How do you start a kitchen remodel?

I would like to remove the load-bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room ,on the middle story of a three story house, and create a large kitchen and great-room. Where do you start? Should I get a kitchen designer or start with a structural engineer?

Asked by jt3605 48 months ago Similar questions: start kitchen remodel Home > Home Improvement.

Get some professional help A kitchen designer's level of expertise may well extend only to the positioning of cabinets and workspaces and the selection of surfaces. There are 'certified' kitchen designers who have demonstrated additional (and in some cases considerable) knowledge of construction and many systems of the home. However, in most cases these persons are not adequately prepared to assess the structure of your home and make qualified recommendations.

I would most definitely seek someone with expertise in structural engineering for an opinion. For help locating a certified designer check out the National Kitchen and Bath Association website:nkba.org/default.aspx" rel="nofollow">nkba.org/default.aspx Sources: nkba.org/default.aspx" rel="nofollow">nkba.org/default.aspx .

If you plan to remove a load bearing wall I would start with the arcitect/engineer If you plan to remove a load bearing wall I would start with the arcitect/engineer. It should be possible to remove the wall but they will definitely need to strengthen the structure using alternative methods. I would start with the engineer just so you understand how much space you will have when the wall is removed.

You actually could probably work with both people at the same time as both may have ideas. As it seems you know the most important thing is to have a good set of plans before you start. This will make the project go much smoother...also plan you budget probably 10% higher than you think you will possibly need.As with any large remodeling project you always run into the unforeseen.

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If you're removing a load bearing wall, you need an engineer first. You'll need an engineer to help decide if it's possible, and what steps will be required to keep the house stable. More than likely you'll have to insert some vertical supports and may be able to work these supports into your design.

I've seen some open air designs that integrate the supports into the ends of an island or bar type structure. You might also have to look at the 1st floor too and see if it will need reinforcement at the load points of the new upright. This is all important to the final design so you can plan around what is required, instead of redesigning your plans to fit the requirements..

We started a similar project with a very experienced kitchen designer. The structural engineer came with the contractor, just before work actually began. In our case, we were lucky and the wall turned out to be non-weight bearing.

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Before you can design anything you have to address the structural aspect of the house. It will be a post or a large heade .

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