LICENSED AND CERTIFIED
Wall Removal Structural Engineering Services
Create a modern, open-concept layout with total peace of mind. StrongBuilds provides expert engineering services and professional permit packages for wall removals, ensuring your renovation is safe, practical, and code-compliant.
OUR SERVICES
Structural Wall Removal Services: Designing Your Open-Concept Home
We provide professional structural engineering and permit-ready drawings for residential wall removal and open-concept renovation projects throughout the GTA.
Load Bearing Identification
We conduct a detailed on-site assessment to verify the structural load path and determine whether walls are load-bearing, load-sharing, or non-structural.
Structural Analysis and Beam Sizing
Our engineering team determines the structural requirements for replacement support systems, including properly sized steel, wood, or LVL beams.
Foundation and Column Design
We assess the existing substructure to confirm the foundation can support new concentrated loads, including the design of new columns and footings where required.
Ontario Building Code Compliance
We prepare detailed permit drawings that meet Ontario Building Code requirements to help ensure your renovation is safe, legal, and fully compliant.
WHY US
The StrongBuilds Difference
Work with structural engineering specialists who prioritize safety, compliance, and clear communication throughout your project.
Residential Specialists
We specialize in residential structural engineering and optimize each design for safety, practicality, and cost-effectiveness while protecting your home's structural integrity.
Certified & Insured
Licensed by the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) with a Certificate of Authorization. We are insured for up to $2,000,000 per occurrence for errors and omissions.
Clear & Responsive Communication
You work directly with a professional engineer who provides technical clarity and practical guidance to help avoid costly mistakes during construction.
THE PROCESS
Your Project in Five Easy Steps
Step One
Contact us to discuss your wall removal project and schedule an initial consultation.
Step Two
We assess your existing structure and identify the structural requirements of the walls involved.
Step Three
We prepare structural layouts based on your vision for a more open and functional floor plan.
Step Four
Our engineering team completes the beam sizing and structural modifications for your review and approval.
Step Five
We submit the building permit application and respond to technical comments or revision requests from the municipality as needed.
OUR WORK
Residential Structural Engineering Projects Across the GTA
StrongBuilds provides tailored structural engineering solutions for complex wall removal projects and structural modifications throughout Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Markham, Hamilton, Oakville, Etobicoke, and the surrounding areas.
TORONTO
Project Zaha
Interior remodel featuring vaulted ceilings, a full interior renovation, and complex load-bearing wall removals.
LESLIEVILLE
Project Alton
Complete main floor transformation involving load-bearing wall removal and expanded structural openings to create an open-concept layout.
ETOBICOKE
Project Laurelwood
Removal of multiple load-bearing walls to create a seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas.
OUR CLIENTS
Solutions for Every Project Stakeholder
Homeowners
Ensure your renovation is safe, code-compliant, and properly engineered to help protect your home and insurance coverage.
Designers & Architects
We provide P.Eng.-stamped drawings and structural calculations to support your permit and construction packages.
Contractors
Count on responsive engineering support and fast turnaround times to help keep your project on schedule.
TESTIMONIALS
Trusted by Homeowners & Professionals
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
Determining whether a wall is load-bearing depends on your home’s existing conditions and requires a thorough structural review. We undertake this assessment by looking at the visible site conditions, your home’s geometry, and drawing upon experience with similar homes.
Here are some general indicators and considerations:
- Definite Load-Bearing Sign: If you can see the floor joists spliced and overlapped above the top plates of a wall, that wall is 100% load-bearing.
- Other Load-Bearing Scenarios: Some walls may still be load-bearing even when the floor joists run parallel to them. This occurs, for example, if the wall supports an exterior wall, another load-bearing wall from an upper floor, or specific concentrated loads (point loads).
- Load-Sharing Walls: Many walls, especially in older houses, may be considered load-sharing. While not primary load-bearing, they may help with floor deflections and vibrations. The removal of a wall that appears non-load-bearing could still potentially lead to unwanted floor deflections or vibrations in a home.
Ultimately, a proper assessment requires diligent review of your structural load path to make an accurate determination.
Do I need an engineer to review my wall removal?
Absolutely. An engineer’s review and the necessary permits ensure your design is safe and compliant with building codes, which is typically required to maintain your insurance coverage.
Do I need a permit to remove my wall?
Yes. A permit from your local municipality is required for the removal of any wall, regardless of whether it is load-bearing or not. Additionally, a licensed professional must review the wall to determine if any structural reinforcements are necessary.
What is required to remove a load-bearing wall?
For most projects, removing a load-bearing wall necessitates installing a new structural beam. This beam must be supported by columns or existing structural walls. It is essential to evaluate the entire load path beneath these support points, extending to the home’s substructure. Depending on the specific circumstances of the home, we might also recommend solutions such as sistering existing joists or other alternative structural modifications.
GET STARTED
Start Your Project Today
Ready to begin your wall removal project? Contact StrongBuilds today to discuss your renovation goals and receive professional structural engineering guidance.
