Determing if a wall is load bearing

[mikek]

Hi all.

I've got a question about whether a wall that is currently dividing my kitchen and living room is load bearing. I'd like to remove the wall and open up the kitchen/dining room as they are both very small and dark.

The wall is parallel with the floor joists and roof trusses. The other "half" of the floor does not have a wall parallel with the floor joists and roof trusses at all. The peak of the roof runs perpendicular to the wall in question as well.

I'm sure a picture would be worth at least a thousand words, so I'll try to post one if I'm not being very clear.

thanks for any help,
mike!

[Rich]

Most often if the wall is parallel with the floor joists it will not be load-bearing.. unless it is framed all the way to the sheathing above and there is a wall resting above it. If those 2 conditions do not occur - then you should be pretty safe.
If in doubt - consult an engineer.

[Tom R]

Do you have a basement? If there's no 'support' under said wall it's not load bearing.