Is this a Load Bearing Wall?

[Robert Henderson]

I understand it would be difficult to definitively tell me if a wall is load bearing or not through pictures, but any thoughts would be appreciated.  The wall in question is the one on the right.  It runs perpendicular to the ceiling joists.

• Ceiling joists run from outside wall to outside wall.  They do not overlap.
• House is stick frame - no trusses.
• House is approximately 15 ft wide.
• Wall is offset by at least one foot from the beam under the floor joist.
• Top plate is two 2x4s
• The living room goes from outside wall to outside wall and has no supporting wall.  
• The header above the door does not appear to be load bearing.

I would appreciate any thoughts.  

[Scott Schaar]

@Robert Henderson is this a rental, flip, or your house ? Are you a licensed contractor ? I hope before you go in swinging sledges . That you first have someone that knows what they’re doing look at this . One picture and some general description of the ground work won’t work . Way to many factors to consider to be able to make a random guess at this one . Where do you live? Does snow load need to be incorporated . Do you live where hurricane codes need to be followed ? Just because the supporting beam underneath is a foot away doesn’t mean anything . State codes allow supporting beams to be that distance or greater depending on the total load and what it’s made of . The list goes on .

One more reason to consult a pro would be...legally . Say you knock this wall down and nothing happens....shhhew glad the house didn't fall in . With this size wall nothing would happen immediately, it would over time . If something happened after you sold this house to someone else . Guess who's liable for damage . If you rent this out to someone and the same happens....guess who's liable . I'm going to assume since you're taking a wall down it's a flip . Did you Pull a permit for this work ? Even if you didn't, a lawyer has to simply pull pictures of this house before you bought it from the old MLS listing . Even if nothing huge happens any cracks and or sagging could cause alarm to new owners . You'll be responsible for any repairs associated . Please please be a PRO in this and get a real recommendation.

Good Luck