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UK cost guide

Load-Bearing Wall Removal Cost UK 2026

Current UK costs for removing a load-bearing wall, from doorway openings to larger open-plan knock-throughs, plus common professional allowances.

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026 · Sources & data · Methodology

Typical planning cost£1,250–£1,750
Broader project rangeAbout £1,085 single doorway to £2,700 large opening before project-specific extras
Planning figures are estimates rather than quotations. Live calculators combine dated UK benchmarks with clearly separated modelling assumptions such as region, size, condition and specification.

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What affects the cost?

The size of the opening, structural support, services in the wall, access and making good all affect the final cost. Structural calculations and building-control costs should be budgeted separately unless the contractor quote explicitly includes them.

  • Width of the opening
  • Required steel or lintel support
  • Structural engineer calculations
  • Electrical, plumbing or heating services in the wall
  • Building-control process
  • Making good, plastering and decoration

Typical cost breakdown

Single doorway opening — around 1 mAround £1,085
Double doorway opening — around 2 mAround £1,525
Kitchen / dining knock-throughAround £1,500
Large open-plan opening — around 4 mAround £2,700
Structural engineer visitAround £200
Building-control completion allowanceAround £250–£450

Sources used for this guide

Checkatrade

Load-bearing Wall Removal: Cost Breakdown 2026

Published / checked: March 2026

Used for: Single, double and large-opening wall removal benchmarks plus engineer and building-control allowances

View source ↗

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to remove a load-bearing wall?

Current UK guidance places a common load-bearing wall removal around £1,250–£1,750, with opening-specific examples from roughly £1,085 to £2,700.

Do I need a structural engineer for a load-bearing wall?

A structural engineer is normally needed to assess the structural change and specify the support required. Their fee should be shown separately unless included in the contractor quote.

Does load-bearing wall removal need building regulations approval?

Structural alterations normally need building-regulations approval. Confirm the correct route and current local building-control charges for your project.

Related costs

Cost guide

Structural engineer

Current UK structural engineer costs for inspections, reports, RSJ calculations, load-bearing walls and residential design work.

£300 inspection · £100–£200 per hourView guide →Cost guide

RSJ beam

UK RSJ steel beam supply and installation costs for openings, extensions and load-bearing wall work.

£200–£950 beam + £300–£750 installationView guide →Cost guide

Party wall surveyor

UK party wall surveyor fees for loft conversions, extensions, new builds and basement projects.

Around £1,000 for a party wall awardView guide →