Load bearing wall in basement?

5/23/2021 at 11:10:40 PM

if there is another wall on top of it stretching to a 2nd floor or roof then it is likely load bearing. Many basement stairwell walls are typically non load bearing and simply built to attach the stairs too. Best to get a pro to look at it and advise as a general description does not provide the info needed. If load bearing I do not recommend you mess with it without having space re-engineered. If non bearing it can be removed but then you need to re-plan how stairs are to be attached etc.

5/24/2021 at 3:03:30 AM

That wall will not be load bearing. The landing appears to be hung from the floor joists. Anything load bearing in a basement is supported by teleports and beams. Although your pic does not clearly show the framing above the wall, if framing is done as per code which it will be, then you have no problem with removal.

I should also add that stairs should not be attached to the sidewalls in case of basement floor movement. They should only be secured at the top so that they may float.

5/24/2021 at 3:08:12 AM

You would have to have a contractor close to have a quick look.

Regards,

Jamed

5/24/2021 at 11:55:06 AM

You're required by Code to have a guard whenever there is a difference of over 2' (600 mm) to the adjacent level. A framed/drywalled wall is the most common/economical way to achieve a guard; you would only be able to remove/cut the first 3 studs unless you went with a railing system (with vertical pickets with a maximum opening of 4").

You could completely eliminate the first stud if you just want to open it up a little; it doesn't appear to be loadbearing.

20 years ago you were permitted to have an open side on a stair to an unfinished basement but not now. You also need a place to mount a 3-way light switch at the bottom of the stairs; don't know if it's mounted on the other side.

6/14/2021 at 8:49:23 AM

No That is not a load bearing wall.