Removing a Wall to Open Your Floor Plan: What to Know

Yes, you can often take out a wall to open up your first floor. But first you need to know two things: does the wall hold up part of the house, and what is running inside it? Those two answers decide how big the job is. In Wentzville, a remodel like this also needs a building permit from the city.

At JT's Painting & Renovations, based in Foley and serving Wentzville, first-floor remodels have been some of our biggest jobs the last few years. You can see the kinds of rooms we redo on our remodeling page.

Why are so many people opening up the first floor?

People want the kitchen, dining room and living room to feel like one space. That way you can cook and still see the kids, or talk to guests while you work.

Josh Tillman, who owns JT's, talked about this on the "Your Little Castle Show" on ABC. He said first-floor remodels "have been big the last couple of years," doing the whole floor and "knocking out walls." His crew had just finished a big one in Wildwood.

How do you know if a wall is load-bearing?

A load-bearing wall holds up weight from above, like the roof or a second floor. You can't just take it out. The weight has to go somewhere else first.

Some clues a wall might be load-bearing:

• It runs down the middle of the house.
• It sits right under another wall on the floor above.
• Floor or ceiling boards above it run across it, not along it.
• There is a beam or post under it in the basement.

These are only clues. A pro needs to look before anyone swings a hammer.

What happens when a load-bearing wall comes out?

The weight it carried moves to a new beam. Here is the basic order of the job:

1. Put up short walls on each side to hold the weight for now.
2. Take out the old wall.
3. Put in a beam that is the right size for the load.
4. Make sure posts carry that weight down to the ground.
5. Take down the short walls and patch the ceiling and floor.

The beam can sit below the ceiling, or it can be tucked up into the ceiling so you don't see it. A beam in the ceiling looks cleaner but is more work.

What is hiding inside the wall?

Walls often have wires, pipes, vents or gas lines inside. All of that has to be moved before the wall can come out. That can add time and cost.

A good contractor checks for these at the estimate. If something new turns up once the wall is open, it should go on a written change order before any extra work starts.

Do you need a permit to remove a wall in Wentzville?

Yes, plan on it. The City of Wentzville says building permits are needed to "construct, modify or in some cases repair a structure." Its list of work that needs a permit includes remodels. Small jobs, like changing a faucet, do not.

A few more facts from the city:

• Since Feb. 23, 2026, all permit forms go through the city's SmartGov Permit Portal.
• The city checks home plans against the 2021 International Residential Code.
• If work was done without a permit, the city says a permit is still needed, and it should be told to buyers when the home is sold. (City building FAQ)

Not in Wentzville? Call your own city or county building office. The rules can be different from town to town.

Do you have to take out a wall to get a new look?

Not always. Josh says the small things can make a big change. "Sometimes just a coat of paint, sometimes doing a little bit of flooring," he said. If you really want to open a space, then some wall work is needed. But he said "there are ways to do it" without "breaking the bank."

Ways to make a first floor feel more open without moving the weight of the house:

• Widen a doorway in a wall that is not load-bearing.
• Use one floor across all the rooms.
• Paint the rooms the same light color.
• Add better lighting.

How much does it cost to remove a wall?

It depends on whether the wall holds weight and what is inside it. A wall that holds nothing up and has nothing in it is the simplest job. A load-bearing wall with pipes, wires and ducts is a much bigger job. That is why a real price needs someone to look at your wall.

Josh also tells people not to go off just one bid. "Get three, four more bids," he said, and check the reviews of each company. Cheap work that has to be torn out later costs more in the end.

FAQ

Can I tell if a wall is load-bearing myself? You can look for clues, but don't rely on them. Have a pro check before the wall comes out.

Will the new beam show? It can go either way. A beam can hang below the ceiling, or it can be set up into the ceiling so it is flat.

How long does it take? It depends on the wall and what is in it, plus the permit and inspections. Ask for a timeline in your estimate.

Do I need a permit to take out a wall that holds nothing up? Wentzville lists remodels as work that needs a permit. Call the city building office at 636-327-5101 to ask about your project.

Get a free estimate for your first-floor remodel

Thinking about opening up your first floor? See our remodeling services, or ask for a free estimate. You can also call Josh at (912) 432-0218. We'll look at the wall, tell you what is in it, and give you a clear written price.