Before creating or widening an opening in a wall

Provide the location of the wall, the rooms on either side and the intended opening. Include existing drawings and the proposed plan if one has been prepared. Mention floors above and below without drawing conclusions about how the wall is supported.

Do not identify a wall as non-load-bearing from its sound, thickness or position alone. The appropriate building professional should determine structural implications. A finish-removal assessment and a structural design are different services.

Electrical wiring, plumbing, ventilation and other services may need changes before the opening can be formed. Identify the trades responsible for those decisions. If the wall separates units, a corridor or a service room, ask the design team about its other required functions.

Ontario places building permit review and enforcement with municipalities. Ask the relevant building department about the actual proposal rather than assuming that an interior location makes approval unnecessary. Any required design and approval should describe the same opening that the removal contractor is asked to assess.

The demolition brief should identify what comes out, what remains and what preparation is assigned to other parties. It should also name the contractor responsible for the new opening and adjacent finishes. Send YAK the plans, service information and decision status. If those are not yet available, ask about the information needed for assessment rather than requesting an unsupported structural conclusion.