Open Concept Renovation Cost in Vancouver: Wall Removal Guide
Converting to Open Concept in Vancouver
Open concept renovations — removing walls to combine kitchen, dining, and living areas — remain one of Vancouver’s most popular renovation projects. The cost depends primarily on whether the wall(s) are structural (load-bearing) or partition walls.
Wall Removal Costs in Vancouver
| Wall Type | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-load-bearing partition wall | $2,000–$6,000 | Patch drywall, flooring, repaint |
| Load-bearing wall (short span 8–12 ft) | $8,000–$18,000 | Engineering + temporary support + beam + posts |
| Load-bearing wall (long span 14–20 ft) | $15,000–$35,000 | Larger beam, posts, structural engineering |
| Full open-concept conversion (multiple walls) | $25,000–$65,000 | Includes kitchen relocation, finishes |
Is Your Wall Load-Bearing?
Warning signs that a wall may be load-bearing:
- Perpendicular to floor joists (typically runs front-to-back in most Vancouver homes)
- Runs through the centre of the house (along the ridge line)
- Has a post/beam visible in the basement or crawl space directly below it
- Walls stacked from floor to floor at the same location
Only a structural engineer can definitively confirm load-bearing status — cost $800–$1,500 for a residential assessment. Required for building permit in any case.
Open Concept in Older Vancouver Homes
Pre-1940s Vancouver character homes often have more complex structural systems — multiple bearing walls, plaster-over-lath construction, and no as-built drawings. Expect $3,000–$8,000 more than comparable work in newer construction.
VGC serves Vancouver and surrounding areas. View all renovation services in Vancouver →
→ See also: Vancouver Renovation Planning Guide
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