Load-Bearing Wall Evaluations in St. Louis
Before your contractor removes that wall, get a licensed structural engineer's evaluation. StructSolve performs load path analysis, sizes the beam, and delivers PE-stamped drawings for your St. Louis building department permit, so the job is done right and approved.
When St. Louis Homeowners and Contractors Call Us
Load-bearing wall removal is one of the most common residential remodel projects, and one of the most structurally consequential. The right beam size, post placement, and connection details matter. A structural engineering evaluation before work begins prevents costly mistakes, failed inspections, and structural damage.
Don't guess on load-bearing walls
A contractor's visual assessment is not a substitute for structural analysis. StructSolve provides the engineering that protects your home, your permit, and your contractor's liability.
We respond within one business hour.
Common Indicators. But Only a Structural Engineer Can Confirm
These are common field indicators that a wall may be load-bearing. They are not a definitive test. Only a structural engineer performing a load path analysis can confirm with certainty.
- The wall runs perpendicular to the floor joists above it
- The wall is in the center of the home or directly above a beam or post in the basement
- You can see a double top plate, two stacked horizontal boards at the top of the wall
- There is a wall, post, or column directly below it in the basement or crawlspace
- The wall continues from floor to floor in a multi-story home
- Removing it causes creaking, sagging, or visible deflection above
From Site Visit to PE-Stamped Drawings
StructSolve handles the full structural engineering scope, analysis, beam sizing, and permit-ready documentation, so your contractor has exactly what they need to do the work safely and get the permit approved.
- On-site structural evaluation of the wall and surrounding framing
- Load path analysis, what the wall is carrying and where loads transfer
- Beam sizing for the replacement header or flush beam
- Post and column specifications at each bearing point
- Foundation load check at bearing points
- PE-stamped drawings formatted for St. Louis area building department permit submissions
Frequently Asked Questions. Load-Bearing Walls in St. Louis
How do I know if my wall is load-bearing?
You cannot reliably determine this with a visual check alone. Key indicators include walls running perpendicular to joists, walls with double top plates, or walls above beams in the basement. But definitive determination requires a structural engineer to evaluate the framing and load path. StructSolve makes this determination as part of every load-bearing wall evaluation.
Do I need a permit to remove a load-bearing wall in St. Louis?
Yes. Most St. Louis area jurisdictions require a building permit for load-bearing wall removal, and permit offices typically require PE-stamped structural drawings to issue the permit. StructSolve delivers drawings designed to satisfy your local building department.
What happens if I remove a load-bearing wall without engineering?
Without proper structural analysis and beam sizing, removing a load-bearing wall can cause sagging floors, roof deflection, cracked drywall, sticking doors and windows, and long-term structural damage. It can also create a permit and resale problem if the work was unpermitted.
Can StructSolve work directly with my contractor?
Yes. StructSolve coordinates directly with contractors on load-bearing wall projects across St. Louis. We can discuss scope, answer framing questions, and provide construction-phase support as needed.
How long does it take to get PE-stamped drawings for a wall removal?
Most load-bearing wall engineering engagements are completed within 1–2 weeks from site visit to PE-stamped drawings. For time-sensitive projects, contact us to discuss your timeline.
What information do you need to get started?
Photos of the wall from both sides, photos of the floor and ceiling above, and photos of the basement or crawlspace directly below are a great starting point. Existing floor plans help but are not always required. We will confirm what is needed after reviewing your request.
StructSolve Engineering. O'Fallon, MO
2528 State Hwy K, Suite 204-21, O'Fallon, MO 63368
Ready to Move Forward on Your St. Louis Remodel?
Get the structural engineering your contractor needs, load path analysis, beam sizing, and PE-stamped permit drawings for load-bearing wall removal in St. Louis.
Request a Wall Evaluation