How can you tell if a wall is load-bearing?

by | Feb 2, 2020

Kannapolis home

What’s New

Carolina Custom Homes and Renovations just finished another custom-built home! Construction on the house began in September and was completed on Friday, February 1st. The Kannapolis homeowners were patiently awaiting this day for 5 months!!

Question of the Month

How can you tell if a wall is load-bearing?

All exterior walls are considered load-bearing because they support the weight of the roof. Interior load-bearing walls typically run perpendicular to the floor joists in a home. If you have an exposed attic floor, basement ceiling, or crawl space, you can take a look at the direction the floor joists are running. While in the crawl space, you can also determine if walls are load-bearing by identifying the walls with concrete piers or a foundation beneath them. Most load-bearing walls are also located near staircases or the center of the home. However, in larger homes, this is more difficult to determine, as there are often more complicated joist patterns. It is best to consult a professional, such as a structural engineer, an architect, or Carolina Custom Homes and Renovations to help determine this.

Home Maintenance

It is recommended to perform some maintenance to your home on a regular basis in order to keep all necessary parts in working order. Maintenance is needed on both the interior and exterior of your home, as well as your plumbing and electrical components. If you start with a few items each month, the tasks won’t seem so overwhelming.

February Checklist:

• Lubricate interior door hinges, including garage door hardware.
• Clean and replace any missing grout in tubs and showers, as well as tile floors and backsplashes.
• Check interior and exterior faucets for leaks. Clean aerators and replace washers if needed.
• Test for proper operation of smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed.
• Remove and clean the filter in your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.

Mike Goubran

Mike Goubran

Mike Goubran, owner of Carolina Development and Properties, LLC, and its affiliate, Carolina Custom Homes and Renovations, LLC, has been building homes in the Charlotte area for over 20 years. Mike graduated with a degree in Construction Management from East Carolina University and went on to receive a Master of Business Administration from Queens University in Charlotte. He has been a Licensed General Contractor since 1999 and currently holds this designation in both North and South Carolina. Mike is also a Certified Green Professional and is a member of the National Association of Home Builders. Carolina Custom Homes and Renovations is also an Accredited Business with the Better Business Bureau.

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