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Remove load-bearing wall cost Netherlands 2026 — open plan living
How much does it cost to remove a load-bearing wall in the Netherlands in 2026? Price breakdown, structural beam, permit requirements and open plan kitchen-living.
Quick answer
Removing a load-bearing wall costs € 3,000–€ 12,000 in the Netherlands in 2026, including structural beam, temporary propping and reinstatement. A non-load-bearing partition costs € 500–€ 1,500. A structural calculation and omgevingsvergunning are almost always required for load-bearing work.
Cost by wall type
| Type | Cost | |---|---| | Non-load-bearing plasterboard partition (demo only) | € 200–€ 600 | | Non-load-bearing brick partition (demo + removal) | € 500–€ 1,500 | | Load-bearing internal wall (beam + reinstatement) | € 3,000–€ 8,000 | | Load-bearing external wall (large opening) | € 5,000–€ 15,000 | | Open-plan kitchen–living (load-bearing wall) | € 4,000–€ 12,000 |
Load-bearing wall cost breakdown
| Item | Cost | |---|---| | Structural engineer calculation | € 600–€ 1,800 | | Temporary propping | € 500–€ 1,500 | | Demolition of wall | € 800–€ 2,000 | | Steel or timber structural beam (RSJ/HEA) | € 1,000–€ 3,500 | | Masonry/plasterwork reinstatement | € 500–€ 1,500 | | Decoration (plaster, painting) | € 600–€ 2,000 | | Architect (permit preparation) | € 800–€ 2,500 | | Total | € 4,800–€ 14,800 |
How to identify a load-bearing wall
- Runs perpendicular to the floor joists (at right angles to the longest side of the house)
- Continues through multiple storeys
- Sits above the foundations
- Shown as "dragende wand" on structural drawings
Not sure? Always consult a structural engineer first. Incorrectly removing a load-bearing wall is a collapse risk.
Permit requirements
Permit-free:
- Non-load-bearing partitions
- Removing a plasterboard wall that carries no structural load
Omgevingsvergunning required:
- Removing or opening up any load-bearing wall (structural intervention)
- Any structural change in a listed building — always with permit
Structural beam sizing guide
| Span | Beam profile | Beam material cost | |---|---|---| | 2.5–3.5 m | HEA 140 or RSJ 6" | € 400–€ 900 | | 3.5–5.0 m | HEA 180 or RSJ 8" | € 700–€ 1,600 | | 5.0–7.0 m | HEA 220 or RSJ 10" | € 1,200–€ 2,800 |
Conclusion
Removing a non-load-bearing wall costs € 500–€ 1,500. A load-bearing wall with structural beam: € 3,000–€ 12,000 including structural calculation and reinstatement. A permit is needed for any structural intervention.
archi.sulerr.com provides the structural calculation, design drawings and omgevingsvergunning for load-bearing wall removals — including beam specification and contractor drawings.