Removing a wall without knowing if it’s load bearing is one of the most dangerous and expensive DIY mistakes a homeowner can make. A load-bearing wall supports the weight of the structure above it — floors, roof, or other walls. Remove it without proper support and you risk a partial or total structural collapse. This guide explains how to identify load-bearing walls in Chicago homes — including the older construction types most common in the city.
Quick Signs a Wall May Be Load Bearing
- It runs perpendicular to floor joists — The most reliable indicator. Joists transfer load to walls that run across them, not parallel to them.
- It sits over the foundation or beam in the basement — If you can trace a wall down through the basement to a beam, post, or foundation wall directly below it, it is almost certainly load bearing.
- It is a center wall running front-to-back through the house — In most Chicago bungalows, two-flats, and greystones, the center wall parallel to the length of the house is load bearing.
- It supports a beam, ridge, or another wall above it — Any wall that has another wall directly above it on the next floor is likely load bearing.
- It is an exterior wall — Nearly all exterior walls are load bearing. Never remove an exterior wall without engineering review.
How to Check: Step-by-Step
- Go to the basement or crawlspace. Look directly below the wall in question. If there is a beam, post, or foundation wall directly beneath it — it’s load bearing. If there’s open space between joists, it’s likely not.
- Check joist direction in the basement. Identify which way the floor joists run (look at the exposed framing). Any wall that runs perpendicular (across) the joists is likely load bearing.
- Go to the attic. If the wall runs up to the roof, look for a ridge beam, collar ties, or rafters that bear directly on the wall’s top plate. These are strong indicators.
- Look at the wall itself. Open a small section of drywall near the top plate and look for a double top plate (two 2x4s stacked). Load-bearing walls almost always have a doubled top plate. Non-bearing walls may have a single top plate.
- Check your building plans. Chicago building permits require structural drawings for new construction. If you have original plans, the structural walls are marked.
Load-Bearing Wall Identification in Chicago Home Styles
| Chicago Home Type | Common Load-Bearing Walls |
|---|---|
| Bungalow | All exterior walls; center wall running front to back; any wall below second-floor knee walls |
| Two-flat / Three-flat | All exterior walls; wall separating units; walls below the unit above |
| Greystone / Brownstone | All masonry exterior walls (never touch); interior center wall; party walls shared with adjacent building |
| Ranch home | All exterior walls; any interior wall with a wall directly above it; wall running to center beam |
| Split-level | Any wall at a level transition; all exterior walls; stairwell walls |
When You Are Not Sure — Don’t Guess
If you cannot definitively confirm a wall is non-load-bearing using the steps above, treat it as load bearing until a structural engineer or experienced contractor says otherwise. The cost of an engineering consultation ($300–$600) is trivial compared to the cost of structural repairs from a mistake — which can run $5,000–$50,000 or more.
Related reading: How to Patch a Hole in Drywall | Plaster vs. Drywall in Chicago Homes | Professional Drywall Repair Chicago
Planning a Wall Removal or Remodel in Chicago?
Chicago Handyman works with structural engineers and can help assess your project, coordinate permits, and execute the wall removal safely. We handle drywall removal, temporary shoring, beam installation, and full remodel work throughout Chicago.