My contractor says we need a structural engineer for a load-bearing wall removal in our 1912 heritage home in Mission. Is that normal?

Yes, absolutely normal and required. Removing any load-bearing wall requires a structural engineer's assessment and stamped drawings, especially in a 1912 heritage home where the structural system is over 100 years old and construction methods were very different from today's standards.

Your contractor is following proper protocol here. Under the Alberta Building Code, any structural modification requires engineered drawings and calculations. A structural engineer will assess how the load is currently being carried, design appropriate beam sizing and support posts, and provide stamped drawings for your building permit application. This isn't just good practice—it's legally required, and the City of Calgary will not issue a building permit for load-bearing wall removal without professional engineering.

Heritage properties add another layer of complexity. Since your Mission home is from 1912, it likely has balloon framing or early platform framing with dimensional lumber that's different from modern materials. The engineer needs to understand the existing structural system, load paths, and how the building has settled over 110+ years. Mission has several heritage-designated and heritage-inventory properties, so check the City of Calgary Heritage Register to see if your home has any heritage restrictions that could affect your renovation plans.

The engineering process typically costs $1,500-$4,000 depending on complexity, but it's essential for safety and insurance purposes. The engineer will specify the correct beam size (often a steel I-beam or engineered lumber beam), proper connections, and any temporary shoring required during construction. They'll also consider Calgary's specific loads—our deep frost line, snow loads, and the expansive clay soils that cause foundation movement over time.

Your contractor should coordinate with the engineer to ensure the proposed beam fits within your ceiling height and doesn't interfere with mechanical systems. In older homes, you might discover knob-and-tube wiring, cast iron plumbing, or other surprises that affect the structural work.

Next steps: Have your contractor arrange the structural engineer consultation, apply for your building permit with the engineered drawings, and ensure all work is inspected by a Safety Codes Officer. Don't proceed without proper permits—the liability and insurance implications are serious, especially in a heritage home.

Find verified structural engineers and contractors experienced with heritage homes in our Calgary directory at Calgary Construction Network.