Load-bearing wall removal, beam installations, foundation work, and structural repairs — permitted, engineered, and managed under CGC#1533136. We don't guess at structure.
Structural work in Florida is governed by the Florida Building Code with specific requirements for hurricane wind loads, soil conditions, and flood zone construction. In Sarasota County, a structural renovation that isn't properly permitted and engineered can fail county inspection, create insurance coverage gaps, or — in a worst case — fail during a storm event.
Every structural project we manage involves a licensed structural engineer. We don't estimate beam sizes from experience — we submit drawings, get them reviewed, and build to engineered specifications. The extra step protects you, and it's the only way to pass Sarasota County's structural inspections.
The most common structural mistake we see: Load-bearing walls removed without proper beam sizing or column support. This work often looks fine for years before it creates visible deflection problems — and by then, the fix costs significantly more than the original project.
The most requested structural project. We identify load paths, coordinate with a structural engineer for beam sizing, and manage the full permit and inspection process.
Learn More →Post-tension slab repair, stem wall modifications, and foundation assessments for additions. We work with licensed geotechnical engineers when soil conditions require investigation.
Structural retrofits for wind resistance — adding hurricane straps, improving wall-to-foundation connections, and documenting improvements for wind mitigation credit.
Removing walls between kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas. Requires load path analysis, engineered beam, and properly supported columns or posts.
Converting attached garages to living space. Involves foundation assessment, framing, insulation, HVAC, electrical, and window/door installation — all under one permit package.
Learn More →Adding living space above an existing single-story home. Full structural engineering for the existing foundation and framing system, plus all new construction above.
Enclosing existing screen lanais as conditioned living space. Structural assessment of existing lanai framing, new wall and roof framing, electrical, HVAC, and finishes.
Post-hurricane structural assessment and repair — damaged framing, failed connections, compromised roof decks, and water-infiltration-related structural decay.
Learn More →Bringing unpermitted structural work into compliance — assessing existing conditions, engineering review if needed, and managing the county approval process.
Learn More →How do I know if a wall in my Sarasota home is load-bearing?
Load-bearing walls typically run perpendicular to the floor joists above, sit directly above a beam or wall on a lower floor, and occupy a position that supports the roof or floor structure. The only reliable way to confirm is a structural assessment - we evaluate framing conditions at the site walk before any demo scope is finalized.
How much does it cost to remove a load-bearing wall in Sarasota?
Removing a load-bearing wall in a Sarasota home typically runs $8,000-$20,000 depending on the span, beam sizing required, column or post specifications, and whether electrical or plumbing needs to be relocated from within the wall. The structural engineering and permit are included in our scope.
Does structural work require a permit in Sarasota County, FL?
Yes. Any structural modification - load-bearing wall removal, beam installation, addition, second-floor work, or garage conversion - requires a permit and engineer-of-record drawings in Sarasota County. We submit the complete permit package, coordinate the structural engineer, and manage all county inspections through final sign-off.
Can hurricane damage affect my home's structural integrity in Sarasota?
Yes. Hurricane winds create positive and negative pressure loads that stress connections between framing components. Post-storm structural assessment should check rafter-to-plate connections, wall-to-foundation connections, and any areas where water infiltration may have caused wood decay or hidden moisture damage inside walls.
How long does a structural renovation take in Sarasota?
A single load-bearing wall removal with beam installation typically takes 3-5 days of construction time once permits are approved. Permit review and engineering run 3-6 weeks before work begins. A garage conversion runs 6-10 weeks of construction. Total project duration including permits: 5-12 weeks depending on scope.
What is permit remediation and do I need it for my Sarasota property?
Permit remediation is the process of bringing unpermitted work into compliance with Sarasota County's building code. It's needed when you discover a prior owner added space, modified structure, or made electrical or plumbing changes without permits. Unpermitted work surfaces in title searches and creates problems at closing. We assess existing conditions, determine the county's requirements, and manage the approval process.
We'll walk your project, identify what it requires structurally, and give you a realistic scope before any commitment.
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