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A few months back, I purchased a home (built in '57). During the walkthrough and home inspection, there was a wall between the kitchen and living room with an opening on the far end near the exterior wall.

The wall that was about 65" was taken down and the openings were combined into one. The width of the opening from interior wall column to exterior wall column is about 145". The beam above runs from the stair wall to the exterior wall, but does not span the whole house. Above it is a room or an attic - something like that.

Any thoughts. The home inspection said that the wall could be taken down, but I don't know.

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Here is a photo from when they opened the wall later in the job:

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ThisOneGoesToEleven
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Billy Cash
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1 Answers1

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If you could take a picture of what is above the beam in the attic that would be helpful.

From the pictures shared:

  • First section between stairs and mid of the opening - A wall was recently removed under this section. It looks like there is no beam above, unless it is hidden by the drywall. If this wall was load bearing, and it was removed, then it would seriously affect the structural integrity of the house. If you have not noticed any settlement, then it is most likely not taking any vertical loads, but there is a risk that it was a shear wall. In which case it is affecting the lateral capacity of your house. I would agree to consult a structural engineer to get the structure of the house inspected.
  • Second section between mid opening and exterior wall - It looks like the beam was the header of the previous opening. If the wall was non-bearing, I am not sure why there would be a header, unless it was placed to provide stability to the wall removed. Anyway, I would agree to have the house checked by an engineer.
  • Are you in a seismic region?
Max
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