A load-bearing wall is a structural wall that supports weight from the floors or roof above, transferring that load down to the building's foundation. Unlike partition walls that simply divide spaces, load-bearing walls are essential structural elements that cannot be removed without compromising building safety. Identifying load-bearing walls matters when renovating buildings, as removing them requires installing alternative support structures like beams and posts. Building permits and structural engineering are required before modifying load-bearing walls. Building inspectors verify that construction work affecting load-bearing walls meets code requirements, protecting occupant safety and structural integrity.