What this work involves
Establish the wall's function. Old drawings help but do not replace assessment of the actual building. New supports, bearings and temporary support belong in one coordinated execution plan.
- Survey and structural assessment
- Engineer’s calculations and details
- Permit check for the proposed work
- Temporary support and sequence
- Installation, checking and finishing
Use the following design considerations when coordinating this service with a wider project. Agree which parts apply to your request.
Design structural function, connections and visible finishes together.
What the drawing needs to explain
Detail one connection with structural dimensions, visible finishes and adjoining materials. Have required protection measures and service space explicitly assessed.
Decide this before construction
Coordinate the visible detail before producing structural elements. Plan services and finishes early so unwanted boxing does not later surround a deliberately exposed connection.
Cost factors for this service
Span, load, bearings, access and reinstatement determine the work. The cost of a beam alone is not the cost of the complete alteration.
Bring this to the discussion
Existing drawings, photographs on both sides and the desired opening.
Questions about the work
How do I know whether a wall is load-bearing?
Thickness or a photograph alone is not reliable. A suitable professional should assess the drawings and the actual situation.
The design situations here illustrate choices; they are not completed projects or a diagnosis of your property.