Load-Bearing Wall Removal in Niagara Region
Removing a load-bearing wall can open up your home and create a more functional layout, but it must be assessed and designed properly to protect the structure above. ShearPath Engineering provides P.Eng-stamped structural design and permit-ready drawings for load-bearing wall removal projects across Niagara Region.
Whether you are planning an open-concept kitchen, a larger living area, or improved flow between rooms, we assess the existing framing, determine the required beam and support design, and prepare the structural details needed for construction and permit submission. We serve homeowners, contractors, and renovators in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland, Fort Erie, Thorold, and surrounding Niagara communities.
Load-Bearing Wall Removal Process
Our process begins with a detailed site visit to assess the existing structure and confirm whether the wall is load-bearing. During the assessment, we review the framing layout, joist direction, floor and roof load paths, beam spans, point loads, and foundation conditions to understand how loads are currently transferred through the home.
This structural assessment allows us to determine the role of the wall and identify the safest approach for its removal. We carefully review the existing construction so that any proposed wall removal, beam installation, or support modification is properly engineered and designed to meet Ontario Building Code requirements.
Site Visit & Structural Assessment
Structural Beam & Support Design
Once the existing conditions have been reviewed, we complete the structural design required to safely redistribute the loads previously carried by the wall. This may include the design of a new beam, supporting posts, connections, bearing points, and load transfer path down to the foundation.
Our beam and support designs consider span length, tributary loads, roof and floor framing, point loads, existing foundation capacity, and practical construction requirements. The goal is to provide a structural solution that is safe, code-compliant, and suitable for the renovation work being completed.
After the structural design is complete, we prepare detailed permit-ready structural drawings for your building permit application. These drawings clearly show the required beam size, post locations, bearing details, connection requirements, and structural notes needed for construction.
All drawings are professionally prepared and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario. These P.Eng-stamped drawings provide your municipality and contractor with clear structural guidance so the load-bearing wall removal can be completed safely, correctly, and in accordance with Ontario Building Code requirements.