Remodel Answers · Interior Repairs · Drywall
My Husband and I would like to remodel the very first home we bought right after marriage as the utility of the extra rooms has been outlived. We think it’s time to reduce the number of rooms and split the new space between the remaining rooms. The renovations we require are somewhat extensive and we have a few ideas we would like to see implemented; but at the same time, we are open to suggestions that would fit our overall theme. What we have for design are very rough sketches of what we would
Short answer
Combining rooms starts with a structural assessment to see if the wall is load-bearing. From there, we develop a design, obtain necessary permits, and coordinate any electrical or plumbing rerouting. Our team then handles all demolition, framing, drywall, finishing, paint, and flooring to create your new, larger space.
Step 1: Is the Wall Load-Bearing?
The first and most critical step is determining if the wall is structural. Non-load-bearing walls simply divide space and can be removed easily. Load-bearing walls, however, support weight from the floor above or the roof. Removing one without installing a proper support beam can lead to sagging ceilings, cracked drywall throughout the house, and in the worst case, structural collapse. Our initial assessment helps identify the likelihood of a wall being load-bearing, which dictates the project's complexity.
The Design and Permitting Process
Once we know the wall's function, we move to design. We can work with your sketches to create a formal plan for the new space. If the wall is load-bearing, we will need plans from a structural engineer to specify the correct beam and support posts. These professional plans are then submitted to your local city (like Seattle, Bellevue, or Everett) for a building permit, a process we manage on your behalf.
Coordinating the Trades
A wall removal is rarely just a framing job. As your general contractor, we coordinate and schedule all necessary licensed professionals. This often includes a licensed electrician to safely remove and reroute outlets, switches, and lighting circuits. If there are plumbing or HVAC vents in the wall, we bring in trusted, licensed plumbers and HVAC technicians to handle that work. We manage this entire sequence to ensure work is done to code before any walls are closed up. You can learn more about how we work with licensed trades on our /disclaimers page.
Restoration: The Seamless Finish
After the structural work and rough-ins are complete and inspected, our in-house team takes over. We install new drywall, then tape and mud it for a perfectly smooth surface, blending it into the surrounding ceiling and walls. From there, we install new flooring to bridge the gap, fit new, longer baseboards and trim, and finally prime and paint everything to make the new, larger room look like it was always part of your home.
Why it happens
Many older homes in the Pacific Northwest feature smaller, compartmentalized rooms that don't suit modern lifestyles. Homeowners often choose to remove walls to create an open-concept living area, combine a small kitchen and formal dining room, or create a larger primary suite. As a family's needs change over time, reconfiguring the layout can dramatically improve a home's flow and utility, making the space feel larger and more connected.
How to diagnose it
- 1Look in your attic or crawlspace for joists that run perpendicular to the wall and rest on top of it; this is a strong indicator it's load-bearing.
- 2Check for columns or support posts directly below the wall in the basement or crawlspace, which suggests it is supporting a load from above.
- 3Review original blueprints if you have them, as they often designate structural walls.
- 4Note the wall's position. In many homes, walls running down the center of the structure are load-bearing.
- 5Schedule a Free Onsite Consultation for a professional opinion; we can help determine the next steps for a definitive structural assessment.
DIY vs. professional
DIY-friendly if…
DIY is not recommended for wall removal, as incorrectly identifying a load-bearing wall can cause catastrophic structural failure.
Call a pro when…
A general contractor is required to safely manage the project, from structural assessment and permitting to coordinating all licensed trades and ensuring a seamless finish.
Cost expectations
$3,000–$25,000typical WA labor + materials
Costs vary widely based on whether the wall is load-bearing, the extent of electrical or plumbing reroutes, and the required finish-level for flooring and paint.
Every Advanced Remodeling job is quoted in writing before we start. workmanship warranty included.
What this job requires
- A definitive structural assessment, which may require a licensed structural engineer.
- A building permit from your local jurisdiction, which is almost always required for removing a load-bearing wall.
- Homeowner decisions on the final layout, flooring type, paint colors, and trim styles.
- Clear access to the work area and a plan for managing dust and debris during demolition and construction.
- Potential for relocating utilities, requiring licensed electricians or plumbers.
- A homeowner willing to accommodate disruptions, as the work area will be a construction zone.
Typical timeframe
For a simple non-load-bearing wall, the project might take 1-2 weeks. A project involving a load-bearing wall can take 4-8 weeks or more, including time for engineering, permitting, and inspections.
Your next steps
- 1
Schedule a Free Onsite Consultation
We'll meet you at your home to discuss your vision, inspect the wall in question, and explain the potential scope and process.
- 2
Receive a Detailed Proposal
Based on our consultation, we'll provide a line-item estimate. If an engineer is needed, we will factor that into the project plan.
- 3
Design & Engineering
We finalize the design with you. If required, we engage a structural engineer to create the necessary plans for the permit application.
- 4
Permitting and Material Selection
We manage the permit submission process with your city while you finalize your selections for flooring, paint, and other finishes.
- 5
Sign Contract & Schedule Work
With a fixed-price contract in place, we collect the initial deposit, order materials, and schedule your project's start date.
What to expect
Removing a wall is inherently disruptive. We use plastic barriers and dust control systems to contain the mess, but you should expect construction noise and dust. A dedicated crew will be on site, and we will communicate daily progress. We manage all city inspections and schedule payments to align with key project milestones, which are clearly defined in your signed contract.
What we see on Free Onsite Consultations
During a Free Onsite Consultation, we can perform an initial visual assessment of the wall, discuss your design ideas, and outline the necessary steps, including whether a structural engineer should be engaged before we provide a detailed, fixed-price quote.
How the Free Onsite Consultation worksWhere this work lives
Whole-Home & Interior Remodeling
Multi-room remodels, additions, ADUs, and full interior refreshes with one crew and one timeline.
See the full home remodel page