How to learn how to add and subtract walls?

[Poundwise]

My dad (now gone) used to add walls and take down walls in his house all the time.  Some of my earliest memories are helping him to spackle nailheads in drywall.

Now we have several situations in our house (very stupid layout) where it would be really handy to remove a closet here and add one there. Nobody moves in this town for less than $2K, it seems. 

I understand that one doesn't want to mess with load bearing  walls, but I wonder whether I could do some of this minor stuff myself. Do people take classes to learn this stuff? How on earth do I pick up the knowledge, since it's too late to pay attention to my dad?

[jc4]

You're best bet is to find someone who you can work with and learn from.

If you're a really good self-learner, you could pick up a book on framing, and learn how it on you own. You'd also have to be bold.

I'd also recomend posting a picture of your walls in question, and what your proposal is here. You may get a quick, yes you can or not, bad idea.

[Adam Zapple]

Everything is on youtube now.  There is nothing carpentry related you cannon learn online.  The problems come when you demo a wall that has plumbing and electrical in it, or when you have a section of floor where the wall used to be that you now cannot match.  These things turn small projects into big ones, and may force you to hire out some of the work.

What exactly do you want to know?  I can definitely walk you through putting up new walls. 

[secondcor521]

One idea to try is to volunteer to help with a Habitat for Humanity build.  They have professional contractor types do the main work and ordinary folk like me do the simple stuff like cut 2 2x4s to 38" or whatever.  You can pick up a lot in a short time just by paying attention and doing as much as you can to be helpful.

Somewhere in my town is a house where I helped frame the second story.  Although I should add that new construction where professionals who know what they're doing is a much easier situation than a homeowner doing renovations.

Another suggestion is to pester your local Home Depot or Lowe's employees.  They know more than me on stuff.

[Poundwise]

You're best bet is to find someone who you can work with and learn from.

If you're a really good self-learner, you could pick up a book on framing, and learn how it on you own. You'd also have to be bold.

Yeah, there is no substitute for working with a person.  I am a very good book learner though.

I'd also recomend posting a picture of your walls in question, and what your proposal is here. You may get a quick, yes you can or not, bad idea.

Will do if I can take some good photos, thanks!!

Everything is on youtube now.  There is nothing carpentry related you cannon learn online.  The problems come when you demo a wall that has plumbing and electrical in it, or when you have a section of floor where the wall used to be that you now cannot match.  These things turn small projects into big ones, and may force you to hire out some of the work.

What exactly do you want to know?  I can definitely walk you through putting up new walls. 

Thank you!  The layout in our home is very dumb, and though on paper it has a big footprint for our area (2100 sq ft), in reality there's a lot of wasted space, code violations, and inefficiency.  Will take photos very soon.

One idea to try is to volunteer to help with a Habitat for Humanity build.  They have professional contractor types do the main work and ordinary folk like me do the simple stuff like cut 2 2x4s to 38" or whatever.  You can pick up a lot in a short time just by paying attention and doing as much as you can to be helpful.

Ah, that's a great idea!! I went over to their local website and they run Builder's camps! Sounds like a good summer project for me and my teen son.

[CptCool]

I've found this site to be very helpful with pictures and explanations of WHY something is done: https://www.carpentry-pro-framer.com/

It's easily the best text-based documentation (book or website) that I've seen for framing pretty much anything residential

[GuitarStv]

Honestly, the mechanics of most home framing is pretty straight forward.  I'm not particularly handy, but was able to frame/drywall my whole basement (walls/ceiling) on my own, with just a few youtube videos and a carpentry book to guide me.

You need to identify any load bearing walls first (it's best not to go cutting these down and I don't know how to do this part in a guaranteed reliable way to advise you).  Then you're going to rip the drywall off the area you want changed, frame the new opening (lots of online info regarding framing doors and windows) with 2x4s.

Next you're going to cut and screw new pieces of drywall in place, apply compound over the joints and screw holes (then sand and do it a few more times).  If you're installing a door you do it at this point. Then prime, and paint.  Finally, install your baseboard/edging, and give it a quick coat of paint.