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Load-bearing wall removal engineer in Brisbane
Opening up a room? A load-bearing wall can usually come out, but only with an engineer’s design for the beam, posts and footings that replace it. Our Brisbane-based team designs it to be built, with a fixed quote before you commit.
From $700+ GST
15 business daysfrom acceptance
Brisbane-based teamRPEQ-certified designs
60+ residential projects completed in the last 12 months · Independent review by a second engineer · Every Form 15 signed by our RPEQ Director
Where to start
Not sure the wall is load-bearing?
Send us photos of the wall from both sides, the ceiling or roof space above it, and the floor or subfloor below it. We usually confirm what it carries from photos and plans.
Builder ready to go?
The wall shouldn’t come out until the beam, posts and footings are designed and certified. Your builder needs the drawings to prop and build it correctly.
How it works
A fixed quote first, then certified drawings and your Form 15 in 15 business days from acceptance.
1Send the details
Plans or a sketch of the change, plus photos of the wall, the ceiling above and the floor below.
2Fixed quote
A team leader scopes the job and sends a fixed-price proposal. Any extra is quoted before work starts.
3Beam, posts and footings
Sized to carry the load to the ground, with any bracing the wall provided made up elsewhere.
4Reviewed and signed off
A second engineer reviews the design. Our Director signs off, and you get certified drawings and a structural design certificate.
What helps us quote fast
Photos above and below the wall matter most.
- Site address and a short description of the work
- Plans of the house and the proposed change, even a scaled sketch
- Photos of the wall from both sides, the ceiling or roof space above, and the floor or subfloor below
- Existing plans of the house, if you have them
- Your builder’s or designer’s details, so we can work with them directly
No plans yet? Rough measurements, a sketch and a few photos are enough for a first quote.
What the engineer specifies
The beam (timber, engineered timber or steel), the posts at each end, new footings where the existing floor can’t take the load, and the connections to the existing framing. The drawings show what’s existing, what’s new, and anything to be confirmed once the linings are off.
Steel can span further or fit a shallower space, which matters if you want the beam hidden in the ceiling. Timber is lighter and easier to fit. We recommend the most practical option.
Older Queenslanders and post-war homes often carry loads in ways that aren’t obvious, and a new post may land on old stumps or bearers. Photos under the house help. Any strengthening is usually picked up early and priced in your proposal; if it’s only found once the linings come off, it’s quoted as a variation before work continues.
What it costs
Engineering for a load-bearing wall removal starts from $700 + GST, including your Form 15. Your builder’s costs (propping, removal, the beam, making good) and approval fees are separate. Larger alterations and extensions start from $1,500 + GST. More detail: residential structural engineering.
Why Ardent
True on every job.
Made to be built
Our engineers have site experience, so your builder gets clear, practical details and fewer questions.
Value-engineered
Beams and footings sized for your house, so you don’t pay for structure you don’t need.
Fixed quote, no hidden costs
Your proposal lists everything included, and any extra is quoted before work starts.
For builders
Fast turnaround and clear beam and lintel schedules from engineers who know site. Repeat customers get shorter turnaround times.
Common questions
Can I remove a load-bearing wall?
Usually, yes, with a properly designed beam, posts and footings. We confirm what the wall carries and design the support.
Do I need approval to remove a load-bearing wall?
You usually need certified engineering, and often building approval. Check with your certifier early. Approval time is up to your certifier or council, and can take 2–6 weeks.
Should I use a steel or timber beam?
It depends on the span, the load and the space available. Steel can span further or fit a shallower space; timber is lighter and easier to fit. We recommend the most practical option.
How much does it cost?
Engineering for a wall removal starts from $700 + GST, including your Form 15. Builder’s costs are separate.
Can my builder start before the design is done?
No. The wall shouldn’t come out until the beam, posts and footings are designed and certified.
Ready to open up the room?
Send us photos above and below the wall and a sketch of the change. We’ll come back with a fixed quote.
Our Services
Contact Us
Camp Hill, QLD
info@ardentengineers.com.au
1300 509 927
ABN: 12649163897
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