Load-Bearing Wall Removal Engineering
Transform your space with professional load-bearing wall removal engineering. Our licensed structural engineers design safe, code-compliant solutions that create the open floor plans you want while maintaining structural integrity.
What is Wall Removal Engineering?
Load-bearing wall removal is one of the most popular home improvement projects, creating open floor plans that modernize living spaces. However, load-bearing walls support the weight of your home - floors, roofs, and walls above. Removing them without proper engineering can cause serious structural damage or collapse. Our licensed Professional Engineers analyze your home's structure, design appropriate support systems (typically beams and posts), and provide PE-stamped plans required for building permits.
Why Choose Our Wall Removal Engineering Services
Licensed PE-stamped plans accepted by all California jurisdictions
Proper beam and post sizing for safe load transfer
Cost-effective solutions - avoid over-engineering
Fast turnaround (typically 1-2 weeks)
Experience with all California building codes
Hidden beam options for clean aesthetics
Construction support and contractor coordination
What We Provide
Comprehensive wall removal engineering services with complete documentation
Structural Assessment
Thorough evaluation of your home's structural system to determine if a wall is load-bearing and identify all loads that need to be supported.
Beam Design & Sizing
Engineering design of the beam system to replace the removed wall, including material selection (steel, LVL, glulam) and proper sizing for all loads.
Post & Foundation Design
Design of support posts and any required foundation improvements to safely transfer loads to the ground.
PE-Stamped Construction Plans
Complete structural drawings showing the removal, new beam, posts, connections, and all details required for permit approval and construction.
Structural Calculations
Engineering calculations documenting load analysis, beam design, post design, and connection design for building department review.
Construction Support
Availability during construction for shoring guidance, inspection support, and any questions that arise during the wall removal process.
How It Works
Our streamlined process for wall removal engineering
Initial Assessment
Review your project goals, examine existing conditions, and determine if the wall is load-bearing. Provide preliminary guidance on feasibility and approach.
Site Visit & Measurement
Visit your home to measure the wall, examine attic/crawl space to trace load paths, and gather information needed for structural analysis.
Structural Analysis
Calculate all loads supported by the wall including roof, ceiling, floor, and any walls above. Determine total load the new beam must carry.
Beam Design
Design the replacement beam system selecting appropriate materials and sizing for your specific loads and span requirements.
Drawing Production
Create detailed construction drawings showing removal procedure, new beam installation, post locations, connections, and specifications.
Plan Review & Stamping
Quality control review of all work, preparation of calculations, and PE stamping of plans for permit submittal.
Permit Support
Respond to building department plan check corrections and provide any additional documentation needed for approval.
Construction Support
Available during construction for shoring guidance, questions, and inspection coordination to ensure successful installation.
Common Applications
We provide wall removal engineering for a wide range of projects
Cost Information
Transparent pricing for your project
Typical Range:
$1,500 - $4,000 for typical single-wall residential projects
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Wall length and loads supported
- Number of stories above the wall
- Existing foundation conditions
- Number of posts required
- Steel vs. wood beam design
- Hidden beam requirements
Load-bearing wall removal engineering costs depend on the complexity of your home's structure and the wall to be removed.
Timeline
What to expect for your project
Design Phase
1-2 weeks for typical projects
Permitting
2-4 weeks depending on jurisdiction
Total Timeline
3-6 weeks from start to permit
Timelines vary based on project complexity, jurisdiction requirements, and information availability. We provide detailed schedules during consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about wall removal engineering
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
Load-bearing walls typically run perpendicular to floor/ceiling joists, are located near the center of the house, or support walls above. However, this isn't always obvious without professional evaluation. Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing. Interior walls may or may not be load-bearing depending on the home's structural design. Our engineers can definitively determine if your wall is load-bearing.
Do I need a permit to remove a load-bearing wall?
Yes, load-bearing wall removal always requires a building permit in California. The building department requires PE-stamped structural plans showing the wall removal and replacement beam system. Removing a load-bearing wall without a permit is dangerous and can cause serious structural problems. It also creates issues when selling your home.
How much does load-bearing wall removal cost?
Structural engineering for wall removal typically costs $1,500-$4,000 depending on complexity. Construction costs are separate and typically range from $3,000-$15,000+ depending on wall length, beam material, number of posts, and finish work required. Longer spans and multiple story homes cost more. We provide accurate engineering quotes after reviewing your project.
Can any wall be removed?
Most load-bearing walls can be removed with proper engineering, but some situations are more complex. Very long spans may require multiple beams or very large beams. Walls supporting multiple floors cost more to address. Some walls have plumbing, electrical, or HVAC that must be rerouted. We assess feasibility and provide honest guidance on your specific situation.
What type of beam will I need?
Beam type depends on span, loads, and aesthetics. Common options include steel beams (strongest for long spans, can be hidden), LVL/Laminated Veneer Lumber (good for moderate spans, wood appearance), Glulam beams (attractive exposed wood option), and built-up dimensional lumber (for shorter spans). We recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective option for your project.
Can the beam be hidden in the ceiling?
Yes, in most cases we can design a "flush beam" that fits within the ceiling framing depth, creating a smooth ceiling with no visible beam. This requires careful design to fit within the available space while providing adequate strength. Steel beams work well for hidden applications due to their compact size. Flush beams may cost more due to the engineering complexity.
What happens during construction?
The contractor first installs temporary shoring (support posts) to carry the load while the wall is removed. Then the wall is removed, the new beam and posts are installed, and connections are made. Finally, the temporary shoring is removed. Proper shoring is critical - we provide shoring requirements in our plans and can advise during construction.
Do I need a structural engineer or can my contractor handle this?
California requires a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Architect to design load-bearing wall removal projects. Contractors cannot legally design structural modifications. PE-stamped plans are required for building permits. Using a structural engineer also protects you by ensuring proper design and provides documentation for future home sales.