Quote Template:
Structural Engineering Proposal for Load-Bearing Wall Removal
ESTIMAKER
PROPOSITION
0001
## Structural Engineering Proposal **Prepared for:** [client name] **Project address:** [project address] **Date:** [date] ## Project Overview You are planning to remove or modify a load-bearing wall to create a more open living area. This proposal covers the structural engineering required to confirm the existing conditions, design the supporting framing, and provide permit-ready documentation. ## Scope of Services - Perform a site visit to observe accessible framing, bearing conditions, and the proposed opening location. - Review available architectural plans, photographs, and relevant building information provided by you. - Assess load paths and identify the required beam, posts, connections, and supporting conditions. - Prepare structural calculations in accordance with applicable local building code requirements. - Issue sealed structural drawings showing the proposed framing and installation details for permit submission. - Respond to one consolidated round of plan review comments from the authority having jurisdiction. ## Deliverables You will receive a PDF structural drawing package and supporting calculations. The drawings will identify the required member sizes, connection details, post locations, and construction notes needed by your contractor and permit reviewer. ## Client Responsibilities Please provide access to the project area at the scheduled site visit. You will also provide available plans, photos, and information about planned finishes, mechanical work, or other changes that may affect the structure. This scope is based on visible and accessible conditions. Concealed damage, undocumented alterations, foundation upgrades, and work outside the proposed opening are excluded unless identified during the assessment. ## Schedule The site visit will be scheduled after acceptance. Structural drawings are typically issued within [number] business days after the site visit and receipt of the required project information. ## Acceptance Acceptance authorizes commencement of the services described above. Changes to the project scope, site conditions, or permit requirements may require a written revision to this proposal. **Accepted by:** [client name] **Acceptance date:** [date]
Structural Engineering Proposal Template: Load-Bearing Wall Removal
This structural engineering proposal template for load-bearing wall removal is designed for licensed structural engineers preparing a clear scope and fee proposal for residential or light-commercial alteration projects. It helps define the engineering work required before a contractor removes an interior or exterior load-bearing wall.
Use this template to price site investigation, structural analysis, beam and column design, connection details, sealed drawings, and permit support. It gives homeowners, architects, contractors, and building owners a clear understanding of what is included—and what must be handled separately by the contractor or permit applicant.
Why use this proposal template
- Define the structural scope clearly. Specify whether the work covers one opening, a full wall removal, new posts, a flush beam, or a dropped beam below existing framing.
- Protect your fee and schedule. State the number of site visits, design revisions, drawing sheets, and review cycles included in the proposed fee.
- Avoid construction assumptions. Document assumptions about existing joist direction, foundation capacity, concealed conditions, point loads, and available as-built information.
- Support permit approval. Include deliverables such as signed and sealed calculations, framing plans, structural notes, beam schedules, and connection details required by the authority having jurisdiction.
- Set limits on contractor coordination. Clarify that field verification, temporary shoring, means and methods, demolition sequencing, and trade pricing remain the contractor’s responsibility unless specifically added.
What the template includes
- Client and project information: Owner name, property address, project description, existing building type, and intended renovation area.
- Scope of structural services: Site observation, review of available plans, existing-condition assessment, gravity-load analysis, lateral-load considerations where applicable, and design of replacement framing.
- Design assumptions: Framing spans, assumed material grades, bearing conditions, roof or floor loads, snow load criteria, and limitations caused by inaccessible areas.
- Deliverables: Structural drawings, demolition notes, proposed framing plan, beam and header schedule, post layout, footing requirements, connection details, and signed engineering calculations.
- Fee schedule: Lump-sum design fee, hourly rates for additional services, reimbursable expenses, and separate pricing for expedited reviews or additional site visits.
- Exclusions: Architectural plans, MEP relocation, asbestos or hazardous-material surveys, geotechnical investigation, permit fees, contractor means and methods, and special inspections unless listed.
- Schedule and payment terms: Expected turnaround after receiving complete information, client review milestones, deposit requirements, and payment due dates.
- Authorization: Acceptance signature, date, and confirmation that additional work requires written authorization.
How much to charge for a load-bearing wall removal proposal
Structural engineering fees vary with span length, number of stories supported, access for inspection, local permit requirements, and whether new footings or foundation work are needed. Use these figures as market-based starting points to adjust for your region and project risk.
- Initial site visit and feasibility review: $350 to $850 per visit, or included in a fixed-fee proposal.
- Single-story interior load-bearing wall removal: $1,200 to $2,500 as a lump sum for investigation, calculations, and sealed structural drawings.
- Two-story or roof-and-floor support redesign: $2,500 to $4,500, particularly when point loads require new posts, pads, or foundation verification.
- Complex steel beam or flush-framing design: $3,500 to $6,500 for larger openings, concealed connections, multiple load paths, or detailed coordination.
- Additional engineering or revision work: $180 to $325 per hour for changes after the approved design, contractor RFIs, or unexpected field conditions.
- Construction-phase site observation: $450 to $950 per visit, depending on travel, documentation, and required response time.
A fixed fee works well when the existing framing is visible and the opening location is defined. Use hourly billing or a contingency allowance when walls are concealed, records are unavailable, or foundation capacity may need further investigation.
Who this template is for
- Licensed structural engineers preparing proposals for residential renovations.
- Engineering firms designing headers, LVL beams, steel beams, columns, and footings for wall removals.
- Engineers working with architects on open-plan remodels, kitchen expansions, and interior reconfigurations.
- Professionals supporting general contractors who need sealed drawings for a building permit.
- Engineers reviewing load paths for townhouse, condominium, retail, or small office alterations.
- Homeowners or design-build firms requesting a defined engineering scope before demolition begins.
Frequently asked questions
Should the proposal include permit submission services?
It can, but it should be stated as a separate service or clearly included deliverable. Many engineers provide signed and sealed drawings while the owner, architect, or contractor submits the permit application and responds to non-structural comments.
What if the wall is not load-bearing after the site visit?
The proposal should explain how this situation is handled. You may charge a site assessment fee only, or apply that fee toward the full design scope if structural work is still required elsewhere in the renovation.
Do I need to design temporary shoring for wall removal?
Temporary shoring and demolition sequencing are typically the contractor’s means and methods. If you are asked to provide a temporary support concept or engineered shoring details, list it as an additional service with a separate fee.
What happens if hidden conditions are found during construction?
Concealed beams, irregular framing, deteriorated members, or inadequate bearing may require revised calculations and drawings. State that field changes, additional site visits, and redesign caused by unforeseen conditions are billed at the stated hourly rate or under a written change order.