Concrete block carries load differently than wood framing
Most of Fort Lauderdale's mid-century homes were built with concrete-block walls, and any wall coming out needs an engineer's sign-off before a header goes in — not after the demo starts.
Build a complete scope
- Load-bearing determination for the wall in question
- Engineering, permits, and inspection order
- Beam or header sizing and installation
- Electrical and plumbing rerouted around the new opening
- Finish and patch work once framing is done
Opening walls near the water
Wind-load requirements follow any structural change here, and a block wall opened on a canal-front or beachside property often needs bracing an inland renovation wouldn't.