What Happens If You Remove a Load-Bearing Wall Without Engineering Approval?

Removing a wall is one of the most common renovation changes homeowners plan, but it’s also one of the most dangerous if done incorrectly. If the wall is load-bearing and removed without proper engineering approval, the consequences can be serious.

Understanding the risks can help you avoid costly mistakes and long-term structural problems.

What Is a Load-Bearing Wall?

A load-bearing wall supports weight from above, such as the roof, upper floors, or structural beams. It transfers this load safely down to the foundations.

Not all walls are load-bearing, but assuming a wall is non-structural without professional assessment is a common and expensive error.

What Happens If a Load-Bearing Wall Is Removed Incorrectly?

Removing a load-bearing wall without a structural engineer can lead to:

• Ceiling or roof sagging

• Cracks forming in walls, ceilings, or floors

• Doors and windows no longer opening or closing correctly

• Excessive floor movement or bounce

• Long-term structural instability

In some cases, these issues may not appear immediately but develop months or years later.

Can You Be Forced to Fix Unapproved Structural Work?

Yes. Councils, certifiers, and insurers can require rectification if unapproved structural work is discovered. This often means:

• Retrofitting beams or columns after construction

• Removing completed finishes to expose structure

• Paying for additional engineering reports and inspections

• Delays to approvals or occupancy certificates

Rectification work is almost always more expensive than doing it correctly from the start.

Is Engineering Approval Always Required?

In NSW, any modification to a load-bearing wall typically requires a load bearing wall structural engineer to assess the wall and design appropriate support, such as steel or timber beams.

Even if council approval isn’t required for the renovation overall, private certifiers and builders still require certified structural documentation to proceed.

Why DIY or “Builder-Only” Decisions Are Risky

Builders are highly skilled at construction, but structural design is the responsibility of an engineer. Without engineering input, beam sizes, connections, and load paths may be incorrect, even if the wall removal appears straightforward.

Structural engineering ensures the load is redistributed safely and complies with Australian Standards.

Final Thoughts

Removing a load-bearing wall without engineering approval can compromise the safety, compliance, and value of your home. Engaging a load bearing wall structural engineer before work begins protects both your property and your investment.

If you’re planning to remove a wall and aren’t sure whether it’s load-bearing, Elevate Structural Engineering can assess your home and provide compliant structural designs to support your renovation.