Split-levels, soffits and walls that carry weight
Split-level and tri-level plans put the kitchen close to a stairway, which limits where a wall can move. Before we promise an open plan, we find out which wall supports the floor or roof above, since a bearing wall needs a beam and engineered support.
Soffits sometimes hide ducts, wires or vent pipes, so taking them down can uncover work that has to be rerouted. Original wiring in homes of this age often has few circuits for the appliances a modern kitchen uses. We walk the room with you, point out what we can see and explain what might be behind the drywall.
