Load-bearing wall

DIY Fun Ideas
by DIY Fun Ideas
What kind of professional do I call to find out if a wall is load bearing? Architect? Engineer? General contractor?
  9 answers
  • Generally a General Contractor though an engineer also works & maybe needed depending on if you plan on removing it and there are some funky loads above to deal with
    • DIY Fun Ideas DIY Fun Ideas on Feb 26, 2015
      @SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC Thank you! Yes, I would like to remove it to open up the kitchen and create an "open concept" area. I would like to do the work myself to redo that area. Can a general contractor be hired to simply consult on the issue?
  • There are some out there that will do that especially if you are completely upfront about what you need. I used to do that all the time. Make sure they take a good look in the attic & you are there with them, pick there brains & best of luck. If it is a non-loadbearing wall here is a link to a piece I did on @Building Moxie site on taking out walls http://thehtrc.com/2014/guest-post-pro-tips-and-tricks-for-taking-out-a-wall
  • EL Hoard EL Hoard on Feb 26, 2015
    Archectural Engineer
  • Kathie Kitchen Kathie Kitchen on Feb 26, 2015
    General contractor
  • Hope Williams Hope Williams on Feb 27, 2015
    General contractors can do this job and cheaper than an archectural engineer. Call a well qualified one and generally they are happy to help for a consulting fee.
  • Kathy Kathy on Feb 27, 2015
    A contractor that remodels or builds additions will be able to tell you this.
  • Rosie Rosie on Feb 27, 2015
    Structural Engineer
  • Robert Heede Robert Heede on Feb 27, 2015
    To find out, just look at the direction of the joists the basement. Load bearing walls are perpedicular (sp). + not parallel =. To make modifications you need a structural engineer to calculate load and what is required. Best sure to get a GOOD contractor to do the work since this is a structural change.
  • Barb Burnham Barb Burnham on Feb 27, 2015
    If you have, and you should have, attic access, go into the attic. A load bearing wall is ALWAYS perpendicular (90 degrees) from the roof truss (wooden structure that hold up the roof itself). So if the bottom of the trusses run north/south any wall running E/W is most certainly a load bearing wall. If you want a professional a GC is knowledgeable and least ecpensive. Most carpenters also know, but not a certainty.
    • See 1 previous
    • Roseykitty Roseykitty on May 04, 2015
      @Barb Burnham Are you a carpenter? I'd LOVE to get in touch with you if you are. I studied carpentry at 43 and need to pick your brain for advice on how to get into the workforce. I am 45, now almost 46. ...Can't get experience for not having experience. :)