Removing a load-bearing wall is a structural alteration—not just an interior renovation. It directly affects how loads from the floor above, the roof, or both are transferred through the building. If that load path is not properly designed, the result can include excessive deflection, cracking, inspection issues, or long-term structural problems.
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In Ontario, this type of work is commonly reviewed as a structural alteration under the Building Code.
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Parsways Inc. provides structural engineering services for load-bearing wall removal across Ontario. We support homeowners, architects, and builders by confirming whether a wall is structural, designing the required beam and supports, and preparing permit-ready structural drawings when required.
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Whether the goal is an open-concept layout, a wider opening, or full wall removal, our focus is a clear, buildable, and code-compliant structural solution.
Confirm If Your Wall Is Load-Bearing
What Homeowners Commonly Get Wrong About Wall Removal
• assuming a contractor can approve structural changes
• relying on online diagrams or general “rules of thumb”
• overlooking load paths below the wall being removed
• starting demolition before permit requirements are confirmed
These assumptions often lead to redesign, inspection delays, or corrective work. Our role is to replace guesswork with a defined structural plan before construction begins.
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For a technical breakdown of common wall removal risks and structural considerations, see our detailed guide on load-bearing wall removal.
Understanding Load-Bearing Wall Removal
A load-bearing wall transfers structural loads from above to supports below. When that wall is removed or altered, those loads must be safely redirected.
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In most residential projects, this is achieved using a properly designed beam, sometimes supported by posts, with a continuous load path down to foundations or other supporting elements.
A practical example of this can be seen in our Sunroom Structural Expansion project in Burlington, where new beams and supports were integrated into an existing residential structure while maintaining proper load transfer.
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This work requires more than visual judgment. Structural design must account for span, applied loads, framing direction, support conditions, and how the structure behaves as a system.
Confirming Whether a Wall Is Load-Bearing
Many homeowners try to determine whether a wall is load-bearing using surface indicators or online guidance. In practice, homes often deviate from standard assumptions. Framing directions can change, renovations may have altered supports, and finished basements frequently conceal critical structural information.
• review of available drawings, if any
• photos and measurements of the wall and surrounding framing
• framing direction and support locations
• opening size and proposed changes
• evaluation of load transfer to lower levels
If critical information is concealed or inconsistent, we identify that early and recommend the most practical next step before assumptions are built into the design.
This approach is illustrated in our Interior Structural Modification project in Scarborough, where an interior wall removal was reviewed, redesigned, and coordinated to maintain a clear load path and avoid rework during construction.
Structural Engineering and Permit Requirements in Ontario
A common concern is whether a permit is required to remove a wall. In Ontario, permit requirements depend on scope, but structural alterations commonly trigger municipal review.
When a load-bearing wall is involved, building departments typically expect engineered drawings that clearly show:
• what is being removed
• what structural elements replace it
• how loads are transferred through the new system
For permit-driven projects, our drawings are prepared to align with typical wall removal permit review expectations. The intent is to provide clarity for reviewers and reduce delays caused by missing or unclear structural information.
In most municipalities, verbal confirmation is not sufficient—clear engineered documentation is expected.
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Proceeding without a permit when one is required can result in stop-work orders and costly corrections. Confirming requirements early is usually the fastest and least disruptive path.
Permit-driven projects typically require stamped structural drawings.
Our Scope for Load-Bearing Wall Removal Projects
Our role is limited to structural engineering. We design the structural system and prepare drawings that contractors can build from. We do not perform demolition or construction.
This separation helps ensure clear responsibility between design and execution.
• reviewing the existing structural layout
• designing the required beam and any supporting posts
• confirming load paths to supporting elements below
• preparing stamped structural drawings for permit submission, when required
• providing technical clarification during coordination, within our scope
Structural Drawings and Deliverables
Deliverables vary by project, but commonly include:
• stamped structural drawings for wall removal or new openings
• beam and post sizes, locations, and structural notes
• details required to support framing and connections
• clearly stated assumptions and limitations
Our drawings are prepared with constructability in mind, so site teams are not left interpreting intent during framing.
Typical Project Timeline
Timeline depends on project complexity and available information. Some projects can move quickly once conditions are clear. Others require additional review due to hidden framing or previous alterations.
In many residential projects, the structural design and drawing phase ranges from a few business days to over a week, depending on:
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opening size and complexity
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access to framing information
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whether a site review is required
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municipal submission requirements
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We confirm timelines once scope and inputs are defined.
Information Needed to Get Started
To move efficiently, we typically ask for:
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project address (city matters for permit context)
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a brief description of the planned wall removal or opening
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photos of the wall and adjacent spaces
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basement photos where possible, especially below the wall line
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any existing drawings, if available
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If drawings are not available, that is common. Clear photos and a defined scope are often sufficient to begin.
Situations Where Engineering May Not Be Required
Not all interior walls are structural. Some are non-load-bearing partitions that do not support building loads.
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A structural engineer may not be required when:
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the wall is confirmed to be non-load-bearing
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no framing or load path changes are involved
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the work is cosmetic only
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The risk is misclassification. A wall that appears non-structural may still carry load depending on framing direction or prior renovations. When uncertainty exists, confirmation is typically far less costly than correction.
Common Issues We Help Prevent
Wall removal projects frequently encounter avoidable problems, including:
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incorrect identification of a load-bearing wall
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incomplete or unclear structural drawings for permit review
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beam or post decisions made without full load context
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rework during framing due to missing structural information
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Our role is to replace assumptions with a clear, engineered structural plan.
Planning an Interior Wall Removal?
If your project involves load-bearing wall removal in Ontario, Parsways Inc. can help confirm the structure, design the appropriate beam and supports, and prepare permit-ready stamped structural drawings when required.
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Share your project location, photos, and a brief description of the work. We’ll outline the structural requirements and next steps with clarity.