Removing or widening a wall can change the way roof, floor or upper-storey loads travel through an existing building. AHD’s role is to assess the available evidence and proposed opening, then develop structural information appropriate to the agreed scope rather than assuming a wall is non-load-bearing from its appearance. This service can be relevant to renovations, alterations and completed openings where the structural role of a wall needs to be understood. Across WA, including regional and remote sites, and Victoria, the question is approached from the actual building evidence, proposed change and available access rather than a standard beam assumption.
Understand the existing load path first
Plans, accessible framing, wall construction, spans, bearing locations, previous alterations and visible condition can inform an assessment. Where access and scope allow, observations and measurements help identify what the wall may support and what supports the replacement arrangement would rely on. In an older building, unavailable drawings or concealed construction can limit conclusions and may call for further investigation. The review can also consider roof or floor framing, upper-storey arrangement, openings, support locations and the condition of accessible materials. Changes, damage or incomplete as-built records may affect the confidence that can be placed in an initial conclusion. Missing evidence does not prove an arrangement is adequate; it may instead define a limitation or a need for further investigation.
The completed opening is not the whole task
The outcome may involve a beam, posts, local strengthening or another support strategy; no member size or arrangement should be selected without project evidence. Temporary stability during removal and installation is also a separate consideration. The builder or demolition contractor remains responsible for construction methods, propping, sequencing, exclusion controls and WHS duties; engineering documents do not replace that site planning. Safe Work Australia identifies structural alterations requiring temporary support to prevent collapse as high-risk construction work in relevant circumstances. WorkSafe WA also highlights the effect of sequence, adjacent buildings, loadings and clear temporary-bracing information. Those matters reinforce why a finished design cannot be treated as instructions for demolition or installation.
Approval context and coordinated information
Structural alterations can require a project-specific permit or other approvals in WA or Victoria. The relevant local government, building surveyor and permit documentation determine the pathway. Where the work raises questions about ground support, boundaries, set-out or drawing production, AHD can coordinate third-party geotechnical, surveying and drafting inputs. Those services are separately scoped and are not represented as in-house delivery. The approval context should be checked before work is committed. City of Perth guidance is an example of a local process that addresses structural soundness and demolition permits, while Karratha specifically publishes guidance for internal structural alterations. Victorian regulator guidance and the relevant building surveyor provide a separate pathway. These examples do not decide requirements at another property.
Discuss your project
Start with the information you have.
Send the project address, a short description of the work or concern, and any plans, photographs or authority correspondence. AHD can then discuss the appropriate next step for the agreed scope.
Send a project enquiry