Structural Design in Ontario
Practical structural design for renovations, additions and existing buildings, from the first site assessment to detailed design documents.
JSR Engineering provides structural design for residential and light commercial projects across Ontario. We assess how proposed changes affect the building and develop details for the elements that support them, including beams, columns, connections and foundations.
Load bearing wall removal & beam design
Opening a room or changing a commercial layout can interrupt an existing load path. Our structural design considers the proposed opening together with the supports below it. Beam selection, posts, connections and footing requirements are addressed as part of the specific design assignment.
Additions, decks & structural alterations
New construction must work with the structure that is already there. We prepare structural details for additions, deck elements and building alterations, coordinating the structural arrangement with architectural plans. Design work can include wood, steel or concrete elements as appropriate to the project.
Building condition assessments & letters
A visual structural assessment helps clarify observed conditions such as deterioration, cracking or changes to a support system. Findings and recommendations are documented in an assessment report or engineering letter suited to the assignment. A condition assessment and a detailed capacity analysis are different services and are scoped accordingly.
Structural Design services
- Load bearing wall removal and new structural openings
- Beam, post and connection design
- Foundations and supports for additions
- Deck and landing structural details
- Visual structural assessments and engineering letters
Structural design that follows the load path
A structural alteration affects the way loads pass through a building. A new beam may transfer load to posts, bearing walls or foundations that were not carrying the same demand before the renovation. Structural design considers the proposed opening together with its supports and connections. For additions and deck projects, the connection to the existing building is also part of defining a practical design.
Related project experience
Explore our second storey and rear addition design for an example of JSR Engineering’s project scope.
For official background on the building approval process, see Ontario’s guide to building permits.
Related design services
- Architectural & BCIN Design
- Mechanical & HVAC Design
- Electrical Design
- Fire Sprinkler Design
- 3D Building Scanning
Frequently asked questions
Does removing a wall involve more than sizing a beam?
It can. The design may also need to address end supports, connections and how the new loads reach the foundations. The details depend on the existing structure and proposed opening.
Is a structural condition assessment the same as design?
A condition assessment records observed conditions and provides findings within an agreed scope. Structural design develops details for proposed work. A visual assessment does not automatically include capacity calculations or design of repairs; these are separate services when needed.
Discuss your next project.
Connect with JSR Engineering about building design, engineering or reality capture services for your project.
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