Removing walls is not for the faint hearted with site safety paramount, but the results can be nothing short of amazing. All of a sudden that million-dollar view or that expanded space you’ve been craving is there is enjoy.

However, before the sledge hammers and dust protection gear comes out you need to ask te question: is the wall you’re wanting to knock down load bearing or n load bearing. An experienced builder or engineer are good points of contact to answer these questions.

But sometimes its difficult to determine. If it is load bearing, then an engineer will need to be consulted to design a beam to span the new opening.

If the wall is non-load bearing, then the work can begin – once you have permission from the
body corporate. The Body corporate in most instances need to be informed of building work, particularly if it’s in a well-managed apartment complex or high-rise development. They may also require an Engineers certificate confirming the nature of the work, so talk to the building manager
or the chairperson to find out what’s the procedure.