How To Open Up Kitchen Dining Rooms By Removing The Closed Off Wall
Kitchen and dining rooms separated by walls can feel disconnected and closed off. By removing the barrier between these two living spaces, we can create a more open, flowing, and functional home environment perfect for cooking, eating, and entertaining.
An open concept kitchen dining design has many alluring benefits. Still, embarking on this major remodeling project requires careful planning regarding layout, aesthetics, permits, and potential structural changes to the home.
Assessing If The Wall Is Load-Bearing
Before knocking down any wall, it's vital to determine if it is load-bearing, meaning it supports the structural integrity. Indicators include if the wall has beams, ductwork, wiring, piping, holds up a roofline edge, or runs perpendicular to the floor joists above.
Consulting a structural engineer will provide analysis through evaluating blueprint plans or assessing the site. If the wall is load-bearing, the project becomes more complicated but still feasible with a beam installation.
When To Bring In A Structural Engineer
Involve a structural engineering professional if there are multiple floors above the wall, it holds up a roofline edge, or you discover plumbing, wiring, and ductwork inside. They can redraw floor plans to maintain structural stability or suggest reinforcement options if removing the wall completely.
Load-Bearing Wall Removal Considerations
With load-bearing walls, consider inserting a support beam on either side of the new opening, using columns or posts for added support, or strategically placing framed wall sections to redistribute weight. The engineer will specify exact structural modifications needed.
Hiring A Qualified Contractor
As extensive demolition and rebuilding work is required, hiring a licensed, insured contractor with experience taking down walls specifically is key. Ask for their previous relevant project examples and client references to vet qualifications.
Researching And Vetting Contractors
When researching contractors, inquire if they have executed open concept remodeling projects before and request photos of finished work. Check ratings on Google and social media alongside licensing information from your state's contractor board website.
Questions To Ask Potential Contractors
- How will you assess if the wall is load-bearing?
- What is the estimated timeline for the project?
- How will you handle obtaining permits?
- Do you subcontract specialty work like electrical?
Thoroughly questioning credentials and scoping project details will help determine the best fit.
Estimating Project Budget
A qualified contractor will provide a detailed quote outlining pricing for the wall removal itself alongside finishing work like flooring, lighting, paint. Extra structural support, extensive wiring updates or luxury finishes can increase costs. Most open concept remodels range from $15,000 to $30,000.
Designing An Open Concept Kitchen Dining Area
With no physical barriers, furniture placement, lighting design, and an overarching style require reimagination. Decide if you want a casual eat-in configuration or prefer defining distinct zones in the open space.
New Furniture Layout Ideas
Measure available floor space and create a layout allocating areas for cooking, prepping, eating, and conversation. Favor furniture that transitions styles well from kitchen to dining rooms like barred seating, storage buffets, and rectangular tables.
Lighting Design For Open Space
Update lighting fixtures in both spaces for sufficient brightness without shadows or glare. Incorporate varied lighting like pendant lights over islands, track lighting, recessed cans, and accent fixtures for dimension.
Incorporating A Breakfast Bar Or Island
Islands or breakfast bars seamlessly connect kitchens and dining in open concept. Optimal measurements are 4 to 5 feet wide and 8 to 10 feet long. Include seating space for 3-4 barstools depending on size.
Creating A Cohesive Style
Paint the entire open area a uniform color scheme for continuity. Carry over coordinating materials like tile backsplashes, wood floors or cabinetry finishes to maintain harmony with a purposeful, not haphazard aesthetic.
Obtaining Permits For Remodeling Project
Proper permitting must be secured before removing walls to avoid safety issues or fines. Demolition, electrical, plumbing, mechanical permits covering structural changes are typical. The contractor usually files paperwork.
Typical Permits Needed For Wall Demolition
Standard permits involve demolition to remove physical barriers, building permits when installing structural reinforcements, alongside electrical, plumbing if systems need rerouting or upgrades.
Submitting Permit Applications
Most contractors include permitting costs in project quotes and handle submitting proper demolition, construction applications to local municipalities. Homeowners simply verify all paperwork and approvals before allowing work commencement.
Securing Project Approvals
Wait until all permitting is fully approved before beginning work as penalties can apply for starting early. Processing times vary from 2 weeks up to 2 months for final green lights. Do not schedule contractors until complete approvals are given by building departments.
Preparing The Kitchen And Dining Room
Pre-demo preparation protects existing elements staying like floors and clears electrical components from the work zone. Have contractors hoard wall sections to limit dust infiltration.
Protecting Floors And Surfaces
Lay down plastic sheeting or heavy paper over floors and countertops and mask off light fixtures to avoid damage during demolition. Clear area of freestanding furniture pieces or decor items to prevent scattering debris.
Removing Kitchen Cabinets Built Into Wall
Kitchen cabinets or hutches occupying the dividing wall space will need removal. Check if existing cabinetry can be donated or sold then prep area for new layout.
Rerouting Electrical, Plumbing In Wall
Inspect behind wall for electrical wiring or plumbing lines needing redirection. Temporarily cap off affected power or water supplies if necessary to remain operational during work.
Taking Down The Physical Wall Barrier
Demolishing the wall itself involves strategic techniques for safety and correct structural dismantling. Follow all guidelines laid out in demolition permits.
Following Demolition Permit Guidelines
Adhere to demolition permitting rules regarding proper waste disposal, limiting work hours, dust mitigation, and safety processes. Failure to comply can garner project shutdowns or fines.
Using Proper Safety Equipment
Require all workers wear safety goggles, breathing masks, gloves, and hard hats during demolition. Carefully check behind drywall for hidden electrical wires or plumbing before sledgehammering.
Disposing Debris Correctly
Legally transport wall section remnants, broken studs, and dust residue away immediately to approved waste sites. Most permits prohibit onsite dumpster use over 48 hours to avoid neighborhood disturbances.
Refinishing Kitchen And Dining Room
Seamlessly integrating kitchen and dining aesthetics provides a polished, purposeful look. Prepare uneven surfaces for decor continuity between both zones.
Patching Floors, Walls, Ceiling Areas
Fill holes in surrounding floors, drywall, and ceilings with patching compounds for an even finish. Sand down bumps or ridges around opening to erase remnants of wall placement.
Installing New Lighting Fixtures
With open sight lines, strategically place pendant lights, recessed cans, track heads and chandeliers to illuminate from all angles according to lighting plan.
Painting To Unify Open Space
Use the same neutral wall colors spanning from kitchen boundaries past the dining room to visually expand area. Apply coordinating cabinetry finishes for streamlined, uniform appearance.
Enjoying An Open Concept Kitchen Dining Area
From easier hosting abilities to clean aesthetics, opening the kitchen and dining room creates functionality and beauty. Maintain organization and sightline consideration as needs evolve.
More Seamless Hosting Abilities
Serving meals or hosting gatherings becomes more seamless without a physical barrier separating cooks from guests. Open concepts allow better hosting mobility and conversation dynamics.
Greater Accessibility Between Spaces
Access necessities like extra napkins, serving spoons or wineglasses with ease in an open concept. Eliminating walls removes obstacles between kitchen tools and dining room placements.
Clean Sightlines For Visual Harmony
Unbroken lines across open rooms feel lighter, brighter and more soothing. Strategic lighting and furnishing placements prevent clutter from accumulating across sight paths.
Embracing an open concept kitchen dining room creates free-flowing entertaining abilities alongside smart living space versatility. Follow proper protocols regarding assessing load-bearing walls, permits and refinishing to manifest this sleek, modern design in your own home.