Load-Bearing Wall Removal

The first question is what the wall supports. An engineer can assess the load path and design replacement support, including how loads reach the foundation. Wall appearance alone does not establish whether it is load-bearing.

An engineer may be needed before cutting or removing a potentially supporting wall. Provide the proposed opening size, the floors above it and any existing drawings.

Confirm the engineering scope with the professional you engage and any permit requirements with the local building department.

Topics that may be relevant to the review: beam, column, framing, joist, lintel and steel framing.

The engineer can review existing conditions, evaluate the proposed changes and prepare the calculations or design details included in the agreed scope.

• Opening a kitchen into an adjoining room
• Widening a passage through a supporting wall

Start with a short description. These details can help define the scope, but you do not need everything ready to request a quote.

• The project city or county, and the property address if known
• What you want to build, change or repair
• How the space or site is used now and what you plan to change
• Whether you have drawings or photos to share during follow-up
• The status of any permit application and comments received
• Your target dates or other scheduling constraints

• Structural Engineering
• Structural Repair
• Residential Remodel Engineering
• Beams & Columns
• Structural Openings / Windows & Doors

Terms that may appear in plans, permit comments or contractor conversations about this work.

• beam
• column
• framing
• joist
• lintel
• load-bearing wall
• steel framing
• structural steel
• truss
• wood framing