Question 1

Why should I hire a structural engineer?

Accepted Answer

When you work with a structural engineer, you’re working with a licensed professional who ensures new and existing structures are safe, reliable, and code compliant.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a commercial property owner, a structural engineer can provide an expert analysis on an existing structure or provide a design for a new structure optimized to help reduce materials and construction cost without compromising structural integrity.

Working with a structural engineer can be an investment, but it will prevent you from making costly mistakes that require expensive repairs later.

As a residential property owner, structural engineers can help with:

Renovations and Remodels: A structural engineer will work with you to create or review designs that are safe, code-compliant, and won’t compromise the building’s integrity. 
Damage or Settlement Concerns: Through a comprehensive assessment, structural engineers can diagnose structural issues like cracks or uneven floors and recommend the right repairs.
Real Estate Transactions: If you’re buying or selling a home with visible structural issues, a structural engineer can provide stamped reports that clarify the severity of the problem and support informed decisions.

In additional to the residential property services, structural engineers can provide commercial property owners with services like:

New Construction or Additions: A structural engineer designs safe, code-compliant frameworks to support your building’s intended use. 
Code Compliance and Permitting: They provide the stamped drawings and calculations needed to meet permit and zoning requirements. 
Ongoing Maintenance & Safety Assessments: Routine structural inspections help prevent safety issues, which helps reduce liability and avoid expensive emergency repairs.

Question 2

Do you offer free estimates?

Accepted Answer

We offer free consultations, but there’s a difference between our initial consultations and a structural inspection or assessment. With a free consultation, we’ll discuss your project over a quick phone call or via email, where you’ll share basic details about the project. Based on that information, we can give you a cost projection that will help you understand potential expenses so you can choose whether to move forward with a full structural evaluation or design.  A structural assessment is a detailed, professional service that involves an on-site inspection by one of our engineers. This assessment evaluates the condition, safety, and code compliance of existing structures or planned renovations. You’ll receive a written report with engineering insights, calculations (if needed), and professional recommendations, all of which are part of our core services and require time, expertise, and liability coverage.  For example, if you’re a homeowner who’s considering removing a load bearing wall, we can give you a free estimate on how much it would cost to have our engineers design and size any structural changes for the project. However, an issue like a cracked foundation would require an in-depth structural inspection so our engineers can find the cause of the crack, assess the severity, and recommend repairs.  If you need a structural assessment or inspection, our engineers are happy to discuss the cost and what a structural inspection involves prior to completing the assessment.

Question 3

How do I know if I need a structural inspection?

Accepted Answer

Whether you’re a residential or commercial property owner or buyer, you’ll want to consider a structural inspection if there are signs of structural issues, such as:

Cracked walls or foundations 
Uneven floors, bowing walls, or sagging roofs 
Doors and windows that don’t properly open or close

These can all be signs of structural shifting or settling that should be addressed before they lead to larger issues that compromise the safety of the structure.

Additionally, you’ll want to contact a structural engineer for an inspection if:

There was a recent flood or earthquake that may have damaged a building’s structure, even if no damage is visible.  
The building is older and has not had a recent structural inspection. 
There was a recent renovation that involved structural changes, such as removing a load-bearing wall or building an addition.

As a commercial property owner, there are additional instances where you may need a structural inspection:

You're renovating or expanding a commercial space 
You need signed and stamped structural drawings for a permit 
Your building has visible damage, water intrusion, or settlement
Local code enforcement has flagged your property 
You need to verify the load capacity for equipment or storage areas 
You're preparing for a real estate sale, refinance, or occupancy change

With any issue, a structural inspection by a licensed engineer will provide you with a professional evaluation and, if needed, a written, stamped report with recommendations, repair guidance, or documentation for required permits.

Question 4

What can I expect during a structural inspection?

Accepted Answer

A structural inspection is a thorough assessment of a property’s load bearing components by a licensed engineer to identify any issues that could affect a structure’s stability and safety. During the inspection, our engineers will: Review your concerns or project goals Complete a walkthrough to inspect key structural components (foundation, roof structure, support beams, walls, windows and doors, etc.) Take measurements and photos Analyze structural loads if needed After the inspection, you’ll receive a written, signed, and sealed report with findings and recommendations that can be used for permits, repairs, real estate transactions, or peace of mind. It’s important to note that our engineers can only inspect what they can see. If you have a fully finished basement with drywalled ceilings, we won’t be able to review the support beams unless that drywall is removed either by the homeowner or a licensed contractor.  For more information on home structural inspections, check out our Residential Engineering Services page

Question 5

Do I need an inspection by a structural engineer if I already had a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what the home inspector found and the nature of the property, but in many cases a structural inspection can still be beneficial even after a home inspection.

A home inspection is a general evaluation of the property’s overall condition, and inspectors typically search for signs of water damage, plumbing and electrical issues, pest infestations, HVAC problems, old roofing, and structural issues.

Home inspectors are trained to spot visible issues and will often recommend a follow-up with a structural engineer if they note issues like:

Foundation cracks or settlement 
Sagging floors or ceiling movement 
Bowing walls or leaning supports 
Evidence of water damage or structural repairs 
Unusual cracking around doors, windows, or masonry

A structural inspection will provide a more in-depth analysis of the issues the home inspector identifies and a signed, sealed report you can use for real estate negotiations, determining repair expenses, or for peace of mind before closing.

Question 6

When do I need a building permit?

Accepted Answer

Building permit requirements can vary by state and municipality, but you generally need a building permit for:

New construction of a house or large detached structure 
Additions to living spaces, such as a second-floor addition, attached garages, or decks and patios 
Major renovations that alter the structure of a building (like adding or removing walls) or change the use of a space (such as finishing a basement) 
Demolishing a structure 
Installing or significantly altering mechanical, electrical, or plumbing work of within structure

In addition to building permits, you may also need a zoning permit for a project that involves building a new structure (such as a detached garage).

You usually only need a building permit for projects that involve significant structural changes, but you should always check your state and local ordinances to be sure, as not having the necessary permit can lead to fines and loss of insurance coverage.

What if I’m just rebuilding an existing structure?
You may still need a permit, even if you're rebuilding a structure with the same size and layout, such as replacing an existing deck or porch.

Local municipalities usually require the replacement to comply with current code requirements, not the standards from when the original was built. That means you may need updated plans or a structural assessment for approval.

We recommend contacting your local building department to confirm what’s required. If you need help, our team can assist with evaluating your project and providing structural drawings and sealed reports to support your permit application.