When it comes to home improvements, few changes make such an immediate difference to the way you live as an internal knockthrough. Knocking down a wall between your kitchen and dining room to create an open-plan space can transform your home into the perfect place for cooking, eating, and entertaining — especially in the run-up to Christmas.

At TD Property Renovations, we’ve been carrying out internal knockthroughs across Widnes, Liverpool, and the North West for many years. In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly how the process works from start to finish, what you can expect at each stage, and share some professional advice on planning your project.

Why choose an internal knockthrough?

Traditional homes often have separate kitchens and dining rooms. While that layout has its benefits, it can feel restrictive — especially when entertaining. An internal knockthrough offers:

• More space and light – Removing a wall instantly makes the area feel larger and brighter.

• Better flow – Families can cook, eat, and socialise together in one space.

• Modern living – Open-plan layouts are highly desirable for contemporary lifestyles.

• Improved property value – Well-executed knockthroughs can add significant appeal to your home.

• Festive readiness – At Christmas, having a bigger open space makes hosting friends and family far easier.

Stage 1: Initial Consultation and Survey

Every successful project starts with a proper consultation. When you first get in touch with us about an internal knockthrough, we arrange a site visit.

During this visit, we:

• Discuss your ideas and what you want from the space.

• Look at the existing structure and check whether the wall is load-bearing.

• Talk through layout options — for example, whether you’d like a breakfast bar or kitchen island.

• Take measurements and photographs to guide our recommendations.

Advice: Come prepared with ideas. If you’ve seen layouts you like on Pinterest or in magazines, bring them along. It helps us understand your vision.

Stage 2: Structural Assessment

One of the most important considerations with internal knockthroughs is whether the wall you want to remove is load-bearing.

• Non-load-bearing walls are simpler — they divide rooms but don’t support the structure.

• Load-bearing walls require structural support to be put in place before removal.

If your wall is load-bearing, we’ll arrange for a structural engineer to carry out calculations and specify the right support beam (usually a steel RSJ – Rolled Steel Joist).

Advice: Don’t ever remove walls without professional guidance. Even small changes can compromise your home’s safety if done incorrectly.

Stage 3: Quotation and Planning

Once the survey and structural assessment are complete, we’ll provide you with a detailed quotation. This sets out:

• The work involved.

• Timeframes for each stage.

• Costings, including any structural steelwork.

We’ll also help with building regulations approval if required. Most knockthroughs need approval because structural changes are involved. We liaise with the local authority or approved inspectors to ensure everything is compliant.

Advice: Factor building regulations approval into your timeline — it can add a couple of weeks.

Stage 4: Preparing the Work Area

Before any demolition takes place, we make sure the area is safe and ready. That means:

• Protecting floors and nearby rooms with dust sheets and coverings.

• Disconnecting or rerouting electrical wiring, sockets, or plumbing in the wall.

• Setting up dust barriers to minimise disruption.

This preparation is vital. A few hours spent getting the space ready saves days of mess later.

Advice: Empty cupboards and move furniture away from the work area. It keeps your belongings safe and speeds up the job.

Stage 5: Installing Structural Support

If a load-bearing wall is being removed, this is the most critical stage. Our team works alongside the structural engineer’s calculations to install the RSJ beam.

The process usually involves:

1. Constructing temporary supports (acrow props and strongboys) to hold up the structure above the wall.

2. Carefully removing the wall, brick by brick or section by section.

3. Installing the steel beam into place, often resting it on concrete padstones to spread the load.

4. Ensuring everything is level, secure, and inspected before moving on.

Advice: Don’t be tempted by “cheap” solutions that skip professional support beams. It may seem to save money, but it risks structural failure and costly remedial work later.

Stage 6: Making Good

Once the structural work is complete, we move on to making good the space. This stage involves:

• Removing remaining debris and rubble.

• Rebuilding any brickwork or blockwork around the beam ends.

• Boxing in or plasterboarding around the steel beam.

• Plastering walls and ceilings for a smooth finish.

At this stage, the room really starts to take shape. You’ll be able to see your open-plan space coming together.

Stage 7: Electrical and Plumbing Adjustments

Most knockthroughs involve some changes to services:

• Electrics – We may need to reposition sockets, switches, or lighting. Many clients take the opportunity to add spotlights, pendant lights over an island, or additional power points.

• Plumbing – If radiators are on the wall being removed, we’ll relocate them. Some homeowners also use this stage to add underfloor heating.

Advice: Think ahead about how you’ll use the new space. Do you need extra sockets for kitchen gadgets? Would you like feature lighting above the dining table? It’s easier and cheaper to plan these in now than to retrofit later.

Stage 8: Finishing Touches

The final stage is all about finishes:

• Skirting boards and architraves are reinstated or replaced.

• Walls are painted or decorated.

• Flooring is fitted or extended seamlessly across the new open space.

• Kitchens and dining furniture are reconfigured to make the most of the layout.

At this point, your old divided rooms have become one continuous living area — perfect for modern family life.

Timelines: How long does it take?

Every project is unique, but as a general guide:

• Non-load-bearing knockthrough: 1–2 weeks.

• Load-bearing knockthrough with RSJ installation: 2–4 weeks.

Factors such as the size of the wall, need for building regulations approval, and complexity of electrical/plumbing changes can affect timings.

Advice: If you want your open-plan space ready for Christmas hosting, aim to start planning by September or October. This allows for consultation, approvals, and the work itself.

Cost Considerations

Costs vary depending on wall size, structural requirements, and finish levels. Typical factors include:

• Structural engineer’s fees.

• RSJ supply and installation.

• Plastering and making good.

• Electrical and plumbing work.

• Decoration and flooring.

Advice: Always get a full written quotation before committing. Cheaper isn’t always better — structural work must be carried out properly.

Common Questions We’re Asked

Professional Advice for Homeowners

1. Plan for the future. Think beyond Christmas — how will you use the space in everyday life?

2. Don’t cut corners on structural work. RSJs and engineering may feel like “hidden costs” but they’re critical.

3. Budget realistically. Set aside a contingency of around 10–15% for unexpected adjustments.

4. Choose experienced contractors. Internal knockthroughs require expertise — don’t trust just anyone.

5. Think about heating and lighting. Larger open spaces may need new solutions to keep them cosy and well-lit.

Why choose TD Property Renovations?

With over 25 years’ experience in property renovations across the North West, we bring expertise, attention to detail, and full project management to every job. From the first survey to the finishing touches, you can trust us to deliver safe, high-quality results.

We’re fully insured, experienced with all aspects of internal knockthroughs, and committed to making the process as smooth as possible for our clients.

Ready for an Open-Plan Christmas?

If you’d love to host Christmas in a spacious, open-plan kitchen-diner, now is the time to get started. Whether it’s a simple non-load-bearing knockthrough or a major structural transformation, we can help.

Contact TD Property Renovations today to arrange your consultation:

• Call: 07922 230439

• Email: [email protected]

Turn your home into the perfect place for family, food, and festive memories.