Hello everybody,

Determine if the wall between the kitchen and the dining room that you want to remove is load bearing or not. A professional builder or certified handyman can help you out with this process. Load -bearing walls need to be removed by professionals, which can be quite expensive. The average DIYer can remove a non-load-bearing wall between a kitchen and dining room, providing that the local codes allow for homeowner's to do this type of work. Check the building codes in your area to be sure before starting construction. Some municipalities will not allow DIYers to reroute water or gas pipes.

Move any appliances or furniture away from the wall to be removed. Place dust cloths and hang up plastic sheets over any surfaces that you wish to keep free of dust and debris.

Cut off the electricity to any circuits on the wall that you want to remove at the main switch. Remove the faceplates on the sockets and test the wires with a voltmeter to ensure that the electricity has been cut. Unscrew the plugs from the sockets, loosen the wires on the sides and discard.

Put on safety equipment, including goggles, gloves and long-sleeved shirts, before beginning work.

Remove any cabinets or countertops on the kitchen side of the load-bearing wall. Look underneath the countertop to see how it is fastened on top of the cabinets. Remove any screws or support brackets.

Using a hammer or sledgehammer, break down all the drywall on both sides of the wall. Wear the proper safety equipment and start knocking away. Clear as much as possible until just the wooden wall studs are exposed.

Remove any electrical wires by pushing them up into the attic or splicing off the ends. Cover exposed wires with wire nuts and electrical tape.

Use a reciprocating saw to saw apart the studs. Remove the top plate by pulling it away from the ceiling. You may also need to use a pry bar or crowbar to help remove the plate.

Use the wrench to remove any anchor bolts holding the base stud of the wall in place. Pry the base up and out of the way with the pry bar.

Thanks and Regards
William Hayden

I must respond to William by saying that his description for removing a wall would require a permit and licensed contractor in Atlanta, Ga. And, even though his comment gives the impression that this is not a big deal, it is. As a contractor and designer who has worked mainly on older homes in this city since 1980, I can usually tell what is load bearing and what isn't. However, before I perform any work for a client, I bring in a structural engineer to make sure that I have all my bases covered. And, in Atlanta, and surrounding municipalities, to obtain a permit for this kind of work, a structural engineer and drawings are required. I hope this has been helpful.

Thank you.

Pamela, I would be really grateful if you could help very briefly... My kitchen diner is similar except my opening isn't as wide but does mean you can see most, if not all of the dining room from the kitchen. Do you think painting them different colours would be incongruous? My kitchen is heritage pale green and I now want my dining room off white. Thanks very much.

If the colors are the same intensity, and there is a natural break between the rooms (like partial walls, columns, etc), yes.

So yes to different colours! thanks

Pamela, can you tell me the color and composition of the countertops?

Happy to do so. The counter on either side of the sink is walnut butcher block and the other side and stove side is granite. If you mouse over the photo, it will tell you what the color of the granite is, and there are other "notes" on this photo too.