to install a beam (right?), which I definitely couldn't do alone. Simply knocking down the wall wouldn't be a problem.

The question now is, how do I know if the wall is load-bearing or not? Who can tell me that? Do I have to ask a structural engineer?

Hello,

yes, asking a structural engineer is the right thing to do! He may also be able to give you an estimate of the costs. However, he needs to have basic information about the structural system of your house; otherwise, he won't be able to help you much!

Best regards

K.Brodbeck

Definitely always consult a structural engineer! Otherwise, it can end badly. If it is a load-bearing wall, then install steel beams. Depending on the length, these can easily weigh 100 kg or more but can be installed independently (with help). So ask experts for the statics, handle the work alone.