How much does it cost to have an interior wall removed?
Removing an internal wall costs between €300 for a non-load-bearing wall and €13,000 for a load-bearing wall in a multi-storey home. This job involves demolishing a wall inside your house to open up spaces or create a different layout. The price mainly depends on the type of wall (load-bearing or non-load-bearing), the size, and additional work such as steel structures and finishing. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of removing an internal wall and what to look out for.
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What does it cost to remove an internal wall?
Removing an internal wall costs €1,200 on average. This amount includes demolition, waste removal, and basic finishing. Costs vary greatly: a simple non-load-bearing wall can be demolished from €300, while a load-bearing wall in a house with multiple floors can reach €13,000.
Average costs for removing an internal wall
Type of cost | Price |
|---|---|
Average costs | €1,200 |
Budget option | €300 |
High costs | €10,000 |
These figures show that costs primarily depend on the type of wall. A non-load-bearing wall is relatively cheap to remove, but load-bearing structures involve significantly more work.
Costs per type of wall
Wall type | Price indication |
|---|---|
Removing a non-load-bearing wall | €300 - €1,000 |
Removing a load-bearing wall (single-storey house) | €1,550 - €3,900 |
Removing a load-bearing wall (multi-storey houses) | €4,150 - €13,000 |
The price difference between a single-storey house and a multi-storey house is significant. In multi-storey homes, the structure must support more weight, requiring a heavier steel construction. Costs are calculated per project, not per hour. All prices include 21% VAT and labour.
Costs of removing internal walls per type of work
The costs for removing an internal wall depend heavily on the type of work. A non-load-bearing wall is the cheapest, while load-bearing walls cost considerably more due to complexity and the need for a support beam.
Type of work | Unit | Price indication |
|---|---|---|
Removing a non-load-bearing wall | project | €300 - €1,000 |
Removing a load-bearing wall (one floor) | project | €1,550 - €3,900 |
Removing a load-bearing wall (multiple floors) | project | €4,150 - €13,000 |
Creating a half wall or passage | project | €2,400 - €5,400 |
Passage between kitchen and living space | project | from €500 |
Installing a steel beam | project | €1,300 - €5,000 |
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams | per piece | €50 - €400 |
Price-determining factors for removing an internal wall
The costs for removing an internal wall vary per situation due to technical, logistical, and practical factors.
Load-bearing versus non-load-bearing wall
The main price difference lies in whether the wall is structural. A non-load-bearing wall can be removed for €300 to €1,000. For a load-bearing wall, costs rise to €1,550 to €13,000. This is because you need a structural engineer for calculations (€450 to €900) and a support beam must be installed.
Recognising a load-bearing wall
All external walls are load-bearing. Internal load-bearing walls are often located directly above steel or multi-layered wooden beams in the basement or perpendicular to floor joists. Always consult a structural engineer if in doubt.
Material of the wall
Brick walls require heavier demolition work and more time for waste removal. Plasterboard walls are lighter and faster to remove, lowering labour costs. Concrete walls may require specialist tools like a demolition hammer, which increases the price.
Pipes and utilities in the wall
Walls often contain electrical wiring, water pipes, gas lines, or ventilation ducts. Relocating these costs extra. A plumber charges €50 to €200 per hour and an electrician €50 to €100 per hour.
Permits
An environmental permit is often required for removing load-bearing walls. Structural calculations must be submitted to the local authority. Without a permit, you risk a fine and may be forced to replace the wall.
Number of floors
In multi-storey houses, removing a load-bearing wall is more expensive, ranging from €4,150 to €13,000, compared to €1,550 to €3,900 for single-storey homes.
Size of the opening
A larger opening requires a longer support beam and more finishing work, increasing both material and labour costs.
Finishing after demolition
This includes plastering walls, laying new flooring, and installing skirting boards. More finishing leads to a higher final price.
Accessibility
If the professional has difficulty reaching the wall due to narrow passages, the job takes more time. Waste removal also becomes more labour-intensive.
Urgency and scheduling
Urgent jobs and weekend work are more expensive due to higher labour rates outside regular hours.
Region and Waste removal
Prices are often higher in major cities due to parking and accessibility. Removing demolition waste costs money, especially with brick walls where a large volume of rubble is generated.
Extra costs and surcharges for wall removal
At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
Urgency surcharge: Applies to urgent jobs as the professional must adjust their schedule.
Weekend surcharge: Makes work in the weekend more expensive.
Plasterboard for repairs: Costs €7 per square metre or €65 per sheet.
Repair work: Levelling floors, repairing ceilings, plasterwork, and replacing skirting boards are often extra costs.
Asbestos survey: May be mandatory for houses built before the 1990s, bringing additional costs.
How does the professional work when removing an internal wall?
A structural engineer assesses if the wall is load-bearing and creates calculations if necessary.
For load-bearing walls, an environmental permit is requested. This process can take several weeks.
An electrician or plumber disconnects and relocates utilities.
The professional shields the work area with plastic sheeting to protect against dust.
Temporary supports are placed for load-bearing walls.
The wall is demolished using professional tools.
A steel beam or LVL beam is installed as a replacement support structure for load-bearing walls.
The area is finished with plasterboard and plastering, and waste is removed.
How can you save on removing an internal wall?
Move furniture yourself: Clear the room before the professional arrives to save on labour time.
Consider alternatives: A half wall or wide passage is cheaper than full removal.
Avoid urgency and weekends: Book planned work on weekdays.
Combine tasks: Have multiple jobs performed at once to save on labour costs.
Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate upfront without surprises or call-out charges.
Common problems when removing an internal wall
Hidden pipes
Hitting unknown utilities during demolition leads to dangerous situations and costly repairs.
Asbestos in older homes
Homes built before the 1990s may contain asbestos in walls or insulation. Removal must be done by certified companies.
Incorrect load-bearing assessment
Unprofessional demolition can lead to cracks, sagging floors, or partial collapse. A structural engineer prevents this.
Unexpected damage
Hidden issues like damp, mould, or woodworm often come to light during demolition, requiring extra repairs.
Find the best professional for removing an internal wall
No call-out charges: You only pay for the work itself.
Fixed price upfront: You know exactly what the costs are.
Quick booking: Choose a time directly without the hassle of quotes.
Payment via QR code: Pay only when the job is done and you are satisfied.
Reliable professionals: All tradespeople are verified and specialised.
Structural engineer: Necessary for load-bearing walls for reliable calculations.
Insurance: Ensure the professional is insured for structural damage.
Frequently asked questions about removing an internal wall
What does it cost to remove an internal wall?
Costs are between €300 and €13,000. On average, you pay €1,200 for a standard project.
How do I know if my wall is load-bearing?
External walls are always load-bearing. Internal ones are often above basement beams or perpendicular to joists. Always consult an expert.
Do I need a permit?
Usually not for non-load-bearing walls, but often required for load-bearing ones.
What is the cost of a structural engineer?
Between €450 and €900 depending on complexity.
Can I remove a wall myself?
You might manage a non-load-bearing wall, but never attempt a load-bearing one yourself; it is dangerous.
Book a professional for removing an internal wall
Ready to have an internal wall removed? At Zoofy, you can book a professional directly without quotes and without call-out charges. You will see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, verified professional. You only pay once the work is finished.