This little project has been a want for 5 long years. Allow me to explain.
With only one child in this home, it was a no brainer to give my son 2 of the 3 bedrooms upstairs.
and one to play in.
They were both decorated up to the hilt of what they could be.
But I'll admit, we didn't really enjoy the rooms. While my son slept in his bedroom just fine, the playroom was more the size of a big closet. Who wants to play in one of those?!?
I long desired to remove the wall in between the two bedrooms, but that little resale voice kept squawking in my ear, telling me to play it safe... for the NEXT owners. Before they even bought the place. And my home wasn't even for sale! Ponder that one if you will.
And then, my son grew up. A couple weeks ago he came walking out of his room with the pretty clouds ripped off his wall and the cutesy stars laying on the floor. He asked if I could help him make a teen room.
I hugged him and told him I couldn't wait!
Because, I've been dying to take down that wall. And now was the perfect excuse.
So... we did!
So... here's a little video tutorial on how we removed a wall in between two bedrooms!
Music version above.
If it doesn't work, click below for the non music version.
If it doesn't work, click below for the non music version.
We did it!
And the space is AMAZING. And for those wondering, it is NOT a load bearing wall. My builder friend told me so.
Disclaimer:
Please seek out additional advice before attempting this. :)
Tool Tips: I vote to use both of the following
Sawzall
pros - cuts in a downward motion the best, safer trigger release
cons - bulkier, longer blade can be tricky
Jigsaw
pros - unit more compact, smaller blade easier to guide, plate guide, cuts upwards and sideways best
cons - button release (trigger style imo is safer in case you drop it)
The Boy's Room Part 2
Next - Removal of the studs and electrical. Yeah... I got help with that part. :)
Thanks to the Facebook crew that's been following along with this one! It's been fun!
Like sneak peeks? Join us HERE.
Any additional tips on removing a section like I did?
Sawsall is the way to go! Love those.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see this room when it's done.
wow...a girl after my own heart...what a fab room it will be look forward to seeing it progress
ReplyDeleteHugs x
I admire your moxie in just sawing through a wall! You are a brave lady who obviously knows what she's doing. Your son is lucky to have such a cool mom. Would you consider adopting a daughter? I've been trying to get myself placed in a nice home for years now, but everyone just wants infants LOL!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see how this turns out. He's going to have a really cool room.
Kimberly (brand new, official follower of your amazing blog)
Donna, I was unable to watch down here in North Carolina. Here's the message that YouTube gave me:
ReplyDeleteThis video contains content from UMG, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds.
Bummer! :(
But, keep up the good work! I love your posts!
~Becky Hoban :)
Congrats on the wall removal!! I love moving walls! I wish I could view the video...but alas, it has copyright issues I guess! Bummer! Can't wait to see the studs being removed!!
ReplyDeleteThe room is going to look fabulous!
Oh and I love your hair! Looks like you cut it!! Very cool!
Hugs
SueAnn
Donna, I can't watch the video either because of the "This video contains content from UMG, who has blocked it in your country on copyright grounds". Apparently the music police have determined that you can't use the music in your video.:( The excitement builds as we anticipate the video...
ReplyDeleteWhat a project! I love it!! I have a wall between my kitchen and family room that I would love to rip down, bad news it is a load bearing wall so no go! :( Can't wait to see more!!
ReplyDeleteDonna, you did an amazing job with this and your video is very good. I'm glad you put in the safety instructions - so important! Your son should be very proud of you and I know he'll really enjoy his new space. We took out the wall between two smaller bedrooms and made it our bedroom a number of years ago. But, we hired someone to do the work. I can't wait to see your amazing design work when you are all done. Have a great week!
ReplyDeletePam
guess we can't watch it here in the states...
ReplyDeletebut you go with that saw thing...you look a little maniacal! Just a little, tho!
can't wait to see the finish product!
xo
~K
Okay, I need those stars he ripped down for my son's room (it's a rocketship room) and I LOVE how you used them as a "headboard." Can't wait to see the final results of your hardwork.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jen
Oh gosh... I'm so sorry. I'll repost the video without the music, which is the issue. Stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteDonna
You blow my mind. I think I heart you! You're totally giving me the confidence I need to tackle the things my husband says I can't and tries to take over from me. Been reading your blog for months and I've loved every single minute of it. Thanks for the inspiration:o)
ReplyDeleteLeigh, my only hope is to inspire you to realize YOU can do most anything. The compromise between husband and wife I'm not liable for. Deal?!? :)
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think part of my determination is derived from coming from that very same land of 'needing permission.' I was discouraged to do stuff myself as well. The guy who eventually lands me will need to realize his tool shed is also my tool shed. Even if I have to draw a white chalk line down the center. :)
Donna
Donna you are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous you get to make a new room!! I have no more left in my house! ha
I can't wait to see it finished!
It really is amazing what you can do....When I used the jack hammer thing to remove plaster from my chimney I was scared to death.
There are few "deep" spots.... but it only add to the shabby look.
The Boyfriend always says that I'm the Dude in our relationship! I have more tools than he does!!!
You are to cute in safety glasses! You're getting there! Can't wait to see the finished product.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Lisa
I'm so proud and inspired by this...I'm really starting to believe that I can do anything....honestly!!!! NO joke!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the music version was superb, but glad I got to see you both in action!!! Makes it all the more REAL!!!!
xo
~Kolein
Dear Donna, YOU GO GIRL! I love it! I am sitting here thinking what wall I can take down?? Mike is out of town so I won't have to worry about the mess! I am inspired. Hope to see you again soon! Keep smiling! C
ReplyDeleteVery gutsy, girl! Good for you.
ReplyDeleteNow, I do have one question, though. Have you now turned a three bedroom home into a 2 bedroom home? I so, you have nee dto put the wall up again if you ever sell. That would really hurt the resale value...in the states, anyway. You know what, though, you live in the house and you have to make it work for your family. That's an easy change if it needs to be done.
MMS, I'm already ahead of ya. :)
ReplyDeleteI removed the center section of the wall only, (not right to the edges and ceiling) which is a super easy fix for putting it all back together again. I'm also going to create an easy fix for the floor that is completely removable, an added wide flat 'step' that can be unscrewed so everything can go back to the way it was.
Whether I need to do the work or the new owners remains to be seen. While it may hurt some resale, it could also enhance, as the 3rd bedroom was unusually small, not even suitable for a real bedroom.
Can you imagine two closets to one bedroom?!? It's a palace in there! :)
Donna
about resale: Meh. Do what you want. You have to live there. You should enjoy it. What if you stay there for another 10 (or more?) years and never did this?
ReplyDeleteWe've removed walls before. We took a wall down in our current house and made it from a 4 bedroom into a 3 bedroom. People told us not to do it, but we only have 1 child. We opened it up to the living room and now it's a computer room/scrapbook room for me.
Can't wait to see how your project turns out!
Good for you taking that wall down! Wow! I am working on a more grown up room for my 11 year son. He sure has a lot of opinions about things that are lame, lol! I never knew he would care so much. I'm used to being able to do whatever I want to his room. :)
ReplyDeleteOh how I envy the way houses are built in North America. No way you could use a saw to remove a wall here. You need a sledge hammer and a lot of muscle power. We have brick walls all the way. So removing a wall is a very big project here. Not that I have any walls to remove....
ReplyDeleteI think this is going to look great once finished.
Thanks for reminding people of Gitter Done. I have started the prep on my project. But haven't finished the post yet. (the actual work on the project will have to wait a tad longer).
OMGosh..I wouldn't try to take down a wall on my own for NUTHIN'!! :) You remind me of Evelyn in Fried Green Tomatoes...:)))
ReplyDeleteO, and was going to ask how you number your comments. ?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great project!!! You must make yourself and your family happy and this was one of those projects.
ReplyDeleteI spent too long living in a house for *other* people and not for myself....enough is enough!
However, I'm now allowed around any power tools, sigh. Other than a sander I have been forbidden. I *heart* you!
Great post and video! I was just thinkin' about knocking out the wall between the kids playroom and my craftroom to make a large Teen-Lounge area (now that the kids are older and things are getting co-ed in my house) Just got to check if it's load bearing.....
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great info!
What a great perspective you had when he took out those great clouds & stars!! :>:> But, an excuse to do what you'd been wanting to for so long...probably a DIYer's dream! :> (I've done that...waited a long time to do something that you really wanted to. Only mine involved yucky wallpaper, not a wall.) Congrats on taking out a wall...must have felt pretty empowering!! :>:>
ReplyDelete