However there are cases where a bearing wall is parallel to the joists.
Tell if a wall is load bearing from the attic.
Using this technique you ll get a better idea of the location of the load bearing walls in your house.
Generally when the wall in question runs parallel to the floor joists above it is not a load bearing wall.
Blueprints are always a great place to look.
If the wall is located directly under the attic you can go up there to study the positions of the beams and joists.
Most load bearing walls will support the floor or walls above it.
Load bearing walls cross roof beams in a perpendicular direction.
But if the wall runs perpendicular at a 90 degree angle to the joists there is a good chance that it is load bearing.
Be extra careful with the walls that have other walls above it.
If you do spot joists in your basement and there is a wall that runs perpendicular this wall is most likely load bearing.
If you have walls built in the same place on each floor of the home those walls are all most likely load bearing.
Assess your basement look in your basement or crawl space for steel beams or joists.
As you scan the house from the basement to the attic you will get a good idea of the blueprint.
If the wall is parallel above the joists it s most likely not a load bearing wall.