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How Much Does Wall Removal Cost in 2025?
Normal Range: $1,000 - $10,000
Wall removal costs an average of $3,000 for most homeowners
How we get this data
Highlights
Most wall removal projects cost between $1,000 and $10,000, or an average of $3,000.
Load-bearing walls cost significantly more than non-load-bearing walls to remove.
Project complexity, wall material and size, and local labor rates affect the total expense.
Hiring a licensed demolition contractor ensures the wall is removed safely, without causing damage to your home.
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This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Considering knocking down a wall to create an open floor plan? The cost to remove a wall ranges from $500 to $15,000, with most homeowners paying an average of $3,000. The price varies widely depending on whether the wall is load-bearing, what materials it's made from, and if utilities need rerouting. Hiring a licensed demolition contractor ensures the safe and proper removal of the wall, preventing damage and potential hazards.
Wall Removal Cost Factors
Your specific costs for wall removal depend on several factors, including the wall's function, construction materials, and your home's overall design. Regional pricing variations also affect the final bill, as labor and permit costs differ across the country.
Wall Material
Material type significantly impacts removal costs. Drywall and wooden studs are relatively simple to remove, while brick and concrete require specialized equipment and greater labor. Plaster walls fall in the middle—they're more challenging than drywall because of their thickness and tendency to create significant dust and debris during removal. Older homes often feature these more difficult materials, which can increase your project costs.
| Wall Material | Removal Cost | Debris Removal Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall/studs | $300 | $100–$300 |
| Plaster | $600 | $100–$300 |
| Brick | $1,000 | $250–$500 |
| Concrete | $1,000 | $250–$500 |
Size
Project scope dramatically affects your final price. Small, non-load-bearing walls may cost as little as $300, while complex projects involving load-bearing walls in multi-story homes can reach $10,000 or more. The wall's length, height, and location within your home contribute to the complexity and cost. Walls containing utilities or requiring specialized structural reinforcement will fall at the higher end of the price spectrum.
Load-Bearing vs. Non-Load-Bearing
Your project cost will vary depending on whether your wall is load-bearing or non-load-bearing. Non-load-bearing walls are less costly, with average prices ranging from $300 to $1,000.
Load-bearing walls support the weight of your home's structure above them, transferring this weight to the foundation. Removing a single-story load-bearing wall costs between $1,200 and $5,000, while multi-story homes can range from $3,000 to $10,000.
Professional evaluation is critical when removing a load-bearing wall. A structural engineer can determine if a wall is load-bearing and recommend appropriate support solutions. Improper removal could compromise your home's structural integrity.
Labor
Wall removal requires multiple specialists, each with their own expertise and pricing structure.
Demolition Contractors
Demolition professionals near you can handle the physical removal of the wall. Their services include the demolition itself and sometimes basic cleanup. For load-bearing walls, you'll need contractors with experience in structural demolition to ensure your home remains stable throughout the process. Rates vary based on project complexity and your location.
Structural Engineers
For load-bearing wall removal, a structural engineer's assessment is essential. Structural engineers charge between $200 and $1,400, depending on the project's complexity. This cost often includes their evaluation report, which averages $500. Many municipalities require engineer-approved plans before issuing permits for structural modifications. While this adds to your budget, it ensures your project meets safety codes and protects your investment.
Plumbers and Electricians
Walls often contain plumbing pipes and electrical wiring that need professional relocation. Plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour to reroute plumbing or gas lines. Electricians bill $50 to $100 per hour for rewiring work. The complexity of these utility relocations can significantly impact your timeline and budget, especially in older homes with outdated systems.
Additional Cost Factors
Several additional cost factors determine your total bill, including demolition and debris removal, permits, structural support installation, and finishing work.
Demolition and Debris Removal
Beyond the labor for wall removal, you'll need to budget for debris disposal. Lighter materials like drywall cost $100 to $300 to remove, while heavier materials such as brick or concrete cost $250 to $500. The amount and type of debris significantly affect these costs, as do local disposal regulations.
Permits and Inspections
Most localities require permits for structural modifications. Building permit costs vary by location and project scope, but they're essential for legal compliance. Skipping this step can result in fines and complications when selling your home. Your project may require multiple inspections during different phases of the work to verify code compliance.
Structural Support Installation
When removing load-bearing walls, replacement support is mandatory. Steel support beams cost $1,300 to $5,000, while LVL beams range from $55 to $400, with an additional $200 to $400 in labor per beam. The beam type, size, and installation complexity depend on your home's specific structural needs and the wall's span.
Finishing Work
After wall removal, the surrounding areas need refinishing. Drywall installation costs $1.50 per square foot or $65 per standard eight-foot by four-foot sheet. Interior painting ranges from $300 to $750 per room. Additional finishing work might include floor repair, trim work, and other cosmetic touches to create a seamless transition between spaces.
Complete Wall Removal vs. Partial Removal
Complete wall removal creates a fully open space but requires comprehensive structural considerations. Alternatives like partial openings or archways can provide some of the benefits of an open floor plan while potentially reducing costs and structural complications. Any modification to a load-bearing wall will still require proper structural support, regardless of whether it's a complete or partial removal.
Does Wall Removal Increase Home Value?
Opening up your floor plan can enhance your home's appeal and functionality. Many buyers appreciate open concept designs that create more spacious living areas and improve traffic flow. However, the value added depends on your local real estate market, current home layout, and execution quality. Consider consulting with a local real estate professional before undertaking major structural changes, specifically for resale value.
Ways to Save Money on Wall Removal
To keep costs budget-friendly when removing a wall, consider these tips:
Get multiple quotes from at least three demolition contractors to compare prices and services.
Handle some cleanup yourself if you have the proper equipment and disposal options.
Plan your opening to minimize utility relocations when possible.
Consider whether a partial opening might meet your needs at a lower cost.
Combine your wall removal with other renovation projects to reduce overall permit and labor costs.
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.
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