Handyman Wall Removal and Beam Installation for Open Concept

Open concept living has become one of the most popular renovation choices for homeowners. People love the clean lines, open sightlines, and brighter feel that comes from fewer walls and more shared space. But to safely remove walls and install beams, you need more than a vision — you need our professionals who understand structure.

When you plan an open concept renovation, it’s not just about taking out a wall. It’s about making sure your home stays strong and balanced after that wall is gone. That’s where experts in load-bearing wall removal and LVL beam installation come in. These upgrades transform the flow of your home while keeping everything structurally sound.

At Handyman Connection in Etobicoke, we specialize in turning closed-off homes into open, modern spaces, safely and efficiently. In this article, you’ll learn the step-by-step process our professionals follow when removing walls and installing beams to achieve your dream open-concept look.

Planning the Open Concept Renovation

Every successful project starts with a solid plan. Before any wall comes down, our team reviews your goals and layout. We discuss which walls you’d like to remove and what kind of space you want to create.

Our professionals handle:

• Reviewing the home’s structure and blueprints
• Identifying walls that carry load or contain wiring and plumbing
• Measuring room flow, ceiling height, and natural light

A well-planned open concept renovation makes sure you get the style and function you want without risking safety or code compliance.

Consulting a Structural Engineer

Once the vision is clear, a structural engineer steps in to confirm what’s safe to remove. Not all walls are created equal. Some walls carry the weight of floors or the roof above — these are called load-bearing walls.

An engineer’s report outlines exactly what kind of beam or post is needed to replace that wall’s support. This report ensures that your load-bearing wall removal won’t cause structural issues.

Having this documentation is key. It gives you peace of mind and ensures your renovation meets all building code requirements.

Getting the Right Permits

Before construction begins, all proper permits must be approved by the city. A licensed handyman team like ours manages this process for you.

Permits are required because removing a wall affects your home’s structure. They allow inspectors to verify that the work meets local building and safety standards.

Skipping permits can cause major issues later — especially if you plan to sell your home. With our professionals handling the paperwork, you can relax knowing everything is by the book.

Temporary Supports and Shoring

Before the wall comes down, temporary supports — known as shoring — are installed. These hold up the structure while the wall is removed.

Here’s how the process works:

• Support beams and posts are placed under ceilings or floors
• Hydraulic jacks may be used to keep everything level
• The structure is carefully checked for any movement

This temporary setup ensures your home stays stable while work is in progress. Removing a wall without shoring could cause sagging or cracks, but our professionals take all the right steps to prevent that.

Load-Bearing Wall Removal

Once the temporary supports are in place, the old wall can be safely taken down. This step is done carefully, one section at a time, to avoid damage to nearby areas.

Our team manages everything from demolition to debris cleanup. We make sure nearby surfaces, floors, and fixtures are protected throughout the process.

By the time the wall is gone, your home already starts to feel more open. But the job isn’t done yet — now it’s time to add the beam that carries the load.

LVL Beam Installation

With the wall removed, the next step is LVL beam installation. LVL stands for “laminated veneer lumber” — a strong, engineered wood product made for structural support.

Here’s how it’s done:

• The new LVL beam is cut to the exact length
• Steel or wooden posts are installed on both ends to hold the beam
• The beam is lifted into place and secured with heavy-duty fasteners
• Concrete footings are checked or reinforced for proper support

The beam transfers weight from above safely to the foundation below. Once complete, your space has the open look you want with full structural stability.

Electrical and Plumbing Adjustments

Walls often contain hidden elements like wiring, outlets, or pipes. When performing load-bearing wall removal, these systems need to be rerouted or upgraded.

Our licensed partners ensure all electrical and plumbing adjustments are done safely and meet code. This might include moving light switches, adding ceiling lights, or rerouting water lines.

By coordinating every trade, we make sure your renovation moves smoothly without delays or missed steps.

Finishing and Framing Touches

Once the beam is secured, new framing is built around it to blend with your ceiling or walls. This makes it look intentional rather than structural.

We smooth transitions, patch drywall, and prep surfaces for paint or texture. You’ll hardly notice where the wall once stood — just an open, flowing space that feels brand new.

Typical finishing steps include:

• Patching ceilings and walls
• Adding trim or crown moulding
• Painting or refinishing adjacent surfaces

These small touches make a big difference in how clean and polished the final space looks.

Final Inspection and Quality Check

When everything is complete, a final inspection ensures the structure meets all codes and safety standards. Inspectors verify that the LVL beam installation and posts are correctly installed and supported.

Our team walks you through the finished space, reviewing every detail. This final step guarantees your open concept renovation not only looks great but is built to last.

Benefits of an Open Concept Layout

When your home opens up, it changes how you live in it. Open layouts make spaces brighter, more welcoming, and easier to navigate.

Here are some of the biggest benefits homeowners notice:

• Better Flow: Rooms connect seamlessly without visual barriers. You can move easily from the kitchen to the living or dining area without feeling boxed in. The space feels larger, more welcoming, and easier to navigate for both everyday life and entertaining.
• More Natural Light: Sunlight moves freely through shared spaces. Without walls blocking the windows, light can reach farther into your home, creating a bright and cheerful atmosphere. This natural light not only improves the mood of the space but can also reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.
• Improved Functionality: You can entertain, cook, and relax in one large area. The open layout encourages connection, allowing family members and guests to interact no matter where they are in the space. It’s ideal for modern living, where multitasking and togetherness are key.
• Added Value: Open layouts are in high demand with modern buyers. Homes with open concepts often sell faster and at higher prices because they look updated and spacious. Investing in an open concept renovation can boost your home’s resale potential while making it more enjoyable to live in right now.

A successful open concept renovation creates space that feels fresh and connected; perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or just relaxing after a long day.

Why Professional Help Matters

Removing walls and installing beams is not just another renovation; it’s a structural transformation. It takes the right skills, tools, and planning to make sure everything is safe and aligned with building regulations.

At Handyman Connection in Etobicoke, we take care of every detail, from load-bearing wall removal and LVL beam installation to final finishing and cleanup. You’ll have one reliable team managing your project from start to finish, saving you time and stress.

We coordinate with engineers, obtain permits, handle inspections, and complete the finishing work that brings your space together beautifully.

Open Up Your Home the Right Way

A well-executed open concept renovation can completely transform your home. With proper planning, safe load-bearing wall removal, and expert LVL beam installation, you get a bright, spacious design that enhances both comfort and value.

At Handyman Connection in Etobicoke, we make the process simple, safe, and stress-free. Request an estimate today to learn how our professionals can help open up your home — beautifully and structurally sound from start to finish.