Structural Renovations in Kelowna and West Kelowna
Open Up Your Home. Change How It Works.
Structural renovations can completely change how a home looks, feels and functions. Removing a load-bearing wall, creating a larger opening or reconfiguring an existing floor plan can provide the open, connected living space your family needs without requiring you to leave the home and neighbourhood you love.
Compeau Contracting manages structural renovations throughout Kelowna, West Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. We coordinate the construction process from the initial site review through engineering, permitting, structural installation and final interior finishing.
Our planning-first approach gives you a clearly defined scope, comprehensive project budget and organized construction plan before work begins.
Structural Changes Require More Than Framing
Removing a wall or creating a new opening can affect the structure above it, the foundation below it and the electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems running through it.
Before construction begins, the project must be evaluated carefully. Temporary support may be required, structural loads must be transferred correctly, and the completed work may require engineering, permits and municipal inspections.
Compeau Contracting brings 17 years of construction experience, formal project-management training and experience permitting and completing more than 200 residential builds. This background allows us to consider both the visible renovation and the structural system supporting the home.
We work with the required engineers, trades, suppliers and inspectors to move the project forward safely and efficiently.
Our Structural Renovation Services
Load-Bearing Wall Removal
Removing a load-bearing wall can create a larger kitchen, connect previously separated rooms or transform a divided main floor into an open-concept living space.
We coordinate the evaluation, temporary support, demolition, engineered beam installation and related finishing required to complete the opening properly.
Engineered Beam Installation
Depending on the design and structural requirements, a renovation may require an engineered wood or steel beam.
We coordinate beam specifications, ordering, delivery, installation, bearing points and structural connections according to the approved engineering.
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Structural Wall Openings
A full wall removal is not always necessary. A carefully planned structural opening can improve sightlines, circulation and natural light while maintaining separation between rooms.
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We can create openings for expanded kitchens, larger doorways, connected living areas and other major layout changes.
Floor and Roof Framing Modifications
Major renovations may involve more than interior walls. Structural work can include reinforcing or modifying floor systems, roof framing, headers, posts, foundations and existing structural connections.
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These changes are assessed and coordinated as part of the larger construction plan.
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Structural Repairs and Reinforcement
Where existing framing has been altered, damaged or installed incorrectly, structural reinforcement may be required before the renovation can continue.
We can coordinate the investigation and repair of structural concerns discovered during planning or construction.
Complete Interior Reconfiguration
Structural work is often one part of a larger renovation.
We can manage the complete project, including demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC adjustments, insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, painting, trim and final finishing.
This provides one coordinated construction process instead of leaving the homeowner to manage multiple contractors independently.
Our Structural Renovation Process
01 - Initial Project Review
We begin by discussing your goals, reviewing the existing layout and identifying the structural changes you are considering. Whenever possible, we recommend providing current photographs, sketches, plans or inspiration images before the site visit.
02 - Site Visit and Existing-Condition Assessment
We visit the property to review the existing structure, take measurements and document visible site conditions.
We also look for electrical, plumbing, HVAC and finishing work that may be affected by the proposed renovation.
03 - Engineering and Design Coordination
When structural engineering or design work is required, we coordinate the necessary information so the proposed changes can be reviewed and properly documented.
The final engineering determines important details such as beam sizing, bearing requirements, posts, connections and supporting construction.
04 - Scope and Budget Development
Once the project requirements are sufficiently defined, we prepare a detailed scope and project budget.
Our goal is to identify the complete construction requirement—not only the beam or framing work—so related demolition, trade adjustments, inspections and finishing are accounted for before construction begins.
05 - Permit and Preconstruction Planning
Where a building permit is required, the approved plans and engineering are submitted to the appropriate municipality.
During preconstruction, we coordinate scheduling, materials, subcontractors, site access and the sequence of work.
06 - Structural Construction
The work may include site protection, selective demolition, temporary shoring, framing modifications, beam or post installation and inspection.
Structural changes are completed using the approved engineering and project documents.
07 - Interior Restoration and Finishing
After the structural work has been approved, we complete the surrounding renovation.
Depending on the project, this may include electrical and mechanical adjustments, insulation, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, trim, painting and final cleanup.
Structural Renovations We Commonly Complete
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Load-bearing wall removals
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Structural wall removals
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Engineered wood and steel beam installations
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Open-concept kitchen and living-room renovations
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Major main-floor reconfigurations
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Enlarged doorways and structural openings
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Post and bearing-point installations
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Floor and roof framing modifications
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Structural tie-ins for home additions
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Framing reinforcement and structural repairs
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Interior renovations requiring engineering and permits
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Structural changes completed as part of a whole-home renovation
Planning a Load-Bearing Wall Removal?
A load-bearing wall should not be removed until the complete load path and support requirements have been determined.
The project may require:
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Structural engineering
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Temporary shoring
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An engineered wood or steel beam
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New posts or bearing points
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Foundation or floor-system reinforcement
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Electrical, plumbing or HVAC relocation
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A building permit and municipal inspections
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Drywall, flooring, cabinetry and finish repairs
Compeau Contracting coordinates these connected requirements as one organized renovation project.
Structural Renovation Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
The direction of the floor or roof framing can provide clues, but appearance alone is not enough to confirm whether a wall is load-bearing. The home’s framing, loads and supporting structure must be reviewed before demolition begins.
Do I need an engineer to remove a load-bearing wall?
Structural changes commonly require engineering to determine the appropriate beam, posts, connections and bearing requirements. The exact requirements depend on the home and the proposed renovation.
Does a structural renovation require a building permit?
Many structural alterations require a building permit and inspections. Permit requirements depend on the project scope and the municipality where the property is located. We help identify and coordinate the applicable requirements.
Can you handle the complete renovation after the wall is removed?
Yes. We can manage the structural work and the surrounding renovation, including trade relocations, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, painting, trim and interior finishing.
Can you create a completely open-concept floor plan?
That depends on the home’s existing construction, structural loads, mechanical systems and the design objectives. In many homes, walls can be removed or openings enlarged using engineered beams and properly designed support points.
How much does a structural renovation cost?
Cost depends on the size of the opening, beam design, access, temporary support, required bearing points, mechanical or electrical relocations and the amount of interior finishing involved.
A site review and sufficiently developed structural plan are usually required before reliable project pricing can be prepared.
What areas do you serve?
Compeau Contracting is based in West Kelowna and primarily serves Kelowna, West Kelowna and the Central Okanagan. Selected projects in Peachland, Lake Country, Summerland, Penticton and Vernon may be considered based on project size, scope and scheduling.
Start Planning Your Structural Renovation
West Kelowna, BC
250-222-5677
Planning to remove a load-bearing wall, install an engineered beam or make a major change to your home’s layout?
Tell us about your property, the changes you are considering and what you want the finished space to accomplish. If you already have photographs, sketches, plans or engineering documents, you can include them with your inquiry.
Compeau Contracting will review the available information and help determine the appropriate next step.
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