DIYbanter - View Single Post - Supporting load bearing walls

(Todd W. Roat) writes:

One question still aludes me. On TV home repair shows and in other
literature, they always refer to taking out studs or walls (for
windows, room enlargements, etc) and to "make sure its not a load
bearing wall." But they never actually tell you how to tell this.
Are there any obvious things too look for? Any pictures on the
internet?

Just chop a hole in the ceiling and see if anything is sitting on top of
the wall. If there is, you will need to replace the wall with a beam.
If not, tear away.

If you don't want a beam hanging down into the living space, many times
you can mount the beam in the attic and header ceiling joists into it.
Supporting floor joists is trickier, but you can often use a steel beam
and hangers, if headspace between floors is limited.

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