GuideUpdated 25/10/2026
Can I remove a load-bearing wall?
Short answer
Yes, in most houses. A structural engineer designs a steel beam to carry the load, the wall is temporarily propped, the beam is installed on padstones, and building control inspects the work. A typical knock-through costs £4,500–£9,500 for a typical knock-through with steel beam including VAT and takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Is my wall load-bearing?
Walls that support floor joists, a roof or another wall above are load-bearing. Only an inspection can confirm it.
Approvals
No planning permission is needed for internal walls unless the house is listed. Building regulations approval is required, with calculations for the beam and fire protection. In England and Wales a party wall notice is needed if the beam bears on a shared wall.
The process
- Engineer’s survey and calculations.
- Building control application.
- Temporary propping.
- Wall removal and beam installation.
- Building control inspection.
- Fire protection, plastering and making good.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and depend on your property; we confirm what applies to your project at the survey.
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