Just a wall!

federer

so the fake 'header; was really 2 individual framed out sections that were put side by side on top of the paneled wall to finish it off flush. there is the doorway perpendicular to the wall that we are going to tackle next:

Bruntson

That wall with the doorway is not load bearing either.

Good Luck and Merry Christmas

federer

merry christmas to you too sir

pro handyman

Here's how to figure out if its load bearing or not is wall running opposite direction than rafters or close to center of house and is wood aged same as rafters or original looking frame work. If either or both of these examples apply then its more then likely load bearing. That being said it can still removed but must replaced with a proper header and cripples.

federer

hi
thanks for your input! so, the pictures show that the paneled wall is perpendicular to the rafters. however if you look at the pics the wall is not attached to the rafters in any way at all. in fact the wall is in 2 parts. the paneled wall, with a framing section that sits on top as a fake 'header', so to speak.

pro handyman

If your still unsure take a eight foot 2x4 place center of 2x4 where wall was and see if there is a bow. Sometimes it hard to tell in older houses cause nothing is straight. But there will be a very noticeable bow if its a load bearing. If it is load bearing better get some supports under it till you put in proper header and cripple.

federer

oh cool! sorry but to make sure i understand-what do you mean place center of 2x4 where wall was? do you mean stick the 2x4 vertically and see if it bows from the load pushing down on it?

pro handyman

Yes place 2x4 on end under a rafter and see if there a difference. 2x4 will be like a titter totter on rafter if its load bearing. Of course this is just advice if your still not sure I suggest getting a couple reputable carpenters to look or you could try local building dept they should have building specs on file.

federer

thank you! so you run your own company? we did have a carpenter look and they said its ok. how do you go about getting the building specs? from the county? i dont know what local building dept means haha

pro handyman

Yeah its part of your local government and everytime you build or add on you have to get permits and a building inspector will have orginal blue prints of your building.

federer

thank you. can you get a copy mailed to you?

pro handyman

Usually you have to go in. Fill out some paper work and sometimes pay for it. I always recommend doing this if your doing any remodeling. Cause over the years of the house other owners change things ( usually without proper permits)but this way you know exactly what the original blue print were. Helps with wiring and plumbing as well.

federer

thank you very much

pro handyman

No problem and good luck.