Is the wall load-bearing?
Load-bearing walls carry weight from the floors and roof above down to the foundations. You cannot always tell by looking or tapping. The Planning Portal recommends getting a structural engineer to confirm whether a wall is load-bearing before any work starts.
What the work involves
- A structural engineer designs a beam (often steel, sometimes called an RSJ) and specifies what supports it at each end.
- The builder puts in temporary supports (props) to hold up the structure above while the wall is removed.
- The beam is installed on suitable bearings (padstones or posts), and sometimes the foundations beneath need checking.
- The beam is usually boxed in and fire-protected, then plastered.
Building Regulations approval
Removing a load-bearing wall alters the structure of your home, so it needs Building Regulations approval. You will need the engineer’s calculations, and Building Control will inspect the work. Removing walls can also affect fire escape routes, particularly in homes with three or more storeys, as well as ventilation, drainage and electrics.
Removing a non-load-bearing wall is less likely to need approval, as long as it does not affect fire escape, ventilation, drainage or electrics.
Planning and neighbours
- Internal walls do not normally need planning permission.
- Listed buildings need listed building consent for significant internal work.
- If the beam will sit in a party wall shared with your neighbour, you will usually need to serve a party wall notice. See party wall notices.
Who to hire
Use an experienced builder who works from the engineer’s design and coordinates Building Control inspections. Get the completion certificate at the end, as you will need it when you sell.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own building rules. This guide covers England; elsewhere in the UK, check with your local council.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
