Guide
Can you knock down a wall when renovating in Türkiye? Structure, earthquakes and permits
· 3 min read · SG Concept Architecture
In a renovation, non-load-bearing partition walls can be removed; columns, beams, shear walls and slabs are not touched without structural calculation and a permit. Türkiye's Planned Areas Zoning Regulation counts work that does not affect the structure, the external facade or the location of wet areas as a simple renovation that needs no permit; changes that affect the structure are major renovations and require a permit (Hukuki Haber).
What is the structural system?
It is the skeleton that carries a building's load to the ground: columns, beams, shear walls, slabs and foundations. In reinforced concrete buildings most interior partitions are not load-bearing; but shear walls are, and in some masonry buildings every wall is. Of two walls that look the same, one can be removed while the other directly affects the building's earthquake resistance.
Which renovations need no permit?
- Renewing paint, plaster, grout, floor and ceiling finishes
- Electrical and plumbing repairs
- Replacing windows and frames, repairing railings
- Repairing non-load-bearing partition walls
- Relaying roof tiles, repairing eaves and chimneys
This list is based on the Planned Areas Zoning Regulation's definition of simple repair and alteration (Planned Areas Zoning Regulation). In villas within gated communities, the management plan may add rules even where no permit is needed.
Which renovations need a permit?
Changes that affect a structural element, or work that changes the construction area, the number of units, the use or the approved design, are major renovations. The regulation requires a permit for major repair and alteration. Moving wet areas (for example moving a bathroom to another room) is also outside the scope of a simple renovation.
How does the earthquake code affect renovation?
In Türkiye, new buildings and strengthening projects are assessed under the Turkish Building Earthquake Code, published on 18 March 2018 and in force since 1 January 2019 (Official Gazette, 2018). Cutting a column or opening a door in a shear wall during a renovation can change how the whole building behaves in an earthquake. So if such a need exists, the existing drawings are checked first, a civil engineer inspects the building if necessary, and a permit is obtained together with a strengthening solution.
“Whether a wall is load-bearing is learned from the drawings, not by knocking on it.”
What if you want an open plan?
Joining the kitchen and living room is one of the most common requests. If the partition between them is not load-bearing, the solution is simple. If there is a structural element, making it part of the design is often the smartest path: wrapping a column into a bookcase, a kitchen island or a seating niche. In an interior design project these decisions are drawn before reaching the site.
Conclusion
A safe renovation starts with knowing what is free, what needs permission and what should never be done. It is entirely possible to transform a space without touching the structure. If you would like to review your renovation plan together, see our build service and our article on turnkey renovation costs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need permission to knock down a wall at home in Türkiye?
A non-load-bearing partition wall usually needs no permit. If the wall is load-bearing (a shear wall, or a wall in a masonry building), it should not be touched without structural calculation and a permit.
How do I know whether a wall is load-bearing?
By checking the building's approved structural drawings. If there are none, a civil engineer needs to inspect on site; the thickness or sound of a wall is not a reliable guide.
Is moving a bathroom a simple renovation?
No. Moving wet areas falls outside the regulation's definition of a simple renovation.
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