An open living and kitchen area where a wall was replaced by a long laminated beam on posts, a carpenter checking it with a level

Load-bearing wall removal

Opening a wall that holds the house up, with a beam engineered to take its place.

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What this covers

Removing a wall that carries the floor or roof above means replacing it with a beam and posts that carry the same load to the foundation. The work starts with an engineer's design and a permit, then temporary shoring on both sides, removal of the wall, installation of the beam and posts, footings under the posts where needed, and finishing the opening so it looks intended.

When to call

  • A kitchen, dining and living area you want opened into one space.
  • A wall that interrupts a planned layout.
  • A remodel where the company has identified the wall as load-bearing.

What to expect

  1. Engineering and permitAn engineer sizes the beam, posts and footings. The permit is pulled.
  2. Shore and removeTemporary walls support the load on both sides. The wall is removed and utilities inside it rerouted by licensed trades.
  3. Beam and postsThe beam is set, posts carried down to the foundation, and the work inspected.
  4. FinishThe beam is boxed or left exposed, floors and ceilings patched, and paint matched.

Get a certified company

Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.

Find a certified company

Text 844-7-RESTORECall 844-7-RESTORE

Questions people ask

How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?

You cannot tell from looking. Walls that run perpendicular to the floor joists, sit over a beam or wall below, or are near the center of the house often are. The company and the engineer confirm it before any work.

Will there be a visible beam?

A flush beam can be hidden in the ceiling if the structure allows. Otherwise the beam is boxed below the ceiling or left exposed as a feature.

What is inside the wall?

Often electrical, plumbing or ducts. Rerouting them is part of the scope and is found during the assessment.

Related: Whole-home remodeling · Kitchen remodeling · Framing · All remodeling

This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.