Are you looking to open up your floor plan? Removing a Load-Bearing Wall Removal with Beam Support can be one of the most extensive and valuable methods to accomplish this. When done right, it can flood your space with light, improve air flow, and enhance resale appeal.
If done incorrectly, it can compromise structural safety. To ensure safety, this guide walks you through how to remove a load-bearing wall safely, what kind of beam replaces it, the typical cost to remove a load-bearing wall, and why partnering with a qualified contractor like J&B Contracting matters.
What is a Load Bearing Wall?
A load-bearing wall supports and transfers the weight of your home, upper floors, roof, or both, down to the foundation. Unlike a simple partition, removing a load-bearing wall requires installing a structural beam to carry that load.
When it comes to replacing a load-bearing wall, removing the wall and installing a property-sized beam and support system, often with the sleek, open concept look that most homeowners want.
Signs That a Wall is Load-bearing
A professional will assess for the following.
- Direction of framing: In most homes, Walls running perpendicular to floor joists are more likely to be load-bearing.
- Location: Walls that are stacked over one another on different floors or walls near the center of the home typically carry the load.
- Attic or basement signs: In the attic, rafters or trusses bearing on the wall; In the basement, beams or posts lining up beneath it.
If you are unsure, it is best to assume it’s structural until a qualified contractor like J&B Contracting or a structural engineer confirms otherwise.
The Process: Removing a Load-Bearing Wall Removal with Beam Support
Here is a professional step-by-step approach we follow to remove a load-bearing wall safely and efficiently.
- Site visit and assessment
A professional confirms if the wall is load-bearing, inspects framing, measures spans, and identifies wiring, plumbing, and HVAC inside the wall.
- Engineering & Beam Sizing:
S structura design determines the correct beam size and material, post locations, and bearing requirements based on span, loads, and local codes.
- Peermit and Scheduling
We take care of permits and inspections to ensure the project meets local building codes from start to finish.
- Utility Safe Out
Electrical outlets are made safe; plumbing/HVAC routes are planned.
- Temporary Shoring
Before demolishing, we build temporary support walls called shoring on both sides to carry the load while the original wall is removed.
- Demolition of the Wall
We carefully open the wall, remove studs and plates, and prepare bearing points for new posts and beam seats.
- Beam & Post Installation
The new beam is carefully set in place, either as a flush beam or a dropped beam. Structural posts transfer loads down to appropriate footings or foundation members.
- Inspection
A framing inspection confirms everything is up to code and built per the engineer’s designs.
- Close up & Finish
Electrical, plumbing reconnections, drywall patching, trim paint, and flooring transactions complete the open look,
Beam Options When Replacing a Load-Bearing Wall
When you want to remove a load-bearing wall with a beam, choosing the right material depends on span, loads, and aesthetics.
- LVL (Laminate veneer lumber)
Strong, predictable, and common for residential spans. Ideal when you want a flush mount beam hidden inside a ceiling.
- Steel I-Beam
Extremely strong for longer spans or heavy loads. A slim profile can preserve ceiling height and allow wider openings.
- Flitch Beam(Steel + Wood Sandwich)
A blend of steel plate with LVLs for strength and easier fastening of finishes.
- Glulam
Engineered wood with attractive grain, ideal if the beam remains exposed as a designed feature.
Permit Requirement: Do You Need One?
In most jurisdictions, yes, you will need a building permit to remove a load-bearing wall. Here is what a permit ensures.
- The beam is properly sized by engineering.
- Fire, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC codes are met.
- Inspections verify that the work was done safely.
J&B Contracting can manage the entire permitting process so you don’t have to.
Factors that Affect the Cost to Load-Bearing Wall Removal with Beam Support
Every home is different, so the cost to remove a load-bearing wall with a beam varies. Here is what key cost drivers include.
- Span land and loads: Wider opening and heavier loads requires larger and more expensive beams.
- Beam type: LVL is typically the most budget-friendly; steel can handle longer spans.
- Flush vs dropped beams: Flush beams require more carpentry, joist hangers, and sometimes redesign of adjacent framing.
- Utilities in the wall: Rerouting electrical, plumbing, gas lines, and HVAC adds labour and material.
- Finishes: Drywall, paint, trim, and flooring patches influence the final cost.
- Access and Staging: Second-story structures, tight spaces, or limited access can increase labour.
- Engineering and permits: Required professional services and city fees are part of the total.
Homeowners often see projects fall into a mid-four-figure to five-figure range, depending on the items above. For a precise number, J&B Contracting provides a written estimate after inspection and engineering review.
Timeline: How long Does It Take?
- Assessment & Engineering: 1-2 weeks, depending on scheduling and plans approvals.
- Permitting: varies by jurisdiction.
- On-site construction: Many projects complete core framing work in 1-3 days, with finish work following shortly after.
We can provide you with a realistic schedule once we have seen your site and checked permit lead times.
Why Homeowners Choose J&B Contracting?
- Structural Expertise: We coordinate engineering, permits, and inspection so your project is safe and code-compliant.
- Span Solutions: From LVL to steel I beams, we design the right support for your opening and budget.
- Minimal disruption: clean worksites, efficient scheduling, and respectful crews.
- Design forward finish: we deliver smooth ceilings, crisp lines, and finishes that look original to your home.
- Transparent Pricing: Detailed, written quotes with clear scopes.
Ready to open up your space? Contact J&B Contracting for a free consultation and estimate on load-bearing wall removal with beam support.
FAQs – Load Bearing Wall Removal
Can I remove a load-bearing wall myself?
It is not recommended. Structural work requires engineering, temporary shoring, proper beam sizing, permits, and inspections. DIY mistakes can cause sagging, cracks, or serious structural damage.
How much does it cost to remove a laid bearing wall with a beam?
Cost can vary based on span, beam type, flush vs dropped installation, utilities in the wall, and finishes.
Do i need a permit to remove a load-bearing wall?
In most areas, yes, you may need a building permit and at least one inspection. We handle permits and coordinate with your local building department to keep the project compliant.
What kind of beam is used to replace a load-bearing wall?
Common choices include LVL, steel I beams, flitch beams, and glulam.
How do I know if my wall is load-bearing?
Clues can include perpendicular orientation to floor joists, location near the center of the home, and alignment with beams or posts below.
Who should I hire for load-bearing wall removal?
Choose a licensed contractor like J&B Contracting with structural experience who can provide engineering and beam sizing, obtain permits, and finish the project to look seamless.
Contact J&B Contracting
Open your floor plan with confidence by booking a consultation with J&B Contraacting to evaluate your wall, choose the right beam, and receive a clear, written estimate.
- Free off-site assessment.
- Permit and engineering handled.
- Clean, code-compliant work.
- Beautiful fish that look original to your home.
Let’s make your home feel bigger, brighter, and better – starting now.
