understanding an architectural drawing -Is this not a loadbearing wall

5 years ago

Hi all,

Could someone please help comment if this is a load-bearing wall?

This is a snapshot of our house's original architectural plan. There are two sections of the house: one is taller while the other is lower. Original I thought the taller part has its boundaries as the load-bearing wall and the same for the lower part. But now that I got this drawing from the city, I wonder if wall B is also load-bearing.

Thank you.

--Z

Featured Answer

PRO

Charles Ross Homes

5 years ago

The architect can comment on the original design intent from the comfort of his/her office, but unless they look at the as-built conditions in the field, it won't be of much use.

A field visit is essential to identify 1.) undocumented changes made during initial construction, 2.) remodeling that may have occurred, and 3.) site conditions which--either at initial construction or over time--may have altered an important aspect of the structure vs. the original design. This home appears to be built on a hillside and over a crawl space--including the garage. If a professional is going to have a look, make sure they have a good look in the crawl spaces, too.

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Comments (9)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 years ago
The plans that are submitted aren't always the plans that get built. On site analysis only please.
Seabornman
5 years ago
Highly unlikely to be load bearing as it is over a lower floor joist span.
Zackai Hwang thanked Seabornman
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PRO
beesneeds
5 years ago
Did you ask whomever made the plans what the wall is?
Zackai Hwang
Original Author
5 years ago
@beesneeds, planing to. Just got the print at the end of Friday. Will reach out the architect on Monday.
Zackai Hwang
Original Author
5 years ago
@Seabornman did a field analysis with a contractor and believes not, but will confirm with an architect on Monday. Thanks.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 years ago
The field analysis overrules everyone. People can and do draw anything. You need to know what was built. Period.
Zackai Hwang
Original Author
5 years ago
Yes, we looked at both the attic and the crawl space. Both match the drawing. We believe it's non loadbearing but will confirm with the architect to be thorough. Thanks all.
Stax
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
"Did you ask whomever made the plans what the wall is?"

As a Graduate Naval Architect, I can assure you that one does not need the original architect to interpret a drawing. lol