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.

Expect to spend between $500 and $500 or $3,000 on average to remove a load-bearing wall. Where you live, the wall’s size, how often you tackle projects like this, and the material quality all play a role. 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

Several factors contribute to the cost of removing a load-bearing wall, including its location, plumbing and electrical requirements, the presence of mold, and the need for new drywall installation.

Interior vs. Exterior Walls

Every exterior wall carries weight and has been supporting your house since day one, so removing it could cause problems, whereas an interior wall won’t. As a result, exterior walls are rarely removed, whereas interior load-bearing walls may be removed during home remodeling or when 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 $100 per hour, depending on the complexity of the work, particularly for tasks such as rerouting electrical wires. Your total cost will depend on the complexity of your project. 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When opening walls in older homes, you might encounter outdated or substandard wiring that indicates issues in the rest of your home, which could increase your project costs.

Mold and Asbestos

In some cases, you may discover hidden hazards such as mold or asbestos behind walls. You should factor in the cost of remediation into your overall project estimate if these issues are present.

Installing New Drywall

Installing drywall costs $1.50 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, which have lower overhead. Drywall installation is often the final step in the process.

Painting

The cost to paint interior walls averages $2 to $6 per square foot or $300 to $750 per room 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 incur additional costs. 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 between $1,200 and $3,000. 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 steel support beam ranges from $1,300 to $5,000, depending on the size and type of steel beam chosen, as well as the labor required for installation.

You cannot remove a load-bearing wall without installing an alternative support structure to replace it. A professional should always size and install the 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, it's still advisable to consult a professional to ensure the job is done correctly.

Does Removing a Load-Bearing Wall Increase Home Value?

Removing a load-bearing wall can increase a home's value by creating a more open and modern floor plan, enhancing its overall appeal. An open-concept layout makes a house feel brighter, larger, and more inviting, which many buyers appreciate. However, structural modifications can be a significant investment, requiring permits, engineered plans, and professional labor. When executed correctly, the investment can pay off by boosting both aesthetic appeal and resale potential.

DIY Wall Removal vs. Hiring a Pro

Taking down a load-bearing wall is not a do-it-yourself job. That wall holds up your house, so its removal requires care and expertise. Even if you’re convinced it’s not load-bearing, you’ll likely need pros to reroute plumbing, wiring, or HVAC. Leave the demo and beam installation to licensed experts who can ensure the work is safe and compliant with the code.

Find a qualified local wall pro who can handle the structural math, beam installation, and demo safely.

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.