Wall Removal Engineering
California-licensed structural engineers assess the existing load path, design beams and supports, and prepare permit-ready plans for safe kitchen and living-room wall removal.
By the Numbers
Monthly Active Projects
Projects Delivered
Permit Approval Rate
Professional Team Members
Trust & Collaboration
Opening a wall between a kitchen and living room can redirect loads into new beams, posts, and footings. We document that load path and coordinate the structural drawings for city plan check.
San Francisco permit coordination
For some Group R-3 projects, reconfiguring the only route to a rear yard can also affect EG-02 rescue access. The structural drawings and permit review should use the same floor plan.
See how EG-02 can change a remodel layoutBefore & After
See how removing load-bearing walls dramatically opens up space, improves flow, and maximizes natural light in your home.
Free Load-Bearing Wall Check
You can't tell if a wall is load-bearing by knocking on it — the framing that matters is hidden in your ceiling and foundation. A wrong assumption can turn a simple opening into a costly structural repair.
Sagging floors and cracked finishes
A load-bearing wall carries the floor or roof above it. Even a short unsupported span deflects over time — doors stick, drywall cracks, and the repair costs far more than the beam would have.
Red tags and retroactive permits
California cities require stamped structural plans before wall demolition. Unpermitted removal surfaces at inspection or resale, and legalizing it means opening the ceiling back up.
Overloaded footings under new point loads
A beam concentrates the wall's load onto two posts. If the footings below aren't checked and upgraded, they can settle or crack the slab.
A preliminary structural read
Likely load-bearing, likely non-load-bearing, or inconclusive — based on the visible conditions in your photos.
A clear verification checklist
Know what photos cannot show and what must be confirmed on site before any demolition.
The likely permit and engineering path
Understand whether beam design, structural plans, or city review may be required.
Three photos. One hour. A fast, free preliminary read from our design team.
Structural Engineering
A wall removal permit needs more than a floor plan. We verify the existing structure, calculate the replacement support, and coordinate stamped drawings for city review.
Our engineers review the framing above and support below — especially for walls between kitchens and living rooms — before any demolition scope is defined.
We calculate loads and size the appropriate beams and posts to safely support your home while opening up the space.
Get clear, accurate structural plans stamped by licensed engineers, ready for city submission and contractor use.
We handle the city review process, responding to structural comments and ensuring your wall removal permit is approved.
Our Process
Our process is designed to be transparent and efficient, delivering a complete one-stop service from design to final permit approval.
Share your project details and we'll assess your needs, timeline, and budget to prepare a clear proposal.
Precise measurements and site evaluation for accurate project planning.
Creating detailed plans and visualizations to bring your vision alive.
Navigating complex approval processes to ensure code-compliant construction.
Ongoing guidance and contractor coordination throughout the building process.
Completed Projects
Explore completed San Mateo, Oakland, and Walnut Creek kitchen and living-room projects showing how span, ceiling geometry, existing framing, and seismic demands led to different structural solutions.
A completed wall removal project opening a 1,760 SF San Mateo ranch home with a 16-foot kitchen-to-living-room span, using a concealed engineered wood beam to preserve a continuous flat ceiling.
A completed wall removal project replacing two connected bearing-wall segments in a 1,940 SF Oakland Craftsman with a 22-foot steel beam, opening the kitchen and dining rooms while preserving original built-ins and fireplace masonry.
A completed wall removal project replacing an 18-foot load-bearing and lateral-bracing wall in a 2,120 SF Walnut Creek ranch with a steel moment frame, preserving the vaulted cedar ceiling and opening views from the kitchen to the family room and garden.
Your home requires its own field verification, engineering calculations, and local permit review.
Browse all our projectsClient Testimonials
Cecilia Home designed our complete home renovation, explained everything clearly, and delivered detailed plans. Honest, professional, and fairly priced—our HOA now knows exactly how to proceed.
View Verified ReviewTrudy M.
Home Remodeling
Mason delivered exactly what I needed—professional, responsive, and great value. Clear communication throughout the process. I'll rely on him for all future remodeling projects.
View Verified ReviewJoanne D.
Home Remodeling
Mason responded instantly and offered honest guidance on whether my garage conversion would pass city review. Knowledgeable, direct, and trustworthy—I look forward to working with them again.
View Verified ReviewJasper T.
ADU Design
I appreciated their honesty. They explained that my foundation cracks were common in the Bay Area and didn't push unnecessary work. Professional, transparent advice I could trust.
View Verified ReviewArturo S.
Structural Engineering
As a general contractor, I value teams who are responsive and accurate. Cecilia Home delivered clear communication, timely plans, and over-the-counter approval. I highly recommend them.
View Verified ReviewKevin V.
Building Permit Services
Mason gave detailed structural guidance for removing our load-bearing wall, including safety considerations. Quick responses and practical advice that helped us comply with local regulations.
View Verified ReviewJackson B.
Wall Removal
Our Services
Comprehensive design and construction solutions for residential and commercial projects, delivered with expertise and attention to detail.
Custom Accessory Dwelling Unit designs that maximize your property value while maintaining aesthetic harmony.
Add extra space to your home with a new room or extension.
Transform your home with expert kitchen, bathroom, and living room remodeling.
Coordinate permit-path review, plan preparation, submissions, and correction responses with licensed design and engineering support.
Expert foundation inspection with detailed structural reports to ensure safety and long-term stability.
California SB 9 lot split and two-unit subdivision design for maximum property value.
Custom backyard pool and deck by licensed architects, structural engineers, and landscape designers.
Professional SB 721 balcony and deck inspections to ensure compliance with California safety requirements.
Licensed Engineering for Wall Removal
Too many California homeowners lose weeks or months on wall removal projects when engineering is incomplete or plans are not coordinated for City review. Unreviewed structural details can also create costly rework and real safety risks. Make sure a licensed Professional Engineer stands behind every structural decision.
Led by Lei Zheng, a California-licensed Professional Engineer since 2006, Cecilia Home identifies structural risks for wall removal projects, prepares permit-ready calculations and drawings, and coordinates City plan-check responses—helping avoid preventable corrections, rework, and delays.
Official DCA License Record
California Professional Engineer
Founder & CEO, Cecilia Home
Status verified July 17, 2026.
FAQ
Common questions about wall removal, structural engineering, and permits.
Haven't found what you're looking for?
Load-bearing walls support the weight of the floor, roof, or structure above. It's difficult to confirm visually. Our engineers review your framing layout, attic, crawl space, and existing plans (if available) to accurately determine whether a wall is structural.
Removing or altering a load-bearing wall generally requires a building permit and engineered structural plans. A permit may also be required for a non-load-bearing wall when electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or fire-safety work is affected. We confirm the likely path before drawings begin.
We assess existing framing, calculate loads, size the appropriate beam, design posts and footings if needed, and prepare a full structural plan set. Once approved, your contractor installs temporary supports, removes the wall, installs the new beam, and completes finish work.
Review time varies by city, current workload, and whether the first submittal is complete. We prepare the structural package, coordinate the permit application, and respond to plan-check comments; the city controls the final review timeline.
Yes. While we focus on design, engineering, and permitting, we can refer you to trusted licensed contractors who can perform the construction based on our approved plans.
Sometimes. When loads are transferred to new posts, the foundation below may require reinforcement. Our engineering plans include footing upgrades when necessary to ensure long-term structural integrity.
Yes. A structural engineer traces the existing load path, sizes the replacement beam, designs posts and footings when needed, and prepares the calculations and drawings used for permitting. A licensed contractor then performs the demolition and installation from the approved design.
The total cost depends on opening width, beam material, whether posts or footings are needed, utility relocation, finish work, permit fees, and construction labor. We quote the engineering, drawings, and permit-support scope separately so it is clear what Cecilia Home provides before contractor pricing begins.
