Wall Removal

[Jesse Byram]

Hello Everyone,

I have just purchased my first house in the Nashville TN area, that I am planning to be a live in flip.  I would like to tear down the 2 walls that make up the "formal dining" area so that there is a much better flow between the kitchen and living area.  I am concerned that at least one of the 2 walls is load bearing and both have electrical outlets in the walls.  I plan to do the rest of the cosmetic reno myself but need help in this area from a professional.

The house is a 2 story ~3k sq ft house with the main living area on the second floor.  The walls in question are roughly 8-10 ft and run perpendicular to outside wall.

My questions:

1. Who do I need to contact to evaluate the project and come up with a plan? Is it an architect, structural engineer, or GC?

2. What is a good price to pay for plans?

3. Do I need an electrician to move the outlets or can a GC do this?

4. How much should a typical project like this cost, assuming at least one load bearing wall segment?

5. Does anyone know a good contractor in Nashville for a job like this?

Thank you all for helping a newbie out,

Jesse

[Bill Gulley]

#1. in a two story, you probably can't tear out a load bearing wall, yo would need a beam above the ceiling to carry the load and that would be in your second story. 

Electrical outlets can be eliminated, cut off. 

You need a good contractor to evaluate that, you might be able to open it up with an opening, but taking out the whole wall is probably an issue. Without that information, your other questions really an't be answered. Seek professional advice. :)