Load-Bearing Wall & Structural Opening Permit

What 828 Design can prepare

Depending on the project and applicable qualification, the permit-design scope can include:

• existing and proposed floor plans identifying the affected wall or opening
• building-structural layout and support concept within applicable BCIN scope
• beam/header, post and bearing information where within applicable scope
• sections and connection details needed for permit review
• identification of required investigation or independent professional input where applicable
• permit submission support and municipal response coordination where included

What has to be understood before sizing the opening

A wall cannot be treated as an isolated line on a floor plan.

• direction and span of floor/roof framing above
• loads from upper-storey walls, beams, roof or other supported construction
• where new posts or concentrated loads will land below
• existing foundation and support conditions where relevant
• whether the proposed opening affects stairs, exits, fire separations or services
• whether concealed conditions require site investigation before final design

Structural openings in exterior or interior walls

A new opening can affect more than the beam above it. Exterior openings may also involve wall bracing, weather protection, insulation and exterior finishes, while interior openings may change load paths through multiple floors. The permit drawings should reflect the actual existing structure as closely as reasonably possible.

Common structural-opening questions

How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?

Wall location alone is not enough. Framing direction, supports above and below, roof/floor structure and the original building layout may all need to be reviewed.

Can I remove the wall before the permit is approved?

No. Work requiring a permit should not start before the permit is issued, and temporary support during construction is a contractor responsibility that must be planned safely.

Can 828 Design size the beam?

828 Design can perform building-structural design within the applicable registered BCIN qualification and project scope. Where professional engineering is required, an appropriately licensed professional must take responsibility for that engineering content.

What if the house was renovated before and no drawings exist?

We may need measurements, photos, selective investigation or permit-record information. Concealed construction cannot be assumed simply because the finished surfaces look normal.

Will I need new posts or foundation support?

Possibly. A larger opening can create concentrated loads that need a continuous support path. The solution depends on the existing framing and what is below.

Can a contractor substitute a different beam after permit approval?

A material change to the approved structural design should be reviewed and authorized before it is built.

Construction responsibility after permit

The contractor is responsible for temporary shoring, means and methods, sequencing and safe construction. The permanent work must follow the approved permit documents, and unexpected concealed conditions should be brought back for design review before proceeding.

What to send for a quote

• property address and municipality
• photos of the wall/opening and rooms on both sides
• photos or information from the floor above and below where accessible
• existing plans, renovation drawings or permit records if available
• desired opening width and what you want the finished space to achieve
• whether demolition has already exposed any framing

Related residential permit services

Interior Alteration · Home Addition Permit Design · Building Structural Permit Drawings · Third-Party Permit Drawing Review

828 Design Inc. — BCIN building design & permit services. Content reviewed for current Ontario permit context: August 2026. Requirements are confirmed for the property, municipality and agreed project scope. Qualifications & responsibility →