How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The average cost to remove a load-bearing wall is $5,700, but prices range from $1,400 for a wall in a single-story home to upwards of $10,000 for a wall in a multi-story home. Removing a load-bearing wall requires serious structural considerations, and you’ll need to hire the right pros. This guide will help you set your budget and understand the factors that can affect the cost.

Load-Bearing Wall Removal Cost Factors

The price to take down a load-bearing wall depends largely on the type of services required, like moving electrical lines or plumbing pipes. Here’s a breakdown of the main cost factors that will inform your total wall removal cost.

Interior vs. Exterior Walls

All exterior walls of a home are load-bearing. Because exterior walls have settled with your home since its construction, removing this support structure could damage your home in ways an interior wall would not. As a result, exterior walls are rarely removed, while interior load-bearing walls may be removed if you’re remodeling your home or changing the layout of a room. When removing an interior wall, it’s important to work with professionals to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

When building an addition, pros usually leave the exterior structure in place and install a doorway for egress. A pro can refinish the exterior wall to match the rest of the interior, or leave it as is.

Plumbing

Hiring a plumber costs between $45 and $200 per hour, depending on the job, timing, and location. Your exact cost will vary based on the number and type of pipes you need to remove, replace, or relocate.

Electrical

Hiring an electrician costs between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the work—especially for tasks like rerouting electrical wires. Your total cost will depend on how complex your project is. Many electricians also charge a one- to two-hour minimum fee for each trip to your home.

When opening walls in older homes, you might encounter outdated or sub-standard wiring that indicates issues in the rest of your home, which could increase your project costs.

HVAC

If your project involves relocating HVAC components,you should note that HVAC technicians may charge between $100 and $250 per hour, and moving HVAC ducts can cost approximately $25 to $55 per linear foot.

Gas Lines

If you need to relocate gas lines during the wall removal process, expect an additional cost of approximately $15 to $25 per linear foot.

Mold and Asbestos

In some cases, you may discover hidden hazards such as mold or asbestos behind walls. Mold remediation can cost approximately $10 to $25 per square foot, while asbestos removal might add costs of about $5 to $20 per square foot. You should factor these expenses into your overall project estimate if these issues are present.

Installing New Drywall

Installing drywall costs $0.30 to $0.45 per square foot to cover up parts of the wall exposed by the removal. Your price will depend on the type you choose and the structural complexity of the job. Drywall professionals may also offer price breaks for larger jobs with less overhead. This is usually the final part of the process.

Removal and Replacement of Wallpaper

Contractors may charge by the job, by the roll, or by the square foot to remove or install wallpaper. On average, the cost to install wallpaper to match adjoining areas ranges from $315 to $820. If you decide not to apply wallpaper to the new structure, you may need to hire a professional to remove it from the adjacent areas as it can be tricky to remove without training and experience. Removing wallpaper runs about $425 to $1,200.

Painting

The costs to paint interior walls averages $2 to $6 per square foot plus $20 to $50 per hour for a professional painter. Your job may cost less if you only need to match new drywall to adjoining walls. Ceilings, trim, and specific features will cost extra. A professional painter will provide a quote before starting the work.

Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall by Project Type

Removing a load-bearing wall in a single-story home costs around $1,400. For multi-story homes, you can expect to pay between $3,200 and $10,000. Your exact price will depend on the size of the wall and the scope of your project.

You might choose to invest in removing a load-bearing wall for several reasons, including:

• Creating a more open floor plan in your home

• Making room for larger possessions like big-screen TVs and furniture

• Increasing your home's resale value

• Making your home more appealing to potential buyers

Cost to Replace a Load-Bearing Wall with a Beam

The average cost to remove a load-bearing wall and install a beam is approximately $3,300, though this may vary based on the size and type of steel beam you choose and the labor needed to install it. 

You cannot remove a load-bearing wall without installing an alternative support structure in its place. A professional should always size and install your beam. Improperly-installed support beams can lead to sticking doors and windows, saggy or cracked ceilings, and unlevel floors. More importantly, your home will no longer be structurally sound and could even collapse.

Creating Half Walls & Pass-Throughs Between Two Rooms

Creating a half wall or pass-through can open space between living areas. Even though you're only removing a portion of the wall, you should still consult a pro to ensure it's done properly.

DIY Wall Removal vs. Hiring a Pro

Removing a load-bearing wall isn’t a DIY project. A load-bearing wall is a key part of your home's structure, and its removal should be handled carefully. Even if you're certain the wall isn't load-bearing, you may still need professional help to move service lines. That's why we recommend leaving this job to the pros, who can ensure the work is done safely and complies with building codes.

You can hire individual contractors to move each service or you can hire a general contractor to coordinate the entire project. Hiring a general contractor might cost you more upfront, but it will save you time and hassle in locating, hiring, and managing multiple pros for your project. Plan the project with the help of a home remodeling contractor who will ensure the safety and integrity of your home’s structure remains sound.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.