Load Bearing Wall Engineer Near Me in Burbank: Complete 2026 Guide

**Updated: February 2026** | *California PE-Licensed Structural Engineers* | *20+ Years Experience*

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Load bearing wall engineering is the structural analysis and design process that allows safe removal of walls carrying structural loads. When a load bearing wall is removed, its weight -- from the roof, ceiling, upper floors, and the wall itself -- must transfer through a replacement beam supported by posts to the foundation. A PE-licensed structural engineer designs this alternative load path.

In Burbank, wall removal is one of the most common residential structural engineering projects. Burbank's housing stock includes thousands of homes built from the 1930s through the 1970s with compartmentalized floor plans. Today's homeowners prefer open concept layouts combining kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas -- requiring removal of one or more load bearing walls.

The City of Burbank requires a building permit with PE-stamped structural calculations and drawings for all load bearing wall removals. Attempting removal without proper engineering is dangerous and illegal, causing sagging, cracking, misalignment, and potentially structural collapse. Unpermitted removals create legal liability, insurance problems, and resale complications.

AAA Engineering Design has designed hundreds of wall removals across Southern California, including numerous Burbank projects. Our PE-licensed engineers evaluate structures, design replacement beams, produce permit-ready plans, and support contractors. Call (949) 981-4448 for your project. Our structural inspection services provide comprehensive pre-modification assessment.

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Burbank homeowners need a range of wall removal and modification services, from single wall removal to comprehensive open concept remodeling. Understanding the service options helps you scope your project accurately.

The most straightforward service involves removing one load bearing wall and replacing it with a beam. Single wall removals are common for:

Engineering for a single wall removal includes load analysis, beam sizing, post design, foundation evaluation, connection detailing, and construction drawings. For a typical Burbank home, single wall removal engineering costs $2,000-$4,000.

Creating a fully open concept layout often requires removing two, three, or more load bearing walls. This comprehensive approach demands more extensive structural analysis because:

Engineering for multiple wall removals costs $4,000-$8,000+ depending on the number of walls and complexity of the structural system.

Some Burbank homeowners prefer partial wall removal -- creating a wide opening while leaving portions of the wall in place for architectural definition, cabinet backing, or structural simplification. Partial removals require the same engineering analysis as full removals but may result in shorter beam spans and reduced structural complexity.

Adding doorways, pass-throughs, or enlarged openings in load bearing walls requires engineering for headers that span the new opening while carrying loads above. Headers are beams installed within the wall thickness, allowing the wall to remain while accommodating the new opening. This service is useful for:

For two-story Burbank homes, removing a wall on the first floor requires analysis of how the modification affects the second floor and roof structure above. Second-story support evaluation ensures that the replacement beam adequately carries the combined loads from the roof, second floor, and any walls stacked above the removed wall.

Our residential structural engineering team handles all of these service types with expertise specific to Southern California residential construction.

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The wall removal process follows a defined sequence from initial evaluation through construction completion. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure a safe, code-compliant, and well-executed project.

Every load bearing wall project begins with a phone consultation (free) followed by a site visit. During the site visit, our PE-licensed engineer:

**Identifies the wall's structural role**: The engineer determines whether the wall in question is load bearing by examining the framing above and below the wall, the load path from roof to foundation, and the wall's relationship to other structural elements. In Burbank homes, walls running perpendicular to floor and ceiling joists are typically load bearing, while walls running parallel to joists may or may not carry structural loads depending on the specific framing configuration.

**Assesses the loads carried**: The engineer calculates the specific loads the wall carries, including dead loads (weight of the structure itself), live loads (occupancy loads from floors above), and roof loads (including consideration for wind and seismic forces). For two-story Burbank homes, first-floor wall removals must account for all loads from the second floor and roof.

**Evaluates the foundation**: The engineer inspects the existing foundation at the wall location and at proposed post locations to determine whether the foundation can support concentrated beam and post loads. In many Burbank homes, foundation modifications are needed when wall loads are concentrated into post locations.

**Documents existing conditions**: Photographs, measurements, and notes record the existing wall configuration, surrounding framing, and foundation conditions. This documentation supports the engineering design and serves as a record of pre-construction conditions.

Based on the site visit findings, our engineers design the complete load path replacement. The design process includes:

**Load analysis**: Detailed calculation of all loads the wall currently carries, including tributary area analysis for roof and floor loads, wall self-weight, and any point loads from concentrated framing above.

**Beam design**: Selection and sizing of the replacement beam based on span length, total loads, deflection limits, and material availability. Beam options include engineered lumber (LVL, PSL, or glulam beams) for spans up to 20 feet with moderate loads, and structural steel (wide-flange I-beams or HSS sections) for longer spans and heavier loads where minimum beam depth is critical.

**Post and foundation design**: Sizing of support posts at each end of the beam, plus foundation modifications when existing continuous footings cannot support concentrated post loads. New reinforced concrete pad footings are common at post locations in Burbank homes.

**Connection design and construction drawings**: The complete engineering package includes connection details between beam, posts, and foundation; temporary shoring requirements; and construction sequence drawings. All connections transfer both gravity and seismic forces.

We submit the complete engineering package to the City of Burbank Building Division for plan check review. Burbank's plan check process involves review by the city's structural plan check engineers, who verify:

Our familiarity with the City of Burbank's plan check expectations helps achieve approval efficiently. We respond to plan check corrections promptly, typically within one week.

With the approved permit, your licensed contractor executes the wall removal following our engineering plans. The construction sequence includes: installing temporary shoring on both sides of the wall, removing wall finishes to expose framing, lifting the new beam into position on support posts, making all connections per engineering specifications, removing the original wall framing, completing foundation work (if new pad footings are required), removing temporary shoring once permanent connections are complete, and restoring drywall, texture, painting, and flooring.

The City of Burbank conducts inspections at critical stages -- typically foundation, framing (beam/post installation), and final. AAA Engineering Design is available to attend inspections and address any inspector questions about the structural design.

Our permit engineering services ensure smooth navigation of Burbank's permitting and inspection process.

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Burbank's location, housing stock, and building department practices create specific considerations for wall removal projects.

Burbank's residential neighborhoods contain homes spanning nearly a century of construction. 1920s-1940s bungalows and Craftsman homes feature plaster-over-lath walls and often irregular load paths requiring careful investigation. 1950s-1960s ranch homes in Magnolia Park and Rancho Equestrian feature platform framing ideal for open concept conversions. 1970s-1980s homes include truss-roof construction requiring special attention during wall removal. Two-story homes require additional analysis as replacement beams carry both second-floor and roof loads.

Burbank falls within Seismic Design Category D due to its proximity to the Verdugo Fault and the Raymond Fault. Every wall removal design addresses seismic implications including shear wall replacement (designing new lateral bracing elsewhere in the building), diaphragm continuity (maintaining force transfer between the diaphragm and replacement beam), and foundation anchoring (installing hold-down hardware at post locations to resist uplift and lateral forces).

The City of Burbank Building Division maintains thorough plan check standards for structural work. Plan check engineers review load calculations, beam sizing, connection details, and code compliance carefully. Engineers who submit complete, well-organized packages with thorough calculations experience faster review times and fewer correction cycles.

Burbank's plan check timeline is typically 3-6 weeks for initial review, with 2-3 week turnaround for correction cycles. Our engineers' experience with Burbank's specific expectations helps minimize correction cycles.

Properties in the Burbank Hillside area face additional considerations including sloped floor framing with non-standard load paths, retaining wall integration, hillside foundation systems, and limited construction access. These conditions require more extensive investigation and analysis.

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Load bearing wall removal costs in Burbank vary based on wall length, loads carried, beam material, foundation requirements, and finish restoration scope.

| Service | Fee Range | Timeline | |---------|-----------|----------| | Load bearing wall assessment | $500 - $1,000 | 1 week | | Single wall removal engineering | $2,000 - $4,000 | 2-3 weeks | | Multiple wall removal / open concept | $4,000 - $8,000+ | 3-5 weeks | | Partial wall removal / new opening | $1,500 - $3,000 | 2-3 weeks | | Header design for new doorway | $1,200 - $2,500 | 1-2 weeks | | Construction observation | $500 - $1,500 | 1-2 visits |

| Project Type | Total Cost Range | |-------------|-----------------| | Single interior wall removal (8-12 ft span) | $5,000 - $12,000 | | Single wall removal (12-18 ft span) | $10,000 - $18,000 | | Long span wall removal (18-24 ft) with steel beam | $15,000 - $25,000+ | | Multiple wall open concept conversion | $20,000 - $45,000+ | | Wall removal with foundation modification | Add $3,000 - $8,000 |

**Beam material**: Engineered lumber beams (LVL, PSL) cost $15-$30 per lineal foot, while structural steel beams cost $30-$70 per lineal foot installed. Steel is required for longer spans and heavier loads but adds material and labor cost.

**Ceiling height**: Burbank homes with standard 8-foot ceilings leave limited space for beam depth. "Flush" beam installations that conceal the beam within the ceiling depth require more complex framing and cost $2,000-$5,000 more than exposed or dropped beam configurations.

**Foundation modifications**: Concentrated post loads frequently exceed the capacity of existing continuous footings. New pad footings cost $1,500-$4,000 each to install, including excavation, reinforcing, and concrete.

**Two-story loads**: First-floor wall removals in two-story homes carry double the load of single-story walls, requiring larger beams, stronger posts, and more substantial foundations. Engineering and construction costs increase 30-50% for two-story load conditions.

**Finish work**: Drywall patching, ceiling repair, flooring transitions, and painting after wall removal add $2,000-$8,000 depending on the extent of finish work and quality of materials.

**Permit fees**: City of Burbank building permit fees for wall removal typically range from $500-$1,500 based on construction valuation.

When comparing quotes, ensure each includes the same scope: PE-stamped engineering, permit coordination, temporary shoring, foundation modifications, hardware, finish repair, and clean-up. The lowest quote often omits foundation work or finish repair -- items that appear as costly change orders during construction.

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Choosing the right structural engineer for your Burbank wall removal ensures safe execution, efficient permitting, and quality results.

Only a California PE-licensed structural engineer can legally stamp structural calculations for wall removal. Verify your engineer's license at pels.ca.gov. Be cautious of contractors or designers offering "engineering" without PE credentials -- their work will not be accepted by the City of Burbank.

Choose an engineer who regularly designs wall removals for homes similar to yours and who understands the City of Burbank Building Division's review expectations. Ask about their Burbank project count, experience with your home's construction era, and whether they provide construction observation. Engineers with local plan check familiarity reduce correction cycles and accelerate permit issuance.

Your engineer should explain technical concepts in plain language, respond within 24 hours, and be available for construction phase questions. The best outcomes occur when the engineer and contractor work collaboratively. For full-scope residential structural engineering, AAA Engineering Design coordinates with your contractor from design through construction.

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Burbank wall removal projects encounter specific challenges that experienced engineers anticipate and resolve.

Load bearing walls in Burbank homes frequently contain plumbing pipes (vent stacks), electrical wiring, HVAC ducts, and gas lines. Discovering these utilities after demolition begins causes delays and additional costs. Our engineers identify utility routing during the site visit and coordinate utility relocation in the project scope.

Burbank homes with standard 8-foot ceilings present a challenge when replacement beams require significant depth. Solutions include using steel beams (greater strength at less depth than wood), flush beam installations recessed into the ceiling framing, or intermediate posts to reduce span. Our engineers discuss options with homeowners and recommend the approach that best balances structural requirements with architectural goals.

When loads concentrate at post locations, existing continuous strip footings often require supplementation. Foundation modifications range from simple epoxied dowel connections to new pad footings poured beneath existing footings. Our engineers evaluate foundation conditions during the site visit and include any needed modifications in the original scope and quote.

Open concept conversions involving two or three wall removals require system-level analysis. Each wall removal affects the remaining structure -- for example, removing two parallel walls may overload exterior walls not designed for the additional weight. The engineer verifies that all remaining structural elements accommodate the redistributed loads.

Load bearing walls frequently serve as shear walls that resist earthquake forces. Removing these walls eliminates lateral bracing, requiring replacement shear walls or bracing elsewhere in the building. In Burbank's seismic environment near the Verdugo and Raymond faults, our engineers design replacement lateral systems that maintain or improve seismic performance.

Burbank homes built before 1960 frequently contain non-standard framing, undocumented modifications, and materials that don't match available records. Our engineers anticipate these inconsistencies and design flexible solutions that accommodate field conditions.

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AAA Engineering Design brings specialized wall removal expertise to every Burbank project, combining rigorous engineering with practical construction knowledge.

Wall removal is one of our most frequently performed services. Our engineers have designed hundreds of wall removals across Southern California, developing deep expertise in beam design, post placement optimization, foundation solutions, and construction coordination. This specialization translates to faster designs, more efficient solutions, and smoother construction.

Every wall removal design is prepared and stamped by a California PE-licensed structural engineer with over two decades of experience. Our engineers' credentials and experience provide the confidence that your Burbank wall removal is engineered to the highest professional standards.

We understand that Burbank homeowners want to start their remodeling projects quickly. AAA Engineering Design delivers:

Our quotes specify exactly what services are included and the total cost. Engineering fees are fixed once the scope is defined -- no hourly billing surprises, no scope creep charges. You know the engineering cost before work begins.

Our engineering documents are designed for the contractor, not just the plan checker. Clear drawings, detailed connection specifications, construction sequence notes, and temporary shoring requirements give your contractor the information needed to build efficiently and correctly. We also provide construction observation to verify critical structural elements are installed per the approved design.

Every wall removal design includes comprehensive seismic analysis. We ensure your Burbank home maintains full earthquake resistance after the wall is removed, with replacement lateral bracing designed and detailed for contractor installation. Your open concept space is both beautiful and structurally safe.

For comprehensive structural inspection before beginning your remodel, our engineers evaluate the entire building to identify all structural implications.

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AAA Engineering Design provides load bearing wall engineering services throughout Burbank and the surrounding communities.

We serve all of Los Angeles County with typical response times of 24-48 hours for site visits.

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AAA Engineering Design is ready to engineer your Burbank load bearing wall removal. Whether you're opening one wall or creating a complete open concept layout, our PE-licensed engineers deliver safe, code-compliant designs with fast turnaround.

**Call (949) 981-4448** for your free consultation, or contact us online to schedule your site visit.

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