Document joist direction, aligned walls, supports and foundations without unnecessary demolition.
Home system
Load-bearing walls, openings and load path
Decide what to verify before removing a wall, enlarging a door/window or adding a beam.
Checked: 2026-08-21
A wall can carry roof, floor, lateral loads or a separation even if it looks light.
Potentially load-bearing wall, enlarged opening, sagging or shoring required: competent engineer/designer before cutting.
Useful tools and measurements
- House plan / existing drawings
- Stud finder and non-destructive inspection
- Level/laser to document deformation
- Photos of aligned basement/attic areas
Having a tool does not make regulated work DIY.
What the professional checks
- Establish vertical and lateral load path
- Size beam/header, posts and bearing
- Design temporary shoring and check foundations
Sources and limits
Requirements vary with the building, jurisdiction, code edition and exact scope. This triage does not replace plans, calculations, permits, inspections or required professionals.
V15
Remaining system checks not to miss
V15 covers issues that can block a project, cause a loss or become expensive once concealed.
V17
Specialized systems to cross-check
V17 completes gas, soil, water, fire, climate and structural interfaces.
Hidden systems and critical interfaces
These checks target costly problems that often appear only after opening assemblies, conversions or changes of use.