Are you thinking about opening up your living room or turning your closed-off kitchen into a bright, modern space? That’s a great idea. Open concept kitchen layouts are trending, not just in Utah, but across the US.
But doing a structural remodel in an older home takes more than just a fresh coat of paint. If you live in Utah, where many neighborhoods are packed with charming houses from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and even earlier, you need to slow down and plan ahead.
Older homes have a lot of character, but they can hide big surprises behind the walls, floors, and attic. Mess up a single step during your structural remodeling, and you could be facing costly repairs or even safety risks.
As experts in structural renovation and remodeling, especially those involving load-bearing wall removal, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the “I wish I’d called you sooner.” Drawing on our experience, we’ll run you through the dos and don’ts of structural remodel.
Let’s kickstart with the basics.
What Is a Structural Remodel?
A structural remodel involves making changes to the core structure of your house, such as walls, beams, foundation, and framing. It’s more than new paint or floors. You’re adjusting the skeleton of your home.
Some of the examples include:
- Removing load-bearing walls to create open floor plans.
- Adding beams for support.
- Reworking floor plans in kitchens, basements, or attics.
- Fixing sagging floors or cracked foundations.
This is different from cosmetic updates like painting or replacing cabinets. If the change involves how your home stands and carries weight, it’s a structural remodeling project.
Dos of Structural Remodeling in Older Utah Homes
If you’re undertaking a structural remodel, it’s best to stick to these dos:
1. Do Hire a Structural Engineer for Your Home Remodel
Older Utah homes often have hidden surprises, like enclosed wiring or plumbing. When you hire a structural engineer for your home remodel, they’ll check your foundation, beams, and framing before any wall comes down. Even the smallest cracks may indicate bigger problems underneath. An engineer helps you avoid costly mistakes and makes sure your remodel is safe.
2. Always Work with a Licensed Structural Remodel Contractor
While the engineer will help you identify potential problems, a structural remodel contractor will make the changes as recommended by the engineer. A seasoned contractor knows Utah’s building codes and has the experience to handle older framing and foundations.
Unlike a handyman, they know how to replace walls with beams, shore up sagging floors, and keep your home strong and beautiful. So, instead of DIYing this project, reach out to a local but experienced contractor for the job.
3. Do Get the Right Permits
Utah requires permits for major structural renovation and remodeling projects. This protects you as a homeowner and makes your remodel legal for resale. Skipping permits can lead to fines or problems when you sell your home.
4. Do Expect Extra Costs in Older Homes
Remodels in older Utah homes can lead to issues like outdated wiring, undersized beams, or weak foundations. Plan for extra costs so you’re not shocked later. The general rule of thumb is to keep 10-15% of your overall budget aside for unexpected costs.
5. Do Consider Energy Upgrades During Remodeling
If you’re already opening walls, upgrade insulation, wiring, or plumbing. EPA estimates that you can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing your homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists.
6. Do Plan for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Loads
Older homes were built during a different time. In Utah, many 1950s–’70s homes weren’t designed for heavy stone countertops or big kitchen islands. Adding weight to your floor plan, or removing a load-bearing wall, demands serious planning.
A skilled structural remodel contractor will help you choose the right beam, whether it’s LVL, Glulam, or even steel. Your structural engineer will calculate the right size so your house stays strong for years. Modern kitchen islands and open plans can add thousands of pounds of new load, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Don’ts of Structural Remodeling in Older Utah Homes
While planning and executing your structural remodel, steer clear of these don’ts:
1. Don’t Remove Walls Without Professional Help
Not every wall is safe to remove. Some carry the weight of your roof or second story. Others may act as shear walls that keep your home steady in Utah’s seismic zone. Removing them without replacement can cause sagging ceilings or even collapse. Speak with a load-bearing wall removal expert before you take down any of the walls in your older home.
2. Don’t Assume Your Home Is Built Like Modern Homes
Homes built before the 1980s often used different framing techniques. They may have smaller joists or weaker connections. Always remember, what worked for your neighbor’s 2005 house won’t apply to your 1960s split-level.
3. Don’t Skip an Inspection
Before a structural remodel, get a full inspection. Look for cracks in the foundation, roof sag, or water damage. Skipping this step could mean covering up serious problems instead of fixing them.
4. Don’t DIY Major Structural Remodeling
You might be handy, but structural remodeling isn’t a DIY project. If your DIY structural changes fail, you could end up spending more on fixing those mistakes. So, always bring in the pros even if you’ve some DIY experience.
5. Don’t Forget About Future Buyers
Even if you don’t plan to sell soon, think about resale value. Buyers in Utah want open layouts, but they also want peace of mind that the work was done up to code. Poor structural renovation and remodeling can turn potential buyers away or lower your selling price.
6. Don’t Forget the Paper Trail
Keep every report from your structural engineer, every permit, and every inspection. When you sell your house, buyers and their banks want proof that your structural remodel was done right. As a bonus, you can show off those improved parts to bump up your home’s value.
The Bottom Line
A structural remodel in your older home can make it safer, more open, and more valuable. But it also comes with risks if you skip steps or go the DIY route. Always consult a structural engineer and work with a qualified structural remodel contractor. That’s the way to do it right.
If you’re considering a structural renovation and remodeling in Utah, Load Bearing Pros is here to help. Call us (385) 300-8322 or use our online form to schedule a consultation.