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Wall removed, opening cut or joists notched.

A structural engineer should size any repair, and a licensed contractor should do the permitted work.

Customers put it like this

  • contractor took out a wall
  • floor dropped after the remodel
  • joists were cut for the plumbing
  • can I remove this wall?
Prepare this job in ForeBotFind another guide

Stop first if

  • A cut joist rests on nothing, or a single header spans a wide opening.Do not add finishes or load. Keep people out from under it. Call a structural engineer.
  • Something is visibly moving or cracking.Leave the area and keep people clear. Call emergency services and a structural engineer.
  • Someone plans to open or shorten a braced or engineered wall.Stop. Hold the work until its designer or an engineer reviews it.
01

Ask on the call

5

Homeowner? These are the questions a good technician will ask you. Having the answers ready makes the first visit count.

  1. What was removed or cut, and when?
  2. Was there a permit or an engineer's drawing?
  3. Has anything sagged or cracked since?
  4. Is it near a bathroom, stair, chase or chimney?
  5. Are the joists solid lumber, I-joists or steel?
02

Bring

5
  • Flashlight
  • Tape measure
  • String line
  • Sketch paper
  • Phone for photos
03

Check on site

5
  1. From below, map every cut, notched, bored or interrupted joist.
  2. At each opening, measure header span and look at trimmers and hangers.
  3. Under baths, check joists under the tub and any drain cuts.
  4. Compare sag or bounce readings with the map.
  5. Find out whether a removed wall was part of bracing or an engineered line.
04

Keep on the record

4
  • Map of cuts and openings
  • Header spans and photos
  • Permit and drawing status
  • Sag readings beside the map

General guidance for a qualified person, not a finding about any home. The person on site decides.