At Reliance Inspections, we provide professional load bearing wall evaluations and structural design services for homeowners, contractors, and real estate professionals planning renovations or wall removals. If you’re considering opening up a floor plan or removing an interior wall, it’s critical to determine whether the wall supports structural loads before any demolition begins. Our thorough assessment identifies load paths, evaluates framing and support systems, and provides clear recommendations for proper beam sizing and reinforcement when required. We deliver practical, code-conscious guidance to help ensure your project is safe, structurally sound, and ready for permitting if needed.
When is a Load Bearing Wall Evaluation Needed?
A load bearing wall evaluation is needed anytime you plan to alter, remove, or modify a wall that could be supporting structural weight. This commonly applies when opening up a floor plan, combining rooms, installing a larger doorway or pass-through, adding windows, or renovating a kitchen or living area. An evaluation may also be required when finishing a basement, adding an addition, addressing sagging floors or ceiling cracks, or applying for a building permit that involves structural changes. Before any demolition begins, a professional assessment helps determine whether the wall carries loads from the roof, upper floors, or other structural components and ensures proper beam sizing and reinforcement are in place to maintain the home’s safety and integrity.
What is the Design Process Like?
The load bearing wall design process begins with a detailed on-site evaluation to determine how the home’s structural loads are distributed and whether the wall in question is supporting the roof, upper floors, or other framing components. We assess joist direction, span lengths, bearing points, foundation support, and overall load paths to understand how weight is transferred through the structure. If the wall is confirmed to be load bearing, we calculate the appropriate beam size and support requirements based on span, tributary loads, and applicable building standards. The final design outlines proper beam specifications, post locations, and bearing requirements to ensure the modification maintains structural integrity and meets local permitting requirements.
What Happens if I Remove a Load Bearing Wall Without Proper Supports?
Improper removal can lead to sagging floors, ceiling cracks, sticking doors and windows, and in severe cases, structural failure. Even minor settlement can cause costly repairs, so proper design and reinforcement are critical.
Structural Inspection & Design With Reliance Inspections
Schedule your professional load bearing wall evaluation with Reliance Inspections today!
Reliance Benefits
Infrared Inspection Included
Every home inspection comes with a complimentary infrared inspection. The infrared camera is used to look for water leaks, areas of missing insulation, and hot spots that may indicate an electrical deficiency.
200% Satisfaction Guarantee
If you are not completely satisfied with your inspection at the time of the service, Reliance Inspections will refund the home inspection fee and pay for another licensed home inspector to inspect the same property.
Buyer Protection Guarantee
If you decide not to proceed with the purchase of a home we inspect, we will inspect another home of your choice and take $100 off the cost of the inspection up to 30 days after the original inspection.
Complimentary Pest Treatment
Every full home inspection completed in the Toledo area comes with a complimentary pest treatment after closing on the property, courtesy of our sister company, Reliance Pest Control.
Flexible Scheduling
We have friendly staff that is available to assist in scheduling your inspection, or you can use our convenient online scheduler to a find a time that fits your busy schedule.
Reputable, Trusted & Licensed
Our team has been servicing the Ohio area since 1999, completing thousands of inspections since that time. All of our inspectors are licensed and thoroughly trained.
Customized Component Inspections
The below list of items can be added to any home inspection or done on their own as a stand-alone service.
Wood Destroying (Termite) Pest Inspection
Wood destroying pest inspections, also commonly referred to as termite inspections, look for the four wood destroying insects in Ohio; termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and powderpost beetles. The inspection is documented on a State mandated form with pictures included of any findings.
Radon Testing
Our radon tests utilize state-of-the-art equipment to monitor radon levels in a home. Readings are taken once per hour over a minimum of 48 hours, then averaged to produce the official radon level for the structure. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking and testing is the only way to know if a home has elevated levels of it as radon cannot be seen and has no smell or taste.
Water Quality Testing
Water quality tests can be done to find out if there is E. Coli, lead, nitrates, nitrites, and other foreign substances in a water supply system. This test is especially recommended for any house that is supplied by a well system.
Sewer Scope Video
Sewer scopes are done to inspect the main sewer line from the most accessible location at the house to the main discharge location (street sewage line or septic tank). A recording of the sewer scope inspection is then uploaded as a video file that can be viewed at any time.
Foundation Inspection
Our licensed professional engineer will evaluate the foundation of the home to determine if repairs are necessary. A certificate can also be developed if the lender requires one.
Gas Leak Inspection
We use specialized equipment to detect any gas leaks of the exposed gas lines, which can pose a serious safety hazard if left unrepaired.
Pool Inspection
The pool inspection evaluates everything from the liner to the filter to the skimmer. Our inspector will review their findings with you and go over how to maintain the pool.
Air Quality Testing
Air quality tests can be done on any size home to discover what kind of spores are in the interior air. This is especially critical if you have any concerns of previous water entry to the home that may have caused hidden mold growth.
Swab Mold Testing
Swab testing can be done to evaluate any areas of suspected mold. These are sent to a lab to determine the type of mold, which assists in determining the cause and how the remediation will be done.
Carbon Monoxide Detection
Carbon monoxide is a deadly by-product of fuel burning appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters. This exhaust gas is routed to the exterior of homes, however there are multiple things that could cause the gases to remain in a home. Reliance Inspections utilizes a detector to determine the carbon monoxide levels around a home and especially next to all fuel burning appliances to ensure safe levels of carbon monoxide throughout.
Roof Certification
Roof certifications can be issued to deem the roof is of satisfactory condition to last at least another 3 years. This is not a warranty in case of non-typical damage, such as a hail storm or tornado. Some banks require a roof certificate when securing a loan.
Lead Paint Testing
Lead-based paint will not present a health hazard as long as the paint is not chipping or flaking. If it is thought that paint may contain lead we are able to test it to confirm. High levels of exposure to lead may cause lead poisoning and other issues such as anemia and impaired brain and nervous system functions.
Manufactured Home Foundation Certification
When buying a manufactured home the lender may require a manufactured home foundation certification. These inspections are to confirm the home is permanently installed at the spot it is currently located. The certification must be signed by a licensed engineer, which Reliance Inspections has one in-house. Because of this we are able to offer a quick turn-around on the certifications at a reasonable price.
Well Flow Test
The well flow tests are done to inspect the well equipment that is in place and to run the well for an extended period of time. Doing so will assist in determining if the water source the well is pulling from will run dry during normal daily use.
Asbestos Testing
Asbestos in good condition left undisturbed is not typically an issue, but if you are planning on renovating around an area with expected asbestos material it is best to have it tested first. If determined the material is indeed asbestos containing, an environmental expert will be needed to properly remove the material.
Licenses and Certifications
- Licensed Professional Engineer
- Licensed Home Inspector
- Member of ASHI
(American Society of Home Inspectors) - Member of InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
- Licensed Radon Tester
- Licensed Radon Mitigator
- Affiliate Member of NOR
(Northwest Ohio Realtors)
- Licensed Pest Inspector
- Licensed Pesticide Applicator
- Affiliate Member of RAGC (Realtor Alliance of Greater Cincinnati)
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying a home is most likely one of the biggest investments you will ever make, therefore, you want to make sure you protect yourself as much as possible. A home inspector can uncover and document issues in the home that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. These defects can range from simple replacements and repairs to major damage, health risks and safety concerns.
Yes, it is encouraged. A typical inspection will take around 1.5-3 hours. To optimize your time we ask for you to join near the end of the inspection so that we can walk through our findings with you on-site. When scheduling the inspection our coordinator will suggest what time to arrive depending on the size and age of the house.
The time it takes to complete a home inspection is dependent on the home’s age, size, location and if any additional services have been requested which may add to the inspection time.
Defects will be found on all homes, even brand new construction. This does not mean you shouldn’t buy the home. The inspection is meant to give you knowledge of the repairs that may be needed as you prepare to buy a home.
