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surjones
Joined: 14 Mar 2009
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 832
Location: SW Ohio
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 Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 4:42 am Post subject: |
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The photos don't provide enough information.
We need to know what is above and below the wall. (Slab/crawl space/basement - second floor/attic)
The only way to determine if a wall is load-bearing is to remove some of the ceiling so you can see if the wall carrying joists. The joists are typically cut and rest on the wall from both directions.
Hope that helps.
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surjones
Joined: 14 Mar 2009
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 832
Location: SW Ohio
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 3:27 pm Post subject: |
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| Can you see where the joists bearing? That's the best way to verify it.... but if you are showing the floor joist above the wall in question, you may be okay. But you really need to verify where the joists bear.
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surjones
Joined: 14 Mar 2009
Posts: 20
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 9:46 pm Post subject: |
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Phansford:I guess I dont understand your first question. Those 2x4's are nailed into the loft floor joists. (as shown I think in the pics) How can I see where the joist are bearing I guess is my question. I dont see anything that is notched or cut and based off the inside picture and the outside, it looks like they are just stacked and nailed onto the loft floor joists.
Is it common or uncommon practice to not use 3 or more full length 2x4s? It seems that the weight distribution would actually be on two 2x4s since the middle stud would not be able to carry any weight? since it is not on the floor. Also sorry I missed the what's below - Im on the 2nd floor (people under me) and 3rd floor (loft).
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 832
Location: SW Ohio
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| Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 7:58 am Post subject: |
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If I understand the last photo you posted - we are looking at the joists as they run over the wall you would like to remove. The joist seems not to bear on the wall. I think you are okay...... but it would be nice to verify the bearing points.
You would need to create a big enough hole in your ceiling so you can get your head up into the joist cavity to see the end points.... this will tell you which walls are bearing.
The truth of the matter - you can't determine if a wall is load-bearing from photos posted on an internet forum. The best (cheapest) solution is to call a friend in construction or an architect friend to come over and help make the determination. It will take 5 minutes of their time. I just did this same thing for a friend this past week.... I didn't charge him for the service - but I know he'll buy me a beer or lunch in the near future. 
If I were to charge for this type of consultation.... it would probably be between $75- $150 dollars - and I would provide you a one- page letter stating my findings and my recommendations. (In case you are thinking of contacting a local architect or builder for advice)
I hope I am not be obtuse - I certainly do not mean to be if I am.
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surjones
Joined: 14 Mar 2009
Posts: 20
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| Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 2:04 pm Post subject: |
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| Nah I really appreciate the help. I searched google images but could not find a pic of a bearing load point. If you have a picture of one or can find one perhaps you can post a link so I can try to find it here. Thanks again
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 832
Location: SW Ohio
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| Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 3:31 pm Post subject: |
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The cut end of the joist will rest on the bearing wall. That's why I think your wall is not bearing.
Locating the bearing walls is just a final assurance.
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djswan
millennium club
Joined: 17 Aug 2007
Posts: 1121
Location: Montana, USA
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| Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 3:34 pm Post subject: Re: Load bearing? |
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| surjones wrote: | | Hey Guys, I had an opportunity to take out this wall. |
I would take it out anyway, just for the sake of taking an oppportunity. Who cares, besides you, if it's load bearing? Opportunity not taken is opportunity lost, or so I've been told. 
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surjones
Joined: 14 Mar 2009
Posts: 20
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| Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 9:04 pm Post subject: |
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| I know for a fact that the floor joists run another 3.5 feet to the outside wall the leftside is the entry hallway.
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 832
Location: SW Ohio
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| Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 4:44 am Post subject: |
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| surjones wrote: | | I know for a fact that the floor joists run another 3.5 feet to the outside wall the leftside is the entry hallway. |
Then you should be fine..... again.... really sorry if I have been obtuse. Actually - I like being able say obtuse twice in one thread 
Take your time taking the studs out. Work from the inside out - removing one stud at a time. When you get to the last couple studs and your sawsall binds up..... STOP - there might be some sort of unexpected load on the wall. Also if the top plates begin to bow.... then there is a load on the wall.
Just take your time. There is no rush.
Good luck!
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