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Hallways Home Repair DIY

Want to take out a kitchen/hall wall. Is there any reason not to?

2 years ago

Hello all, trying to get an idea of whether I'd have any problem removing a wall between my kitchen and hall. I assume it's a partition wall. The stairway is in the hall, is there any reason we have to have a kitchen door? We have a coat nook that ends up being a hall heap mostly. With the wall gone, I want to have a bench and hooks with cubby storage for 3 kids to sort their own outdoor things. This will then face onto our kitchen and be next to the garage door.
Does this seem like a feasible project?

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Comments (3)

hedgehog99
2 years ago
Can see why you want to do this (fully sympathise with the issue of too many coats and shoes), but things to check:

fire regulations - you may need a door on the kitchen if the stairs are the only escape route (this one is a deal breaker)

don't presume it's a stud wall - it may be supporting (but that's not a deal breaker - you can have a steel put in if you have the budget)

you'll need new flooring (again not a deal breaker but you need to budget for it)

From what I can see on your photos, I think you probably do have a fire regs issue. Take a look at this article https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/ask-an-architect-8-key-open-plan-building-regulations-questions-to-ask-stsetivw-vs~55681353 for an intro to the topic.

Maybe post a floor plan - there might be other solutions to your coats and shoes woes!

As a short term sanity saver (or even a long term low budget option), I'd see if you can put shoe racks in bedrooms (eg you get those fabric shoe hanger things that go inside wardrobes), ruthlessly clear out the shoes and coats that aren't being worn right now (are those wedding shoes?! probably don't need to be in the everyday pile and probably won't survive very well if they are!), and pack them away, just bringing out the shoes and coats that are needed each season. Install a small shoe rack for the genuinely everyday shoes at the bottom of the nook. Put in a lower line of hooks so the children can reach hooks themselves. Put in 3 - one for each child, and label them. Put in a second line of hooks or a shelf above, for umbrellas, cycling helmets and other gubbins.
183fixhouse
Original Author
2 years ago
hedgehog99,

Thanks a lot for your considered reply! I had wondered about the fire regs angle but couldn't find what I had hoped to on the council's planning website. I will see if I can phone them and ask someone there.

Also, thanks for the organization comments! 🤦‍♀️Its all a bit of a mess from changing weather and kids dress up items! Definitely needs a clear thru!!
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kazzh
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If fire regs put a kybosh on the wall removal, then rejigging the organisation will have to be your answer. Using coat hangers on your hanging mechanism will help items hang properly, instead of bunching up and crowding. You have a bit of height, your storage could include child height racks and adult height - which could be one of those wardrobe mechanisms that lower the top racks to within reach. Shoe racks along the base of the wall might help keep the shoes in order, but not an open top or sided style so the natural unruliness of shoes is at least partially out of sight as you walk past.

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