How Does Wall Removal Work in Older Perth Homes?
Want to open up your older Perth home?
Removing a wall can be the game changer in many cases for homeowners who crave more space, natural light, or just a better layout. Those cute houses, with their history and charm, were built in an era where open-plan living was not the norm.
Wall removal might be just what you need whether you’re dreaming of a seamless kitchen/living area or just want to bring your home into the modern age. But before you begin swinging a sledgehammer, it’s essential to know what you’re dealing with.
Older Perth homes often have hidden surprises like timber framing, subpar wiring, or quirky structures, which can complicate wall removal just a bit more. However, your renovation dream is definitely possible with the right guidance.
Let’s dive into how wall removal works in older Perth homes.
1. Determine if the Wall is Load-Bearing
Before taking down a wall in an older Perth home, find out if that wall is load-bearing. This is important since the load-bearing walls support the weight of the roof, ceiling joists, and sometimes even other levels of the house.
These walls are common in a lot of older Perth homes, especially those of a double brick construction or timber frame, and they are often in the center of the house or under roof beams. If one is removed without proper support, it can create structural damage or, worse, collapse.
You shouldn’t attempt to figure this out on your own. Even though the wall may not “feel” solid, it doesn’t mean it isn’t holding the house up by itself. The best approach is to have a structural engineer or a professional wall removal service check it out properly.
They can review the design of your home to determine what kind of support you’ll need to replace the wall’s function. When it comes to load bearing wall removal, professional advice is especially important to ensure your structure is safe and adheres to local building codes.
2. Asbestos Considerations
If your Perth home dates back to before the mid-1980s, there is a strong likelihood that there is asbestos in the walls or ceilings you intend to tear down. Asbestos is well suited to wall sheeting, ceiling linings, insulation, and even floor tiles as it is durable and fire resistant.
But its fibers can become airborne when disturbed and pose serious health risks, including lung diseases and cancer. Before starting any demolition work, you’ll need to arrange an asbestos inspection.
It is not your job to handle or test materials yourself, and this must be done by a licensed asbestos professional. Asbestos can only be removed and disposed of safely in accordance with Western Australian regulations by a licensed asbestos removalist if it is found.
So, even if you’re doing a small renovation, don’t forget to consider asbestos, as doing so could put your family and tradies at risk. If it’s not handled, it can delay your project and may even lead to fines or even legal issues.
Testing for asbestos before wall removal is a good way to protect yourself and ensure your renovation is safe, legal, and easy from the outset.
3. Electrical and Plumbing Checks
Older homes accumulate bits and pieces over time, and you’ll sometimes find unexpected cables, old wiring, or perhaps water pipes running through internal walls. You should never assume a wall is clear just because there are no apparent outlets or taps nearby.
Hidden wiring can lead to serious electrical hazards or fires if cut, and a damaged water pipe could result in flooding and expensive repairs. Because of this, it’s essential to have a licensed electrician and plumber on hand before any demolition takes place.
They can inspect the wall, determine what services are running through it, and devise a plan for disconnecting, rerouting, or safely terminating it. You may even be surprised to find outdated wiring that must be updated to today’s requirements.
Once the electrical and plumbing have been sorted out properly, you avoid dangerous surprises and stay on track with your renovation. It’s all about saving yourself time, money, and stress in the future by planning ahead.
4. Council and Permit Approvals
It’s important to know what approvals you will need from your local council before you start wall removal on your Perth home. In Western Australia, most structural changes require a building permit, notably removing a load-bearing wall.
It may seem like a small internal change, but it’s worth checking first to avoid non-compliance. You’ll have to submit plans for the structural changes you intend to make, and these may have to be prepared or signed off by a qualified structural engineer or building designer.
If the work in any way affects or interferes with the building’s structure or safety, it definitely needs council approval. Moreover, the rules might be even stricter if your home is heritage-listed or in a heritage conservation area.
There may be certain features you’ll need to preserve, materials you need to use, or approvals you’ll have to obtain. If you skip this step, you risk serious consequences, such as fines, stop work orders, and hassles when you try to sell your home later.
Council regulations can be different in each suburb, so you should check what you can and can’t do by ringing your local shire or looking at their website. Getting the proper permits is well worth the time, and the peace of mind you’ll have that everything is done correctly will always be appreciated.
5. Installing Structural Support
If you’re taking down a load-bearing wall in your older Perth home, you’ll want to add structural support for the sake of keeping the building secure. Once the wall is gone, something else has to carry the weight it was holding—whether that’s part of the roof, upper floor, or ceiling joists.
Structural beams enter the picture here, and selecting the right one is essential. Normally, you’ll require steel (such as an RSJ or Universal Beam) or an engineered timber beam (e.g., laminated veneer lumber).
The professionals will determine the exact size and material needed based on the weight above and the opening span. This isn’t something you can just grab off the shelf and guess. It has to meet strict building codes and Australian standards.
The new beam could have to be recessed into the ceiling to give a flush finish or left open for an exposed, feature look. Regardless, it has to be installed correctly, usually with posts or columns on either end.
This step, done right, guarantees that your home will remain structurally sound for a long time after the wall is ripped down. Always invest in professional help so your renovation is safe and stylish.
Conclusion
Removing a wall in an old Perth home can transform the space, but it’s not a job you should rush into. Taking the time to ensure structural support, asbestos inspections, hidden services, proper permit requirements, and reinforcements will keep you out of costly mistakes and dangerous surprises. To do this, work with the right professionals and follow the appropriate steps, and you’ll be turning your renovation vision into a reality.
