Opening a load-bearing wall in an apartment: what are the steps?
That's the question we get asked most often. Here are the steps, in order: 1. The structural study. A design office calculates the beam that will take over the loads from the wall. Without this calculation note, no serious company should start. 2. The co-ownership agreement. In an apartment, a load-bearing wall is generally part of the common areas. Authorization from the general assembly is required before work begins. 3. Quotation and insurance. Ask for the company's ten-year insurance certificate. 4. The work. The company puts up the props, opens the wall, installs the beam, then removes the props. Do you have a project or a question? Ask it here, and we'll answer you.
For the study, we need the plans if you have them, photos, and then a site visit. The calculation note we provide is also used for the file presented to the trustee and the general assembly.
A little tip: think ahead from the start. After opening, you'll need to redo the plaster, floors, and often the electricity. If you're renovating the room at the same time, plan everything together; it's simpler and cheaper.