Load-Bearing Walls Keep the Building Standing

When you have to do some major remodeling and knock down some walls, keep in mind what walls can come down and which are load-bearing. Those load-bearing walls literally keep your home standing.

The outside walls that frame your house are load bearing. But load bearing walls inside your house may be trickier to locate. They are usually found near the center of your home. If you decide that your home needs renovation there's a load you need to know about load-bearing walls:

1. Consult with an architect to determine if a load-bearing wall can be altered or removed.

2. Prepare for an added renovation expense if you actually plan on altering a load-bearing wall. Hire an expert to make this type of renovation. You'll avoid costly repairs down the road.

3. If a load-bearing wall is altered improperly it could result in problems such as sagging floors, windows and doors, even the collapse of your home. So, learn what you need to know about load-bearing walls before you renovate.