Is it safe to remove this wall?

Hi Guys, Having removed the Sheetrock from the walls and ceiling to see what I'm dealing with and finalize by design and plans, I see that I have engineered joists. I had hoped to remove the 2x4 walls around the perimeter of the rooms and reuse the materials for framing my new walls. I had expected that the TJI's we're transferring their load to the perimeter poured concrete walls, but upon closer inspection it would appear to me that the TJI's are sitting on top of some OSB that spans both the 2x4 framing and the poured concrete slab. So, am I right in thinking that these 2x4 wall frames are supporting some load from the TJI's and cannot be removed? I'd really appreciate the opinion of someone with some professional experience before I drop any unnecessary cash and further burden the environment. Many thanks, Andy.

That doesn't look load-bearing to me, so it should be OK to take it out, but do NOT take my word for it! I'm not a qualified structural engineer, so you need someone who is to take a look at the and give you his professional opinion. On paper. Signed. He'll likely charge you a few hundred dollars to visit your place and give his opinion, so make sure you have a whole long list with all your structural questions ready to hit him with when he gets there, to get the best value for your money. Get your preliminary plans ready in advance, and ask about everything you can think of that relates to loads, weights, stress, tension, sheer, etc. He is the only guy who can tell you for sure if that is or is not load-bearing, and give you the OK (or not!) to take it out. - Stuart -

Thanks Stuart. Yes I do have a long list of questions for the Structural engineer and tried calling one earlier in the week. His charge was going to be $600 just to calculate the load on the TJI's :shock: I will try calling another for comparison, but if that's what it's gonna cost then so be it - Can't afford to compromise on safety. Could I perhaps ask for your help over on the design forum Stuart so that I can get my design nailed down before I schedule his visit, as per your recommendation. I have a couple of questions on my thread there and would also really appreciate your thoughts on the latest design sketch. Many thanks, Andy

Could I perhaps ask for your help over on the design forum Stuart so that I can get my design nailed down before I schedule his visit, as per your recommendation. I have a couple of questions on my thread there and would also really appreciate your thoughts on the latest design sketch.

Done! :) - Stuart -