Thank you in advance for any advice!

[Ovion1943]

Hi all!

I'm new here and am in the process of buying my first double wide mobile home on a basement with its own property. We are looking to do some remodeling, and one of the first things I'd like to do is to remove a wall between the living room and the breakfast nook. I have attached two pictures and circled the wall in Red. How can I tell if this is a load bearing wall? It appears to be just a way to separate the two rooms but I want to be sure before I go knocking it down after closing in a week or two. From what I understand the exterior walls and the marriage wall are the load bearing ones but I wanted to verify. The size of the home is 26x64.

Thank you in advance for any advice!
-Justin

[JayceeHermann]

Please consult a structural engineer for the best advice, as the condition of the home will determine the best estimate.

[mobilehomecrew]

Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on your new home purchase! Remodeling can be an exciting journey, and it's great that you're planning ahead. Determining whether a wall is load-bearing is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Consult the Blueprints: If you have access to the home's blueprints, they can provide valuable information about which walls are load-bearing. Look for any notes or symbols indicating structural support.
  
  Check the Attic or Basement: If possible, inspect the attic or basement to see if there are any beams or joists resting on the wall in question. This can be a strong indicator that the wall is load-bearing.
  
  Professional Assessment: It's always a good idea to consult with a structural engineer or a professional contractor. They can provide a definitive answer and ensure that any modifications won't compromise the home's structure.
  
  Community Input: If anyone in the community has experience with similar remodels in double wide mobile homes, feel free to share your insights or tips!

Best of luck with your remodeling project, and feel free to keep us updated on your progress. We're here to help with any other questions you might have!

[mobilehomecrew]

Hi Justin!

Congratulations on your new home purchase! When it comes to determining if a wall is load-bearing, especially in a double wide mobile home, it's crucial to proceed with caution. Here are a few steps you can take:

Consult the Original Plans: If you have access to the original building plans, they can provide valuable insights into which walls are load-bearing.

Check the Alignment: Load-bearing walls often align with beams or other structural elements. If the wall in question aligns with the center of the home or with other known load-bearing walls, it might be load-bearing.

Look for Structural Elements: In mobile homes, the marriage wall (the wall that joins the two halves of the home) is typically load-bearing. Exterior walls are also usually load-bearing. Interior walls, like the one you're considering, might not be, but it's best to verify.

Professional Assessment: The safest option is to hire a structural engineer or a qualified contractor to assess the wall. They can provide a definitive answer and ensure that any modifications won't compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Consider Alternatives: If the wall is load-bearing, you might still be able to open up the space by installing a beam or other support structure, but this should be done with professional guidance.

Best of luck with your remodeling project! Feel free to share updates or ask more questions as you go along

[Guemon]

Hi Justin!

Congratulations on your new home! When it comes to removing walls, especially in a mobile home, it's definitely important to make sure you're not compromising any structural integrity. You're correct that exterior walls and marriage walls (the walls that connect the two sections of the mobile home) are usually load-bearing, but there are a few things you can check to be sure about this particular wall.

Here are a few steps you can follow to help determine if the wall is load-bearing:

Check the Ceiling Joists: Go up into the attic or look at the ceiling joists in the room above (if applicable). If the wall in question is aligned with the ceiling joists running perpendicular to it, it is more likely to be load-bearing.

Look for Support Beams: In the basement, look for any beams or columns directly underneath the wall. If the wall is sitting on a support beam or column, then it could be load-bearing.

Examine the Foundation: In some cases, a load-bearing wall is supported by a foundation directly beneath it. If the wall corresponds with a foundation support or a strong structural element, that's another sign it could be load-bearing.

Consult the Original Plans: If you can get a copy of the original floor plan or blueprints from the manufacturer or local authorities, it should show whether the wall is load-bearing. If you can't find the plans, asking the manufacturer or a structural engineer can help.

If you're unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional contractor or structural engineer before proceeding. Removing a load-bearing wall without the proper reinforcement can lead to major structural issues.

Best of luck with the remodeling, and enjoy your new space!

[Chinmayi]

Hi Justin!
To determine if a wall is load-bearing, you can check the structure: Look at the floor joists above. If they run perpendicular to the wall in question, then it is probably load-bearing. If they run parallel, then it is probably not.