My kitchen remodel is in progress. After ripping out existing cabinets we found that the plumbing for the sink drain cuts through a total of 7 studs, more than 50% through each (see photos). Contractor and I were originally worried that these were load supporting — why else use 5 together? But contractor went into the attic, and said based on rafters this is not load barring. Consequently they are going to leave the existing situation. Next room has vaulted ceilings, and there is quite a bit of structure in the attic to support/implement that.
Should I replace the studs and somehow route the plumbing around, or is it ok as pictured?
Best Answer
If the wall is non bearing, I would say no problem, the cabinets that go in will keep everything stable since there are more studs past the notched ones.
But what I see is a potential bearing wall, therefore a big problem if it is. Carpenters will not put 5 studs tight together for the fun of it, it would have a purpose, especially if the wall continues past it. Otherwise I would say they made the wall too short and added a few more to make it long enough.