The stakes on load bearing wall removal are higher than cosmetic renovation, which means vetting a contractor properly matters more here than almost anywhere else in home renovation. These 5 questions separate a properly engineered, permitted contractor from one cutting corners.
Question 1: Who Is Preparing the Structural Engineering Drawings?
Right answer: a licensed structural engineer reviews the specific wall and load, producing stamped drawings tied directly to your home. Wrong answer: "we've done this before, we don't need an engineer for a wall this size."
Question 2: Will You Be Pulling a Permit for This Work?
Right answer: yes, unconditionally, with the permit process explained clearly. Wrong answer: any suggestion the work can be done "under the radar" to save time or money.
Question 3: What Temporary Shoring Will You Use, and For How Long?
Right answer: a specific description of the shoring method, with confirmation it stays in place until the permanent beam is fully secured and inspected.
Question 4: What Beam and Post Sizing Is Specified, and Why?
Right answer: a beam size tied directly to the engineer's calculations for your specific span and load, not a generic, one-size-fits-all answer.
Question 5: What Happens If the Engineer Requires Additional Footing Support?
Right answer: a clear process for handling unexpected structural findings, including how that affects cost, discussed as part of the original quote conversation rather than sprung on you mid-project.
Red Flags That Should End the Conversation
- No engineer involved in the process at all
- Refusal to discuss permits or vague answers about "handling it later"
- Verbal-only quotes with nothing written or itemized
- Pressure to start before drawings or the permit are finalized
If a contractor won't slow down to answer these questions clearly, that's information too. A confident, properly engineered contractor is generally happy to walk you through their process in detail.
What BaseWorks Provides
- Structural engineering handled as a standard part of every project, not an optional add-on
- Full permit handling from application through final inspection
- Fixed-price quotes with the beam and shoring plan explained upfront, no surprises mid-project
See our full warranty terms for what's covered once the structural work is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not legally or safely. A general contractor can execute the physical construction, but the load calculation, beam sizing, and support requirements need to come from a licensed structural engineer. A contractor claiming they can skip this step for a "simple" wall is a clear red flag.
Ask for the engineer's name and licensing information directly, and don't hesitate to look them up independently. A contractor working with a legitimate, licensed engineer will have no issue providing this information, and stamped drawings themselves should carry the engineer's official stamp and licence number.
Yes. An unusually low price is often a sign that engineering, permits, or proper shoring aren't actually included in the scope, rather than a genuine deal. Getting a second quote helps you understand whether the low price reflects real savings or a missing piece of the process.
At minimum, WSIB coverage and general liability insurance, which protect you if a worker is injured or property is damaged during the project. A legitimate contractor can provide current proof of both on request, without delay.