OPEN CONCEPT CONVERSION
Lansdowne, PA
This Lansdowne rowhouse had a solid wall separating the kitchen and living room — a common layout in pre-war Philadelphia-area housing. The owners wanted the two spaces opened into one. The wall was load-bearing, requiring a full structural approach.
The Work
A licensed structural engineer assessed the load path and specified a double 3.5x11.25 LVL beam spanning the 12-foot opening, supported by concealed posts at each end running to the basement footer.
Temporary shoring walls were built parallel to the existing wall before demo began. The wall was removed, the beam was installed and properly seated, and the temporary shoring was removed. Drywall patching, matching texture, and fresh paint across both rooms completed the project.
The Result
A genuinely transformed living space — the kitchen and living room now flow together as a single open area. The project was permitted, inspected, and passed without issue.
WANT A SIMILAR PROJECT?
Free estimate for your renovation or demolition in Philadelphia, Upper Darby, Lansdowne & Delaware County.