Creating Open Spaces Safely

That wall between your kitchen and living room doesn’t have to stay. Modern beam technology allows removal of load bearing walls while maintaining - even improving - structural integrity. But this isn’t weekend demolition work - it’s precision structural engineering.

We’ve removed hundreds of load bearing walls throughout Toronto homes. From Victorian row houses to suburban bungalows, every project requires specific engineering and careful execution. Done wrong, your house literally falls down. Done right, you get the open concept home you’ve always wanted.

Our load bearing wall removal services include:

• Complete structural assessment
• Professional engineering and drawings
• Beam sizing and specification
• Temporary support installation
• Safe wall removal
• Steel or engineered beam installation
• Post and footing requirements
• Finishing to hide structural elements
• Permit handling throughout

Every project is engineered for your specific loads, not generic solutions.

The Engineering Process

Every Beam is Calculated, Not Guessed

Load Calculation Engineers determine exactly what your wall supports:

• Dead loads (structure weight)
• Live loads (people, furniture)
• Snow loads from roof
• Point loads from posts above
• Lateral loads if applicable
• Safety factors required by code

Beam Selection Based on loads and span, we specify:

• Steel beams (W-sections, HSS)
• Engineered lumber (LVL, PSL)
• Built-up beams
• Flitch plates (steel + wood)
• Appropriate size for deflection limits
• Connection requirements

Support Design Beams need proper support:

• Post specifications
• Footing requirements in basement
• Bearing plate sizes
• Connection hardware
• Load path to foundation

Deflection Control Proper sizing prevents:

• Bouncy floors
• Cracked ceilings
• Door operation problems
• Visible sagging
• Future structural issues

Engineering ensures your open space works beautifully for decades.

The Removal Process

Week 1: Assessment and Permitting

• Structural engineer visit
• Load calculations completed
• Beam specifications determined
• Permit drawings prepared
• Permit application submitted
• Materials ordered

Days 2-3: Installation

• Day 1: Install temporary support walls, protect surfaces, begin wall removal
• Day 2: Complete removal, install beam and posts, secure connections
• Day 3: Pour new footings if required (basement), remove temporary supports
• Rough inspection scheduled

Week 2-3: Finishing

• Frame around beam if hidden
• Mechanical systems relocated
• Patch and finish surfaces
• Paint/texture to match
• Final inspection
• Complete cleanup

Most projects complete within 2-3 days of actual work, though permits and finishing extend the total timeline.

Hidden Considerations

What’s Inside Your Walls

Load bearing walls often contain:

• Electrical wiring
• Plumbing pipes
• HVAC ducts
• Gas lines
• Communication cables

Rerouting Requirements Everything must go somewhere:

• Electrical circuits relocated
• Plumbing rerouted above/below
• Ducts moved or resized
• Proper permits for all trades
• Coordination critical

Common Surprises

• Previous renovations
• Non-standard framing
• Hidden damage
• Undersized structure
• Asbestos (in older homes)

Our Approach

• Expect surprises
• Budget contingencies
• Coordinate all trades
• Handle discoveries properly
• Keep projects moving

Experience means fewer surprises become problems.

Costs and Value

Load Bearing Wall Removal Pricing

Basic Removal (10-12 feet):

• Engineering: $1,500-2,500
• Permits: $500-1,000
• Beam & materials: $1,000-3,000
• Labor (2-3 days): $2,000-3,500
• Total typical: $5,000-10,000

Complex Projects (20+ feet):

• Engineering: $2,500-4,000
• Permits: $1,000-1,500
• Steel beam: $3,000-8,000
• Installation (2-3 days): $3,000-5,000
• Total typical: $10,500-18,500

Additional Costs:

• New footings: $800-1,500 (one day)
• Mechanical rerouting: $500-2,000 per trade
• Finishing: $1,000-3,000
• Decorative treatments: Varies
• Structural surprises: 10-20% contingency

The actual structural work happens quickly - it’s the proper planning, permits, and finishing that ensure lasting results.

Whole Floor Transformations

Creating Loft-Like Spaces

Some projects remove multiple walls:

Planning Requirements:

• Comprehensive engineering
• Multiple beam installation
• Complex temporary support
• Coordinated finishing
• Significant permits

Structural Solutions:

• Moment frames
• Multiple beam systems
• Strategic post placement
• Reinforced connections
• Progressive installation

Living Considerations:

• Longer timeline
• More disruption
• Phased approach possible
• Temporary relocation maybe
• Dramatic results

Complete transformations require more planning but deliver spectacular results.

Why Professional Removal Matters

The Stakes are Your Home’s Structure

What Can Go Wrong:

• Immediate collapse (rare but possible)
• Progressive sagging over time
• Cracked walls throughout house
• Doors and windows not operating
• Expensive emergency repairs
• Insurance claim denial

Professional Advantages:

• Proper engineering prevents problems
• Insurance coverage for work
• Permit compliance assured
• Fast, efficient installation (2-3 days)
• Coordinated trade work
• Warranties on installation
• Peace of mind

Our efficient process means less time with temporary supports and open construction - reducing risk and disruption.