Creating a Wall Opening: Guide & Tips
Turn two rooms into one, or a small space into a large one: creating an opening in a wall lets you design your home exactly how you want it. Thinking of just grabbing a sledgehammer and going for it? Better not! We have tips for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. We’ll show you what to look out for, what costs to expect, and which tools will help you succeed with your “wall opening” DIY project.
Wall Opening Checklist: What you should clarify first
- Written permission, if you're renting
- Building plan for your home
- Structural survey
- Building permit, if required
You can find the building plan at your local building authority. It shows you which walls are load-bearing, where pipes and cables run, etc. A building permit is necessary if:
- the wall opening affects a load-bearing wall,
- it is an external wall,
- the building is a listed property.
Our tip: Always play it safe with a major construction project like breaking through a wall! Be sure to consult your local building authority and a structural engineer. This not only saves you from nasty surprises but also from potential deconstruction orders or heavy fines.
Load-bearing vs. non-load-bearing walls – how to tell the difference
Only a structural engineer can determine which type of wall you are dealing with. However, there are some rules of thumb. The following are usually considered load-bearing walls:
- Exterior walls
- Walls with a thickness of 17.5 cm or more
- Masonry walls of 11.5 cm or more (built after 1990)
Things get more complicated with older buildings, where expert advice is especially important.
You can often identify non-load-bearing walls by their sound: if it sounds hollow when you knock on it, it is likely a drywall partition that you can generally remove – as long as there are no pipes or wiring in the way!
What tools do you need for a wall breakthrough?
For a wall breakthrough, you'll need to bring out the heavy-duty tools. The most important power tools and hand tools are:
- Rotary hammer: A powerful tool for solid masonry
- Sledgehammer: When it comes to the heavy work – perfect for the initial breakthrough
- Angle grinder (with a diamond cutting disc): For cuts in plasterboard or lightweight blocks
- Hammer & chisel: The experts for fine-tuning and lighter materials
- Core drill: For precise, circular openings for pipes
Tool Tip: For thin walls made of plasterboard or similar building materials, your hammer drill should have an impact energy of 10 to 20 joules; for stronger walls, 20 to 50 joules are necessary.
Creating an Opening in a Non-Load-Bearing Wall: Guide & Tips
Openings in load-bearing walls should be left to the professionals. To create an opening in a non-load-bearing wall, follow these steps:
- Tools: Get your tools ready and put on your workwear (ear protection, safety glasses, protective clothing, work gloves, safety shoes).
- Cover adjacent rooms with dust sheets – including floors, walls and furniture.
- If necessary, mark out the opening – especially for a door or window. Be a little generous with your measurements.
- Use a sledgehammer or rotary hammer to first chisel off the plaster, then switch to the drill function. Drill a hole every 5–10 cm along the line of the opening.
- Remove the debris, install doors or windows, and plaster the opening – for example, with drywall elements or plaster. Fill any gaps with expanding foam or cement.
Wall Openings: How to Calculate the Costs
The cost of creating an opening in a wall depends on many factors. There are various ways to calculate the price, which mainly depend on whether you hire professionals or do the job yourself. On top of this are the labour costs for tradespeople, as well as call-out fees, costs for rerouting pipes or wires, etc. Get a quote from a local specialist and compare the offers. When you do, pay attention not just to the final price, but especially to what services are included!
