Column Removal
 

I recently purchased a Gardinia built in 2013. I'm looking for comments / contractors to remove the 2 columns in the living room area.

If you live in Sumter County might want to contact Building commission to discuss before you get any further.

No fun when building falls on you.

100% not structural. We like the more open look with ours removed. I'm not a big fan of how the ceiling looks after blending in the texture. However, everyone tells me it looks fine. So I guess it kind of depends on how finicky you are.

Does anyone know off the top of their head if those beams are load bearing?

Absolutely not.

Column Removal
 

I used Patriot Builders to remove a wall that blocked the view to the kitchen from the living area. They of course checked to insure it was not supporting the roof at any point prior to removal. They also removed the popcorn and replacled the tiles and wood flooring that was under the wall. You would never think that a wall had been there. Great job.

Architects like to add fake columns in a house to "define the space". So, if you remove them, you will need to define your own space.

I have personally removed these in a Gardenia, the columns are fiberglass and decorative, NOT load bearing. Took me a while as I was working by myself. There is 5/8 OSB under the 5/8 drywall, fairly heavy. You will find two 2 by 6 boards running across the rafters, and LOTS of blown in insulation directly above these. Send me a PM if you would like the details.

So, which is it?

No one knows or they are not load bearing?

" Victor Mature " = Sampson he would do it for nothing.

The columns are not load-bearing.

A good swazall will do the trick.

Wickham Construction LLC. Lic. # CRC1331546 352-978-3556
1wickhamconstruction@gmail.com
He removed my columns. Very professional.

Column removal
 

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.

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

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

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.

Thank you, filed away for future reference.

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.

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.

:1rotfl:not load bearing