Ask the engineer.
The questions we answer most — from "is this wall load-bearing?" to what a permit set costs. If yours isn't here, contact us for a consultation.
Is my wall load-bearing?
It is always safer to bring in a licensed professional to confirm whether a wall is structural. A professional takes a holistic look at how load is distributed down to the foundation — and whether the wall works within the lateral (earthquake or wind) force-resisting system.
That said, there are a few triggers that tell you a wall is likely structural — and that it's time to call a licensed professional.
Good to know.
My wall is not load-bearing — can I remove it?
In most cases, yes. That said, depending on the seismic area you live in, interior partition walls can provide lateral structural resistance to your structure. We suggest precaution when planning to remove interior walls — request the opinion of a structural engineer in your province, or consult your building code. The BC Building Code provides prescriptive requirements for Part 9 buildings, including brace band requirements, and is available to review online for free.
Do you provide structural engineering as a standalone service?
Yes. Our P.Eng team works as a standalone structural consultant — stamping drawings produced by others, running calculations against your design intent, and issuing sealed letters of professional opinion. Engage us at concept, at permit, or anywhere in between.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Sidney and the wider Vancouver Island from our office at 2009 Fernwood Road, Victoria.
Can you handle the building permit with the city for me?
Yes. We can act as your agent with the municipality — preparing and submitting the permit application, answering RFIs, managing revisions, and handling rezoning, variances and development permits. The process is led by a PMP-certified project manager.
Do you design seismic upgrades, foundations and house lifts?
We do. Seismic upgrades and retrofits, foundation design and replacement, underpinning, retaining walls, house lifting and temporary shoring are all core to our structural practice — in wood frame, concrete, masonry and steel.
How much do your services cost?
Design and drafting for renovations is billed at $115/hr; new-construction design is priced by square footage with the engineering fee included. Structural engineering design is $185/hr, site consultations are $450, and field reviews are $375 in the Victoria area. See the full breakdown on our pricing page — every project receives a written fee proposal at no cost.
How do I get started?
Contact us for a consultation through the contact form. Whether you need structural engineering or building design, having your address, intended scope and any existing drawings on hand gets you a useful answer — and a written fee proposal — fastest.
Still have a question?
We reply by email within one business day — or write to info@mavericksbc.com.