Is every new wall a structural wall?
No. A room partition and a load-bearing alteration are different scopes. Do not make the decision from appearance alone. Identify the proposed changes and have the existing condition reviewed. Where the project calls for engineering, use the relevant drawings before specifying supports or removing a wall.
Why do openings need early decisions?
Doors and windows have product dimensions that affect rough openings. A room layout should account for their positions before walls are built. In custom home construction and additions, coordinated drawings make those decisions easier to track.
What follows the framing stage?
Services, insulation and finishes need to fit the completed layout, with inspections addressed where applicable. Drywall work should follow the relevant checks rather than simply hide the framing when it looks complete. The permit guide explains why approval and inspection are separate questions.
What should you send for a framing discussion?
Provide plans, photos of existing walls and a marked layout of the proposed changes. Name any doors or windows already selected. If the job is one trade within a larger renovation, identify who coordinates the remaining work and what has to happen before and after framing.
| Decision | Information to review | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Room partitions | Room sizes and door locations. | Wall layout. |
| Structural alteration | Existing condition and design information. | Review of the structural scope. |
| New construction | Current plans and product dimensions. | Coordinated framing and openings. |