Existing buildings · Defined
Load-bearing wall
A wall that carries structural loads in addition to its own weight, transferring them to supporting elements below.
Why it matters
Visual appearance alone may not establish its structural role. Alterations require appropriate investigation and design rather than assumptions based on a floor plan.
In practice
A project example
A renovation proposes removing a wall that supports floor framing above; structural review is needed before pricing demolition.
General educational guidance from KOW Building Consultants. Examples are illustrative, not project records. The applicable contract, standard, program, and jurisdiction control the requirements for a specific assignment.