Where does structural renovations fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Structural Renovations
Scoped room by room, with the rest of the home kept usable during the work.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For condo owners: Structural Renovations
Planned around the building rules, the board approval and the access schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Structural Renovations
Scheduled around the business, with the trades working in order and the site kept safe.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For rental properties: Structural Renovations
Planned for durability and a fast turnaround between tenants.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Structural Renovations
Built into the full new-build plan, with one lead from the first drawing to handover.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Structural Renovations
Beams, posts, openings and foundations changed safely, with the engineering and permits handled as part of the work.
What it is
A structural renovation changes the load path of a house: a wall comes out, a beam goes in, or a foundation is strengthened. It needs engineering, a plan for temporary support and inspections at the right stages.
We treat structural work as the first step of a renovation, so the design is built on what the structure can actually do.
How it works
- Survey the structureWe check the framing, foundation and the load path before any design.
- EngineeringAn engineer designs the beam, posts and connections for the change.
- Temporary support and buildThe structure is supported during the work, and the new members are installed.
- Inspect and close upInspections are booked and the work is closed in only after the approvals.
What we look at
Beams and posts
New load-carrying members for wider openings.
Foundations
Underpinning or repair where the foundation needs support.
Floor systems
Joists and subfloors reinforced where the floor needs to carry more.
Decision 1: Where structural renovation is used
Structural renovation changes the load path of the house: a wall comes out, a beam goes in, a foundation is strengthened, or a floor is reinforced. It is used with openings, additions and level changes.
| Change | Typical work | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Wider opening | Beam and posts | Load and bearing |
| Floor reinforcement | Joists, sistered members | Span and deflection |
| Foundation work | Underpinning, footings | Soil and support |
| Level change | Structure for a new floor | Load and access |
Our pick: Engineer every structural change. The load path decides what can move.
Decision 2: Load path and assessment
The load path is traced from the roof to the foundation before any change is designed. The existing structure is checked for capacity and condition.
| Element | Check |
|---|---|
| Roof and ceiling loads | Carried to the walls below |
| Walls and beams | Load-bearing and bearing points |
| Foundation | Capacity and condition |
Our pick: Trace the load first. A structural change designed on the wrong load path fails.
Decision 3: Engineering and design
An engineer designs the beams, posts, connections and any foundation work. The drawings are the basis for the permit and the build.
| Element | Engineer designs |
|---|---|
| Beam and posts | Size, material and bearing |
| Connections | Bolts, hangers and anchors |
| Foundation work | Footings and underpinning |
Our pick: Work from the engineer’s drawings, not from a rule of thumb.
Decision 4: Temporary support
The structure is supported while the change is made. Temporary posts and shoring hold the floors and the roof until the new member is in.
| Support | Holds |
|---|---|
| Temporary posts | Floor and ceiling loads |
| Shoring | Walls during removal |
| Monitoring | Movement checked during the work |
Our pick: Support first, every time. Removing a wall without support is the most dangerous step in the job.
Decision 5: Installation and connection
The new beam or member is installed to the drawings. The bearing, the connections and the fixings are checked before the support comes out.
| Step | Check |
|---|---|
| Beam placement | Level and on bearing |
| Connections | Fixed as drawn |
| Support removal | Only after the check |
Our pick: Check the bearing and the connections before the support comes out.
Decision 6: Permits and inspections
Structural work needs a permit and inspections at the stages the municipality requires. The engineer’s drawings are part of the permit.
| Stage | Inspection |
|---|---|
| Before the work | Permit issued on the drawings |
| Framing and bearing | Inspection before the cover |
| Final | Inspection on completion |
Our pick: Book the inspections before the walls close. It is the cheapest time to fix a problem.
Decision 7: Services and the other trades
The structural work is coordinated with the plumbing, electrical and HVAC, which may need to move around the new member.
| Trade | Coordination |
|---|---|
| Electrical | Circuits rerouted around the beam |
| Plumbing | Lines rerouted and vented |
| HVAC | Ducts planned around the new member |
Our pick: Plan the services around the beam before it is installed.
Decision 8: Finish and the repair
After the structural work, the finish is restored. The wall, the ceiling and the floor are made good to the existing house.
| Finish | Restored |
|---|---|
| Ceiling | Drywall and finish |
| Floor | Levelled and finished |
| Walls | Patched and painted |
Our pick: Restore the finish to the existing house. A patched finish shows the old structure.
Decision 9: Record and after-care
The structural change is recorded with the drawings, the permit, the inspections and the photos. The record stays with the house.
| Record | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Engineer’s drawings | The member as built |
| Inspection records | The approved structure |
| Photos | The structure before the finish |
Our pick: Keep the drawings and inspections with the house file.
Questions
Do I always need an engineer?
For any change to a load-bearing element, yes. We do not guess on structure.
What is temporary support?
Shoring and posts that hold the house while the structure is changed.
Will this need inspections?
Yes. The structural work is inspected at the stages the municipality requires.
Related: Main Floor Layout ChangesFoundation & Crack RepairAll renovations