How do I know if my Philadelphia rowhouse wall is load-bearing?

Several indicators suggest a wall may be load-bearing: it runs perpendicular to floor joists, it aligns with walls on floors above and below, it sits near the center of the home, or it runs parallel to the roof ridge. In Philadelphia’s rowhouses, the center wall dividing the main staircase from the front rooms is almost always load-bearing. However, the only reliable way to determine this with certainty is through a proper structural assessment — which NK Construction And Design performs as the first step of every project. Never assume, and never rely on a contractor who doesn’t formally assess before demolishing.