1
What Is Behind That Wall?
Before you knock down any wall, you need to know what is inside it. In most Miami CBS homes, the wall between the kitchen and living room may contain electrical wiring, plumbing lines, or HVAC ducts. Some walls are load-bearing, meaning they hold up the roof or second floor. A structural engineer needs to evaluate the wall before any demo starts. This costs $300 to $800 for the assessment. It is not optional. We coordinate this as part of the project so you do not have to figure it out on your own.
2
Costs and Timeline
Removing a non-load-bearing wall costs $1,500 to $3,000. Removing a load-bearing wall costs $3,000 to $8,000 because it requires a steel beam or header to carry the weight. Add $500 to $2,000 for relocating electrical outlets and switches. Plumbing relocation adds another $1,000 to $3,000 if there are pipes in the wall. Flooring repair where the wall was adds $500 to $1,500. The whole project takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on complexity. It is usually done as part of a larger kitchen remodel.
3
Island vs Peninsula After the Wall Comes Down
Once the wall is gone, you need something to define the kitchen from the living space. An island works if you have at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides. A peninsula attaches to one wall and gives you counter space without needing as much room. Both add seating options. In most Miami homes from the 80s and 90s, the floor plan works better with a peninsula because the rooms are not large enough for a full island with adequate clearance. We help you figure out the best option during the design phase.