Load-Bearing Wall Removal Engineering Letter
A sealed engineering letter for removing or opening up a load-bearing wall: the beam size, the posts and footings that carry it, and the connection details your building department asks for. Fixed fee of $1,000, delivered in 3 business days.
fixed fee for the sealed engineering letter, delivered in 3 business days. Rush and hard-deadline charges apply only if you choose them.
Drawings your jurisdiction will ask for
- ✓ Review of the existing wall, the framing above it and the load path, from your photos, measurements and any plans you have
- ✓ Beam or header size for the new opening, with the calculation behind it
- ✓ Post, column and footing requirements where the load comes down
- ✓ Bearing and connection details, with notes on supporting the structure during the work
- ✓ A clear description of what the builder must install, so the builder and the inspector read the same detail
- ✓ Signed and sealed letter and calculation sheet for your permit submittal
Frequently asked questions about Bearing Wall Removal Letter
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
If it runs perpendicular to the joists above, sits under a beam or another wall on the floor above, or holds up the roof, treat it as load-bearing until an engineer confirms otherwise. Appearance alone is never a reliable guide.
Is a letter enough, or do I need full drawings?
Many jurisdictions accept a sealed letter with a calculation for a single wall removal. Others also require a drawn plan and detail. We confirm what your building department wants before work begins, and if a drawing set is needed we tell you and quote it separately.
How much does it cost and how fast is it?
A fixed $1,000 for the engineering letter, delivered in 3 business days. A rush turnaround of 48 hours where the scope allows is plus 30 per cent, and a fixed hard deadline is plus 50 per cent, the same as the rest of our work. Those are the only additions, and only if you choose them.
What do you need from me to start?
Photos of the wall and of the rooms above and below it, rough measurements, and any existing plans you have. If you are not sure what to send, ask and we will tell you.
Not sure what your jurisdiction requires?