HGTV's Love It Or List It Has A Solution For A Ceiling That Is Too Low To Install A Beam

Home renovations can be as stressful as they are exciting; you never know what you might find behind your house's walls. This was the case in a recent episode of HGTV's "Love It or List It." Designer Hilary Farr conceptualized an open design for the home, which required the removal of a wall between the living room and the kitchen. Since the wall was load-bearing, the plan was to add a support beam to the ceiling.

Unfortunately, once the wall was removed, it became apparent that the home's ceiling was too close to the roof for the design. As a result, the new support beam would need to protrude 10 inches from the ceiling, encroaching on Farr's open-concept design. Luckily, the show's construction crew came up with an alternative plan: installing the beam from above by loading it through an attic window. If you have dreams of removing a load-bearing wall in your home, this might be the solution for you. 

If you find yourself in a situation where you want to remove a load-bearing wall but your ceiling doesn't allow enough space to add a support beam, there's no need to panic. Take a note from "Love It or List It" and speak to your contractor about the possibility of installing the necessary support beam from your home's attic space. As long as the attic space can accommodate the size of the beam, this should be feasible.

Once the new beam is installed above the ceiling, it will be tied into the home's existing framing using joist hangers. When it comes to proper support for your home's structure, it is extremely important to verify that you're working with licensed professionals who have access to qualified structural engineers. You should never attempt to alter the framing of your home on your own or attempt to save money by working with construction professionals who are unlicensed or inexperienced; the potential consequences are too dire. 

Not everyone has the privilege to work with a home renovation budget like the ones featured on shows like "Love It or List It." For many, the additional labor required to install a new support beam could be cost-prohibitive enough to stop their plan to remove a load-bearing wall in its tracks. While it's completely normal and understandable to feel disappointed by such a turn of events, it doesn't have to be the end of your dreams for your home.

When removing a wall isn't within your budget, there are other ways to create a more open feeling in your space. If the wall in question includes a solid door, consider replacing it with an open doorframe or a glass door. This will allow natural light to travel through the entire area in which you seek to achieve a more open aesthetic. Maximize this effect by keeping your curtains open during the day to allow as much sunlight inside as possible. You can also make two rooms feel more connected by using the same flooring, paint colors, and décor themes in both to help them be perceived as one continuous space.