Load Bearing Wall Removal

[Ray Jhala]

Hey everyone!  

I am currently in the permitting process and the permitting department has asked me for the details about the removal of two loading bearing walls on either side of a duplex. The walls are not very long and I am looking to take them back 4 ft or so and install a half wall with counter on top to open up to the kitchen space (in both units - same layout) 

This is my first rehab and so I am not 100% familiar with this process. From researching online and in these forums it seems to be best to hire a structural engineer to help provide material list and a drawing.  The city permit office has requested the following: 

"Please provide details about the removal of load bearing walls. Show what the bearing walls are carrying, (floor, ceiling, etc) post location and what the post is bearing on, beam size and length, etc."

They have not explicitly asked for a structural engineer to provide sign off however I am curious to know what others who have done something like this before think.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  

Thanks! 

~Ray

[J Scott]

I would never alter a load-bearing wall without a signed/stamped report from an engineer.  Even if the permit department doesn't require it.

If it's cheaper to draw up the plans yourself (or have your contractor do it), that's fine.  But I would at least have the engineer do the load calcs and recommend what needs to be done to handle/distribute the load properly (extra beams, extra footers, etc).