How much does it cost to knock down an internal wall?

Removing a wall costs very different amounts depending on whether it's load-bearing. Get an indicative figure below.

Remove an internal wall cost estimatorLive estimate

Non-load-bearing removal at the low end; load-bearing (needing a beam, engineer's calcs and building control) at the top. Check for services first.

Estimated cost
£1,500
range £500£2,500
With 10–15% contingency£1,688

Indicative estimate — confirm with quotes.

Before you remove a wall

  1. 1
    Is it load-bearing?

    The key question. If it carries floor joists or a wall above, it's load-bearing and needs an engineer and a beam — never assume it's just a partition.

  2. 2
    Check for services

    Walls often carry cables, pipes and sometimes a soil vent — these need rerouting before demolition.

  3. 3
    Make good

    After removal, the floor, walls and ceiling where the wall stood all need patching and redecorating — part of the real cost.

Opening up a poky floor plan is one of the highest-impact layout changes on a flip. The cost — and the paperwork — hinges entirely on whether the wall is load-bearing, so answer that question first, before you price anything else.

Internal wall removal costs (indicative)

Wall typeWhat's involvedIndicative cost
Non-load-bearing (stud)Take down + make good£400 – £900
Non-load-bearing (masonry)Heavier, more make-good£700 – £1,500
Load-bearing (with beam)Beam, calcs, building control£1,500 – £4,000
Make good & redecoratefloor/wall/ceilingincluded above

Always confirm load-bearing status first. A load-bearing wall needs a structural engineer and building control — see steel beam costs.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to knock down an internal wall?+

Removing a non-load-bearing stud wall costs £400–£900; a masonry partition £700–£1,500. A load-bearing wall — which needs a beam, structural calcs and building control — costs £1,500–£4,000.

How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?+

Signs include joists running into it, a wall or structure directly above, and its position (central spine walls often are). Don't rely on guesswork — a builder or structural engineer should confirm before any removal.

Related tools & guides

Want to know how these figures are calculated? See our cost methodology.

Indicative estimates — not a quotation

Cost figures shown are indicative estimates, not quotations. You are responsible for verifying all costs (obtain contractor quotes) and any figures submitted to a lender. ScopeWise is a documentation tool, not financial, tax, structural or planning advice. HMO compliance prompts are guidance only — confirm requirements with your local council, as standards and licensing vary by authority.