Wall Opening: What Does It Cost?

A wall opening costs an average of €1,300 per square meter.
The cost typically ranges between €100 and €2,500 per square meter.

There are various reasons for creating a wall opening — for example, to connect two rooms or to install an additional window for more natural light.

What Does Rubble Disposal Cost?

Wall opening work generates construction debris.
Depending on the amount and type, disposal costs range between €100 and €400 per square meter.

If you handle disposal yourself, you can rent a container or take smaller quantities to a landfill.
Depending on your region, this costs about €12 to €15 per ton.

Alternatively, the construction company performing the wall opening can take care of the disposal.

Who Removes a Load-Bearing Wall?

Creating an opening in a load-bearing wall poses a risk of collapse.
Therefore, a structural engineer (statiker) must always be consulted. They calculate exactly where steel beams and supports are required.

Also important: Where are utility lines located within the wall?
This information can be found in the building plans.
If you don’t have the plans, they can usually be reviewed at the local building authority.

How Can I Recognize a Load-Bearing Wall?

The outer walls of a building are almost always load-bearing.
Inside, these walls support floor slabs, stabilize exterior walls, and divide rooms.

You can identify a load-bearing wall by the following characteristics:

• Wall thickness: In new buildings, load-bearing walls are at least 11.5 cm thick.

• Position: Load-bearing walls in multi-story buildings are typically stacked vertically on top of one another.

• Material: Drywall partitions sound hollow and are not load-bearing.

What Should I Consider When Making a Wall Opening?

Two key questions determine the approach:

1. What is the purpose of the wall opening?

2. Is the wall load-bearing or non-load-bearing?

Depending on the purpose, the work can range from small-scale core drilling (for a range hood installation) to heavy machinery use (for partial or full wall removal).

For non-load-bearing walls, openings are usually straightforward and less costly.

Which Factors Influence the Cost?

The total cost of a wall opening depends on several factors:

• Structural engineer

• Labor costs

• Load-bearing or non-load-bearing wall

• Disposal and renovation afterward

What Does a Structural Engineer Cost?

Hiring a structural engineer (statiker) is essential for safety and design approval.

Depending on whether the wall is load-bearing or not, costs range between €200 and €2,000.

What Does Labor Cost?

Craftsmen charge between €55 and €65 per hour.

• A wall opening in a load-bearing wall costs €400–€700 per m².

• Installing a steel beam adds €100–€250 per m².

• For a non-load-bearing wall, expect €100–€250 per m².

Additional expenses include:

• Site setup: €100–€150

• Travel costs: €10–€50

What Additional Costs Can Occur?

After the wall opening, the wall surface must be repaired and refinished.
Depending on the materials and finish, plastering and cladding cost between €10 and €50 per m².

Example Calculation: Wall Opening (6 m²)

A 6-square-meter opening in a load-bearing wall costs approximately €1,830.