[alk1939]

Take your blueprints to the building dept. and they will tell you.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by wamley

How do you know it's 100% none structural?

The columns are fiberglass, decorative, NOT LOAD bearing, and if you do not believe me call the building department. We had our house built without the columns, and there were no structure changes required.

[chet2020]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Absolutely not.

Thank you, filed away for future reference.

[Carla B]

The Villages built a spec Gardenia in 2008 without the columns. It was for sale when we were looking. We didn't like the location near the high voltage lines and asked them to build one w/o the columns. They refused, but at that time they refused to do anything custom, even refusing laying tile flooring on the diagonal.

[ziolinda]

Originally Posted by ellenwelsh

When I had my house built I had the column that stands in the middle of the room moved into the corner and the archway placed on the wall to frame the dining room break front. The columns are NOT loadbearing. The way I did creates architectural interest but does not intrude in the room.
I’d put in a picture but don’t know how to do that. PM me with your email or cell # and I will send you a picture.

I have been through this process and hired professionals to do the work.
Here is my experience.. (by the way I am so glad I did it)

The columns are not load bearing. There are however some things to consider:
1. The overhead light may need to be moved because the definition of the column has been removed and you can now arrange your furniture differently.
2. Flooring patches where the bottom of the columns were. Could be both carpet and tile.
3. Ceiling repair. This can be frustrating. The texture of the ceiling that becomes exposed when the columns and box that connects them is removed. The plaster guy needs to be able to match whatever pattern (texture and thickness) is used throughout your home. This is pretty tough to do especially because of the way light enters from so many directions and casts shadows on the ceiling.

Good luck and much success.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

So, which is it?

No one knows or they are not load bearing?

not load bearing