I removed two pocket doors in my second story bathroom (see picture 1 & 2). I would like to remove the headers above the pocket doors and open up the bathroom. However, I wasn't expecting such a large header above one of the doors (see picture 2).
I didn't think this was load bearing because
- the header runs parallel to the trusses
- the header only spans the length of the door way (~58"),
- only a single stud is holding up one side of the header (see picture 2)
- over the phone the original architect told me that typically load bearing walls do not contain pocket doors (house built in 1979), but he vaguely remembered the project.
What made this more complicated is a board runs on top of the header then a truss runs on top of that board (i.e., truss, board, header all run parallel on top of each other). Is this load bearing?
Also, I would like to remove the other pocket door header that runs perpendicular to the trusses. This one I am uncertain about. I didn't think it was load bearing because of the type of roof trusses I have (see pictures 3&4). I also didn't see any indication on the original plans that these walls are over supporting posts in my crawl space (see pictures 5,6,7). Is this load bearing?
Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.
Best Answer
Firstly, reason 2 is invalid. Even narrow openings would require a load-bearing header if they carry floor or roof framing above.
Also discard reasons 3 and 4. Only the largest of headers call for two trimmer studs on each side. This one wouldn't even if it were load-bearing. Pocket doors can be and were installed anywhere a standard door might go.
Otherwise, I agree. You should be able to ascertain that there's no load resting on this header. The wall plate that runs across it should be visible from the attic, under the insulation. If that's clear, you're correct. A truss over the wall that's the same in bearing and design as the adjacent trusses isn't a concern.
This is a rare load-bearing question that has all the necessary information in it to make a confident answer. Bravo. That said, there may be factors we can't see. That's the drawback of asking the internet what it thinks. Responsibility for your safety and financial well-being still rests on you.