[dhayat]

Hi-

In the process of remodeling bathroom and the original layout no longer works for us as there is a closet in the middle of the room that was poorly placed. We would like to remove this closet and open up the room a bit. After removing the sheet rock it appears that the closet is load bearing. The reason I think this, is because 1) the size of the header is way to big for a non structural wall, and 2) the wall is perpendicular to the ceiling joists.. (pictures to follow).

If in fact this wall is load bearing here is what I would like to do. I would like to create a half wall with a column. this will be the right side of the new support. Then I would like to run a beam (There is where I need some expertise) over to a new closet that will be framed. This beam can rest on the top plate of the closet.

If someone can take a look at the pictures below and let me know if this would work and what size beam I would need that would be great. Joists are 2x10 spaced 16"OC the span for the new beam will be a total of 38"

 

[dhayat]

Here are the pictures

Thanks-

 

[sixeightten]

Just because the header is oversized means nothing. Many times, we put bigger headers everywhere. If it is a small closet wall, I highly doubt it is bearing.

Your pics are not attached.

 

[sixeightten]

Non bearing.

 

[dhayat]

Just because the header is oversized means nothing. Many times, we put bigger headers everywhere. If it is a small closet wall, I highly doubt it is bearing.

Your pics are not attached.

Thank you for the info, good to know. first time using the site so attached pics in 2nd post

 

[sixeightten]

Thank you for the info, good to know. first time using the site so attached pics in 2nd post

I saw them right after my first post.

This site is very useful for DIY folks and professionals too.

 

[dhayat]

Is there any other angle you would need to see to confirm? or your confident this closet wall can be removed?

Thanks for your time

 

[sixeightten]

As long as the joists above run through that wall and aren't spliced on it, you are good to go. I would bet dollars to donuts that they run through to the outer wall.

 

[dhayat]

Im going to confirm they run through to the next wall and will attach some pictures. I remember looking up into the ceiling and seeing the joists stop maybe 12 inches after that closet wall. lGoing to remove some more sheetrock to confirm. Ill be back with an update. Thanks again

 

[dhayat]

So they run through but stop in the middle of the ceiling (see pic) Just wanted to make sure this is still good to remove. Looks like there are only 2 joists that are directly over the wall

 

[sixeightten]

I can't imagine they stop in the middle of the ceiling. That wouldn't make any sense. Put your camera in that gap and see if you can get a decent pic.

 

[carpdad]

If the joist stops short of the outer wall, sister a joist that overlaps it by at least 3' and bolt them together. Make sure both are straight and not bowing down. New joist does not have to have a seat since it is ceiling only (let me make sure: no living floor above?). New joist should sit on the outer wall but not necessarily on the opposite bearing wall. The heavy header maybe was made with a scrap. It also sits mid floor that suggests it is not load heavy.

 

[dhayat]

So I put the camera in all the gaps to get pictures from each side of the 2 joists. also looks like they forgot to nail one of the hangers!

 

[dhayat]

There is a bedroom above - sorry forgot to mention

 

[sixeightten]

Your good. I would cut back the ceiling drywall enough to nail off the hanger. The hangers are nailed into a beam which carries the joists at that end.

 

[sixeightten]

The closet wall is definitely non bearing. You can proceed.

 

[dhayat]

If the joist stops short of the outer wall, sister a joist that overlaps it by at least 3' and bolt them together. Make sure both are straight and not bowing down. New joist does not have to have a seat since it is ceiling only (let me make sure: no living floor above?). New joist should sit on the outer wall but not necessarily on the opposite bearing wall. The heavy header maybe was made with a scrap. It also sits mid floor that suggests it is not load heavy.

Thanks again for the time - really appreciate it. And ill def get the hanger nailed in

 

[carpdad]

Carpenter: ok, last hanger.
Home owner: can i change the plan? I want a closet.
Carpenter: grumble...:smile:


Have to remove the ceiling drywall, nail the hanger in and that should solve your problem removing the closet wall. Try to cut the drywall so it is mid of the joist (could be a double joist beam) so repair is easier.

 

[dhayat]

Hey would you mind taking a look at my other question I posted?

https://www.diychatroom.com/f15/toilet-relocation-drill-joists-plumbers-box-692207/