Quick Answer
Do not price a load-bearing wall removal as demolition plus a beam. Start with engineering, then add temporary shoring, beam material, posts/footings or concentrated-load support, hoisting and the restoration of drywall, flooring, electrical and HVAC paths.
1. Engineering Comes Before Material Selection
The beam is sized from actual loads and span, not from a simple feet-of-wall rule. The engineer may also need to verify where new concentrated loads land.
Engineering Evaluation
Broad planning range for residential analysis; drawings and complex calculations can increase cost.
Permit / Review
Structural alterations commonly require permits and may need stamped documents.
2. Compare LVL and Steel by More Than Price
| Beam Type | Material Planning Range | Budget Effect |
|---|---|---|
| LVL / engineered wood | $25–$50/linear ft | Often easier to integrate with wood framing, but deep sections can affect ceiling height. |
| Steel I-beam | $60–$130/linear ft | Higher handling/fabrication cost; can carry high loads at a shallower depth. |
Plates, bolts, posts, hangers, fabrication, delivery and lifting are separate from the raw beam price.
3. Labor Is the Structural Sequence
- Open finishes and verify framing/utilities.
- Build temporary shoring as directed.
- Remove the wall in controlled stages.
- Install posts, bearings and beam.
- Transfer load and remove shoring.
- Complete fire blocking and trade rerouting.
4. Secondary Trades Often Decide the Final Cost
| Trade | Typical Effect |
|---|---|
| Drywall | Patch ceiling/walls, hide posts or beam, texture and repaint. |
| Flooring | Fill wall footprint, lace hardwood or level subfloor. |
| Electrical | Relocate switches, receptacles, lights or circuits. |
| HVAC | Move supply/return ducts crossing the wall or beam pocket. |
| Plumbing | Reroute water/drain/vent if the wall served as a chase. |
5. Example: 16-Foot Opening
Raw LVL at $25–$50/ft might only be $400–$800, but the project is far larger than the member itself.
| Line Item | Illustrative Allowance |
|---|---|
| Engineering | $1,000 |
| Beam / connectors | $1,200 |
| Shoring + framing labor | $3,500 |
| Post/support modifications | $1,500 |
| Electrical / HVAC rerouting | $1,500 |
| Drywall / paint / floor repair | $2,300 |
| Illustrative total | $11,000 |
6. Questions Before Opening the Wall
- Where do new post loads land?
- Can the beam be flush or must it drop?
- What utilities run through the wall?
- Who provides shoring design and inspections?
- Are permits and restoration included?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a structural engineer charge for a load-bearing wall review?
A broad planning range of roughly $500 to $1,800 can be useful for a limited residential evaluation, with stamped drawings, calculations, site conditions and complex openings potentially costing more.
Is steel always better than LVL for a long opening?
No. Steel can carry high loads at shallower depths, while LVL can be easier to cut, handle and connect with conventional framing. The engineer should select the member based on loads, span, depth limits and support conditions.
How much does LVL cost per linear foot?
A broad material planning range of about $25 to $50 per linear foot can be useful, depending on depth, ply count and local supply.
How much does a steel I-beam cost per linear foot?
A broad material planning range of about $60 to $130 per linear foot may be useful before fabrication, delivery, hoisting, connections and fire protection.
Why can wall removal affect the floor below?
A beam often transfers concentrated loads to posts. Those loads must continue to adequate support below, which can require posts, footings or structural reinforcement in lower levels.