We Take Care of Permit Approval When Removing Load-Bearing Walls

Obtaining a permit is a crucial step when removing load-bearing walls. Ontario requires permits and compliance with the Building Code when removing or modifying a building’s structural support system. Kingswood Engineers Ltd. manages the permit approval process for you, taking you from planning and design right up to construction with your preferred contractor. We have extensive experience with the Ontario Building Code and local regulations in Oakville, Brampton, Mississauga, Hamilton, and Etobicoke.

 

We manage all structural drawings, documentation, and the permit approval process. Experienced engineers prevent delays, rework, and other setbacks.

 

Ensure a smooth project with safe load-bearing wall removal when you work with our team.

Alina, Oakville

“We recently had the pleasure of working with Kingswood Engineers, specifically Igor, who came to our house to assess the removal of a wall. From the outset, Igor’s professionalism and courtesy were evident. He conducted the measurements swiftly and efficiently, and the calculations were done in no time. The drawings provided were thorough and detailed. Additionally, Kingswood Engineers took care of the city permit application process on our behalf, making the entire experience seamless. Overall, I highly recommend Kingswood Engineers for their expertise, efficiency, and excellent customer service.”

Considerations Before You Remove a Load-Bearing Wall

Careful assessment ensures safety when you remove a load-bearing wall. Support is redesigned to suit structural and compliance requirements.

 

  • We analyze load distribution throughout the building to open spaces and reallocate support to existing or newly planned structural features. Detailed structural analysis and mitigation ensure long-term stability.
  • Support replacements are often necessary after you remove a load bearing wall. We design replacements to suit your aesthetic and functional goals with potential options like beams, columns, and posts. New supports safely bear the redistributed weight to protect the structure.
  • Contractors often overlook how new loads are distributed to existing foundations. Our structural engineers ensure modifications don’t compromise foundations.
  • We select materials for efficiency and durability while considering the project budget. Aesthetics also matter. We design new elements to integrate seamlessly with the original architecture.
  • Budget considerations are crucial when restoring, maintaining, and improving a home. The cost of removing load-bearing walls varies depending on the size of the wall, the materials needed for replacement supports, and any additional structural work. Our consulting, design, and structural engineering costs are fixed, ensuring you know exact figures before you proceed with planning and then into construction.

 

As an integrated team, we manage all design, engineering, and permit approval elements when you remove a load bearing wall. We can recommend contractors in your area and can consult with your project manager to offer support during construction and the final inspection.

Options for Alternative Load-Bearing Structures

Various options can provide support and help redistribute the structural load after removing load-bearing walls.

  • Steel beams are popular for their strength and durability. There are options to conceal beams in ceilings to preserve the architecture of interior spaces after you remove a load bearing wall. Open concepts work well with steel beams, particularly in older homes where additions are needed to suit modern lifestyles.
  • Laminated Veneer Lumber Beams (engineered wood LVLs) can support modified structures without dramatically affecting the aesthetic. They are concealable in ceilings but also work as architectural elements when they are matched to the home’s décor.
  • Posts and columns are often the best solution for cost and stability. They create partially open spaces for comfortable living and a dramatically improved aesthetic.

 

More solutions are available depending on budget and structural needs. You can learn more about your options for load redistribution and reinforcement when you remove a load-bearing wall with our architectural design and engineering service.

Load Bearing Wall Video

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Are There Cases Where You Can’t Remove a Load-Bearing Wall?

Almost anything is possible in home renovation if you have the space and a dedicated engineering team. Obstacles to load-bearing wall removal typically stem from project cost and practicality concerns.

  • Excessive costs can make removing a load bearing wall unfeasible. Kingswood Engineers Ltd. aims to minimize costs wherever possible without compromising quality and stability.
  • Limited space for alternative support might be challenging. Our innovative engineering solutions give you more options to ensure you get the home renovation you are looking for.
  • Utility conflicts can complicate the removal process. Rerouting adds complexity and cost but is not insurmountable.

 

We work with you to determine potential project costs and feasibility. We are always upfront in our engineering assessments to ensure you make informed and sustainable decisions.

Experienced Engineers Ready to Assist You

Removing load-bearing walls is challenging without the right team to assist with planning and approval. Kingswood Engineers Ltd. offers a comprehensive design and engineering service for homeowners and renovation professionals in the Greater Toronto Area. Make removing a load-bearing wall stress-free and have confidence knowing the design and structure will last. Book your consultation today and enjoy dedicated support for your home renovation engineering needs.

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about structural engineering and architectural design at Kingswood Engineers. Whether you’re planning renovations, additions, or structural modifications, our FAQs provide expert guidance to help you navigate your project with confidence.

The cost of engineering design for a wall removal depends on several key factors such as length of opening, what is located above the proposed beam, access in the basement, etc. The fees start from:
1. Site Visits from $300+hst
2. Engineering Design for removal of load-bearing walls from $900+hst
3. Architectural Drawings for building permit from $1100+hst

For most renovation projects that require structural alternations, a building permit is required. We can provide a complete package to clients, or only work on the engineering design component, depending on your needs.

The age of a home has a significant impact on the engineering required when removing a wall. A visual inspection of the framing is always the first step
1. We come on site to discuss the details of the project and take the required measurements
2. When removing a load bearing wall, it is also critical to identify how the new loads will be transferred to the foundations.
3. We also identify the sections of the home that the current wall is supporting
4. Finally, we assess the framing in the attic to see if the wall is carrying roof loads. Snow can have a significant impact on the size of beam and foundations required
5. We would then input all the load data for your property into our software and calculate the required beam size and assess the need for additional posts/foundations in the basement to transfer the new loads down through the basement.
6. If foundation work is required, we would engineer the type and size on foundations as well
7. This information is then summarized in a stamped engineering letter.

The most important step to take is to hire a contractor with experience. For structural work on your home, you want piece of mind. Some of the main steps in the process are summarized below.

  1. Before removing the existing partition wall, add temporary supports on either side to ensure a safe working environment.
  2. Correctly size the beam that will replace the current wall. A structural engineer will be able to model the loads and let you know which size of beam you will need.
  3. Work with your engineer to decide if a flush beam is possible. The result is a cleaner finish but will require specialized beam selection and potentially more HVAC/electrical rework.
  4. Consider what the new beam will rest on. The loads from above must always be transferred to the foundations. A new footing might be needed if there is nothing for the beam to rest on.
  5. It is very important to redirect any HVAC ducts that are currently in the wall. Remember, HVAC is all about air flow; you need to keep the same amount of air going into a room and going out of a room.

There are three main steps to the process

  1. Engineering Design – The typical turnaround time for engineering design once the measure-up has been completed is 5-12 business days.
  2. Permit Approval – If you are applying for a building permit, the response time from the building department is mandated to be 10 business days. Given the extremely high level of renovation work in Ontario, this ranges widely from 3 weeks to 8 weeks.
  3. Construction – Depending on the experience of the contractors, removal of a single wall is a 4-7 day job. The typical turnaround time for a contractor is usually 1-3 weeks.

Every home is different. It can be difficult to know without removing some drywall. A few go-to ways to know if a wall is load-bearing are listed below.

  1. The easiest way is to check your original plans. If you do not have them, your local building department might. You can call the building department and request records for your property.
  2. Start in the Basement. Check if the wall is resting on top of a beam or wall in the basement. This usually means the wall you want to remove is load-bearing.
  3. Check in your attic. If you have trusses that rest on the exterior wall, that is a good sign your wall is not load-bearing.
  4. Open up your ceiling near the wall and check if the ceiling joists rest on that wall. If the ceiling framing is perpendicular to your wall, most likely you have a load-bearing wall.
  5. Check for headers/lintels above doorways in the wall. If there is a 2×10″ or 2×12″ header in the framing above an opening in the wall, then it is most likely a load-bearing wall.
  6. Ask an Engineer! Most often, with some good photos, a structural engineer will be able to tell you if the wall is load-bearing.

There are several options available when removing a load bearing wall. For typical wall removals, the most common beam options are engineered wood products such as LVLs (Layered Veneer Laminate) and Steel I-Beams.
Overlapping Setup – Beam is placed directly underneath the existing ceiling joists. This is the simplest and most common approach but does take 10-14 inches of headroom.

In-line or Flush Setup – The ceiling joists are cut back, and the beam is inserted in between the existing joists. The joists are then attached to the beam via steel hangers and nails or screws. This option allows for an extra 6-8 inches of headroom.

Blind Beam Setup – If there is only an attic space above the proposed wall to be removed, there is an option to install the new beam entirely within the attic and use steel bracket to hold the ceiling joists. This is the cleanest option and allows for all the work to be complete prior to the removal of the existing wall below. It also results in a flush beam design.

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Removing Load-Bearing Walls – Structural Engineering for Your Home Renovation

Load-bearing walls support the weight of a structure to ensure safety and durability. Modifying a home by removing load-bearing walls is an effective way to add space and modify the floor plan. When done right, it can add lasting value to a home.

 

Homeowners, developers, and contractors can trust our structural engineering service for plans and permit approval to remove a load-bearing wall in Oakville and nearby areas like Burlington and Mississauga. Our meticulous approach ensures safety and durability without compromising the project vision.

 

We’re ready to begin your consultation today.

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