OT: Carpentry or building advice needed...

[loosbrew]

Hey all,

Wow, my life has certainly taken an interesting turn! I just closed on my house last week and now I'm in overdrive to do the work its needed since I started renting it a year ago! Painting, new furniture, new kitchen cabinets, its all so exciting, but theres still a few things im a little lost in the fog about. I really want to open a passthrough between my kitchen and living room and incorporate a breakfast bar. I've been scouring the net for a week looking for ideas and I figured out what i will use for laminate etc, but i have a few other questions in regards to the actual process of tearing down the wall and sealing off the sides etc.

Does anyone know of any good online resources?

TIA!!

Luis

 

[Joe Piotrowski]

First question, is it a load bearing wall? To find out look the rafters holding up your roof. Do they run perpendicular to the wall you want to remove? If NOT then you are probably ok. Now look below this area you want to cut out, do you see any electrical outlets? Look on both sides of the wall. If they are there, you can expect to need an electricion. If not, then it's a pretty easy process. Cut out your hole. Put in some 2x4's in the wall 1/2 inch inside each of the exposed wall cavity, then use drywall screws to fasten the 2x4's. Use drywall to cover the 2x4's, then put on corner beads and drywall mud to smooth it all out.

Building department at home depot or lowes can show you all the pieces.

Forgive my spelling

 

[Joe Piotrowski]

opps, DO YOU HAVE NATURAL GAS? If so, make sure it is now where near where you want to cut

 

[loosbrew]

Yeah, I already determined that its not a load bearing wall and there is an outlet below, but am prepared to deal with that. No gas either.

I figured as much as you said, but im looking for some finishing ideas now. like moldings, countertops, etc...

Thanks for the reply!

Luis

 

[jay24k]

Well, my recommendation is do it the way you would want NOW instead of cut corners because you will regret it. Electrical is easy enough to work with as long as you have common sense. I use fluted trim or you could make your bar extend past the wall and then use a crown trim underneath to finish it off.

My advice is look for the parade of homes and bring a camera. Plenty of the really nice trim is actually 2,3, or even 4 types of trim put together to make one completely unique. Also, if you like arches, that is easy enough too just use google. I also like recessed lighting.

If you can be more specific on what you would like, you might get a few more ideas.