Structure & open-plan living2 min read
A Door Sticks in Summer. Should You Plane It?
A sticking door can reflect humidity, hinge movement, or a changing opening. Check the pattern before removing wood and creating a winter gap.
Read the guideThe Workshop / 34 useful reads
Structure & open-plan living.
Plan wall removals, floor changes, and additions with a clear picture of the supports, services, and rooms around them.
A useful place to start
01
Opening a room? Follow the complete wall-removal process.
Removing a Load-Bearing Wall in Richmond Hill: Permit and Process
02Follow the new loads all the way to the foundations.
Why Removing a Wall Upstairs Can Mean Work in the Basement
03Bring the right questions to the design conversation.
When Does an Ontario Renovation Need a Structural Engineer?
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1–12 of 34Structure & open-plan living2 min read
An Attic Ladder May Need More Than a Bigger Hatch
Before buying a pull-down attic ladder, check its rough opening against the roof structure. Cutting trusses is a design question, not a trim adjustment.
Read the guideStructure & open-plan living3 min read
Blocking or Sistering Joists: What Problem Are You Fixing?
Blocking and sistering are not interchangeable floor repairs. Identify vibration, damaged members, and load requirements before accepting a generic reinforcement plan.
Read the guideStructure & open-plan living3 min read
Can a Wall Parallel to the Joists Still Carry a Load?
Joist direction is a clue, not permission to remove a wall. Trace the roof, floors, concentrated loads, and previous alterations before planning demolition.
Read the guideStructure & open-plan living2 min read
Can You Use a Trussed Attic for Storage?
A boarded attic is not proof of storage capacity. Check the truss design, access, insulation, and intended load before filling it with boxes.
Read the guideStructure & open-plan living2 min read
Can Your Floor Support a Large Aquarium?
A large aquarium needs a suitable stand and a checked floor. Include water, equipment, cabinet, footprint, and the real support path before filling it.
Read the guideStructure & open-plan living2 min read
Fix the Squeak Before the New Floor Covers It
New flooring may leave an old squeak untouched. Locate the rubbing or movement while the subfloor is exposed and agree on the repair before installation.
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Structure & open-plan living3 min read
Your Floor Can Be Flat Without Being Level
Before approving floor levelling, distinguish overall slope from local dips. Check the tile requirements, structural condition, added weight, and doorway transitions.
Read the guideStructure & open-plan living2 min read
A Pipe Needs Space: Can the Floor Joist Be Notched?
Plumbing and floor structure need a coordinated route. Identify the joist type and obtain the right detail before cutting, especially with engineered I-joists.
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Structure & open-plan living3 min read
Can You Move a Basement Support Column?
A post in the middle of a basement is frustrating, but moving it changes the support system. Compare relocation with a layout that works around it.
Read the guideStructure & open-plan living2 min read
Enlarging a Stairwell Opening: What Moves With It?
A larger stair opening affects framing, guards, headroom, and the rooms around it. Test the finished stair geometry before cutting the floor.
Read the guideStructure & open-plan living2 min read
Non-Load-Bearing Wall Removal: What Still Needs Work?
Removing a partition can expose wiring, ducts, flooring gaps, and ceiling repairs. Price the finished room after confirming the wall is non-load-bearing.
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