Hi, I would like to remove a wall on the main floor in my house which is
roughly 80 to 90 years old. Its a two story house double bricked on the
main level and wood and siding on the upper floor. Is there a way in which
I can determine whether or not it is a load bearing wall? If not can
someone suggest who I might call in order to help. I was thinking a
structural engineer... Thanks in advance!

"rw" wrote in message
...
Is there a way in which I can determine whether or not it is a load
bearing wall? If not can someone suggest who I might call in order to
help. I was thinking a structural engineer... Thanks in advance!

If the wall runs parallel to the joist it is probably (note: probably) not
load bearing. If it is perpendicular, it most likely is. This is a rough
guide, not engineering since I can't see the wall. Get a contractor,
engineer, framer, or someone that will know for sure before you do anything.
90 years ago some strange things were done by today's standards so don't
take a chance. .

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
t...
If the wall runs parallel to the joist it is probably (note: probably)
not
load bearing.

And if it runs parallel to the joist, but not directly under the joist, it's
definitely not load bearing since sheetrock doesn't bear much of a load (as
those of us who have stepped through a ceiling will attest)...
sheepish-grin

Older houses can be difficult to understand - particularly if wall and
ceiling finish are in place.
I'd opt for the more expensive, of Mr. Pawlowski's options - an
engineer.
Make sure the engineer has experience with wood frame structures and
with older structures.
A Stoy:
There were two engineers in town that looked at an old building in
which I was interested.
Both were excellent engineers, but with different experience.
One said tear it down while the other said a minor repair was needed.
The building is still in place and doing well.
TB

On 25 Apr 2006 05:17:32 -0700, "
wrote:

Older houses can be difficult to understand - particularly if wall and
ceiling finish are in place.
I'd opt for the more expensive, of Mr. Pawlowski's options - an
engineer.


Either hire a structural engineer, to look at it, or just
assume that it's load-bearing, and put in an appropriate beam
and posts. The latter is likely to cost about the same
as the former.