When it comes to modern home designs, open plans are extremely popular. However, it’s not that easy to create more space in your house. You’re going to need a structural engineer before you knock down any walls. With the guide of a structural engineer, you can guarantee that your house is safe and sound, and you don’t need to worry about any structural problems in the future.
With all of these reasons, a structural engineer will meet all your structural needs. Another reason you should hire one is when you think a house has been modified in the past.
Here’s what you need to know when it comes to getting a structural engineer to remove your walls.
Identify the Wall
To know whether you need a structural engineer to remove a wall, you need to identify the type of wall. If it isn’t load-bearing, then you won’t have any problem. It’s safe to assume that all walls are load-bearing before you take action. In case the wall is load-bearing, you need a structural engineer who can provide you with a report.
If you can access the basement, choose which direction the floor joists are running along the basement ceiling.
Why do you need a structural engineer to remove a load-bearing wall? First off, a load-bearing wall that is removed must be replaced with a structural beam to support the floors above. Usually, these are steel beams, but they can also be timber or concrete. These reinforcements will need precise calculations regarding the necessary load, and this is where structural engineers come into the picture.
Acquire Necessary Building Permission and Regulations
If you live in a listed building, you don’t need any planning permission to remove interior walls. However, if you need to remove a load-bearing wall, you need building regulation approval from a qualified inspector.
Increase Resale Value
A structural engineer will provide you with the required calculations to efficiently and safely remove a load-bearing wall. If you don’t have the right calculations, you will have a hard time selling your house later on. Some potential buyers may also trust homes supervised by a structural engineer.
Gain Peace of Mind
A structural engineer has more specialized skills, and you can guarantee that they will deliver high-quality work. Structural engineers specialize in the strength and practicality of buildings. Therefore, you can ensure that any calculations or drawings that come from them are precise and professional.
Should I Hire a Structural Engineer?
When you don’t know whether you should hire a structural engineer, remember that the type of wall you’re planning to remove will determine whether you need to hire one or not. It’s essential you keep in mind that structural renovations on your home must always be done by a professional.
Conclusion
When you work with a structural engineer, you ensure that your property is structurally sound. You want a property that can withstand strong hurricanes, damaging earthquakes, and of course, the test of time. Fortunately, there are many firms today that provide excellent structural engineering services. All you need to do is research thoroughly to find the right one that will suit your needs.
With ASR Engineers, you don’t have to search further. We have residential structural engineers in Toronto offering first-rate engineering solutions and services. Contact us today.
