Removing decorative arch/column in Gardenia
 

Just purchased a Gardenia model home ... anyone have experience removing the decorative arch/column between the kitchen and dining room? It lies between the roof trusses and should be non-load-bearing. TIA

Yes, I have done this for a neighbor, took several days, send me a PM and I can share the gory details.

Go to the building dept and get a copy of your plans

What did you find out? What was the cost for removal and floor repair?
Thanks so much

I did this for a neighbor, got royally screwed, they got a whole lot of work done for FREE, never again!! I did talk to the original poster about what is involved, and will do the same for anyone else interested in this work. I estimate it took me about 20 to 30 hours working by myself to remove the two posts and the arches as well as the 2 by 6 beams and installing new drywall in the ceiling and the walls. If you are interested, send me a PM with your phone number.

Are you still friends ?

Interesting, I thought the arch and columns looked good. Please share what you didn’t like and how the removal looks better. Interesting minds want to know.

No.

Strictly a matter of personal preference. Our model does not have the arch and column, but I've been in plenty of homes which have them. I prefer not having them, as it gives the room a more open feel.

We had our home (a Gardenia) built without the columns, in our humble opinion, neither one of us liked the column in the middle of the room.

As I noted above, the neighbor had the same opinion, and after I removed these it really opens up the room. This is of course all a matter of taste. I have seen several houses with the columns that work well with the arrangement of the furniture.

expect column next to the wall was a dummy but was the other structural OR were the trusses engineered to carry the load ? 2x8's or lvl's ?
best !

These columns are NOT structural, that actual column is fiberglass (no structural capability), these are for looks only.

Demolition went well ...
 

Demo of the arch and column took about 8 hours ... looking into tile and drywall guys to finish the project.

I like the arches. It gives the illusion of separation between the living room and dining room.

As an architect would say, "it defines the space". As an engineer, I would say, "tear it down".