Is it typical to NOT have load-bearing walls in a 700 sq. ft. wood frame house?

Question

in a 35X20, 80 year old wood frame house? I'm talking about the internal walls on the first, second, or third floor, not basement. I want to move the rooms around in this apartment. The present landlord tells me there are no load bearing walls, and I could make the space into one large 700 sq foot room if I wanted.

I will get a pro to check it out eventually, I just want to know if this is uncommon or not before going much further.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The outside wall are the loadbearing walls

Answer 2

If you don't know, consult a builder or architect...it is an expensive mistake. In general, load bearing walls are determined by what is above and below. If floor joists, beams or roof rest on a wall, then it is load bearing. If you can;t see, before ripping the wall, open the top and see what rests on it. X===========X ->if the wall connects at the X it is load bearing X===========X -> if he wall touches the ceiling beam or joists .......|..................... in the middle, it is not load bearing X=========== ................|......... -> This is the dangerous situation...an X is missing at the right end and the wall is now bearing the load. If the wall is sitting on a beam or post under the house, it may be an indication also. Be careful, even non bearing walls by design may now be supporting floors or roof by a cantilever, if a load bearing wall was ripped out by mistake. Taking the wall out could crash the ceiling. [the last example above]

Answer 3

absolutely. find out more from websites dealing with structural engineering.....Or, you may call your local university, ask for the structural engineering department and ask them. But the answer is: It is typical for this structure to NOT have load bearing walls. good luck.

Answer 4

Yes, they are over-rated, and they are hardly around anymore, and they cause trouble in cold weather.