The Concern
The client was considering a substantial residential remodel focused on opening up the floor plan in several areas of an older two-story home. The proposed work involved more than one isolated wall or structural element. It included possible changes around a fireplace and chimney area, walls near the main foyer and basement stairs, a stair relocation concept, and modifications within a large kitchen area in an addition.
Because these changes could affect floor framing, exterior wall support, roof loads, stair layout, and existing masonry or chimney elements, the client needed a structural engineer to evaluate feasibility before moving into detailed design or demolition.
Why StructSolve Was Contacted
StructSolve was contacted to assess the risk and feasibility of multiple proposed structural modifications. The goal was not to produce final construction drawings at this stage. Instead, the evaluation needed to clarify which remodel ideas appeared structurally practical, which areas would likely require support to remain, and what exploratory work would be needed before a more detailed design could be developed.
The project also involved an older residential structure with multiple finished levels and an addition, making it important to understand how proposed changes in one area could affect another part of the floor plan.
What StructSolve Observed
StructSolve separated the evaluation into four remodel areas.
The first area involved the possible removal of a large brick veneer structure around a fireplace and chimney location. The report noted that a basement-level CMU wall appeared to extend from the footer or slab level up toward the main floor and should remain in place. Above that area, the concealed support conditions were not fully visible. StructSolve indicated that options likely existed for opening the main floor area, but additional exposure of the wall and ceiling framing would be needed before a detailed supporting design could be completed.
The second area involved a wall near the basement stairs and the possibility of relocating those stairs. The report indicated that removal of the wall appeared feasible, though a drop beam could be required in a more conservative design scenario. The basement stair relocation also appeared possible, with several general layout options identified for future planning.
The third area involved a wall near the main foyer. StructSolve distinguished between a section that appeared practical to remove and a northern portion that carried more significant constraints. The report noted that the more constrained section appeared to support a larger load from upper-level exterior wall and roof framing, and that existing window locations created additional complications. StructSolve recommended limiting removal in that area where possible.
The fourth area involved proposed changes in the kitchen and nearby built-in features. StructSolve identified one key support challenge below a second-story exterior wall and roof plane. The report indicated that some type of floor-to-ceiling support would likely need to remain in that area, while many surrounding portions of the kitchen and adjacent areas appeared to offer more flexibility for opening the space.
Engineering Guidance
The evaluation clarified that most of the remodel vision appeared at least partially attainable, but not all areas carried the same level of complexity. Some proposed openings appeared feasible with ordinary structural support planning. Other areas required caution because concealed framing, upper-level loads, roof support, and existing layout constraints could affect the final design.
StructSolve recommended a tight design loop during exploratory demolition. That means opening selected areas of the structure, reviewing the exposed conditions, and then using that information to develop a more detailed engineering design. This approach was especially important where the report identified unknown support conditions or where proposed changes near the foyer could influence decisions in nearby remodel areas.
Deliverables
StructSolve provided a PE-stamped structural evaluation report. The report summarized existing observations, separated the remodel into distinct areas, described feasibility considerations for each area, and outlined recommended next steps.
The report also identified that the project could likely be separated into several design efforts depending on the final decisions for the foyer and related areas. Future work was expected to include a detailed CAD floor plan and additional design development after exploratory work.
Outcome
The report gave the client a clearer understanding of the structural opportunities and constraints before committing to major remodel decisions. It helped distinguish between areas that appeared feasible to open, areas where a beam or column may be needed, and areas where further investigation would be necessary before final engineering design.
The evaluation supported practical next-step planning by identifying where demolition, documentation, and structural design coordination should occur before construction decisions are finalized.
Project Photos
Selected project photos are reviewed before publication and shown only when they do not expose private identifying details.
