In very general terms, structural engineers determine how a building needs to be built in order to be safe for people to occupy.

In other words – architects/designers pick what buildings look like; structural engineers come up with the skeleton to hold everything up.

When you’re dealing with existing buildings, structural engineers can are the equivalent to a doctor for a building. A structural engineer can diagnose problems and recommend repairs to maintain or prolong the useful life of a building or structure.

Structural engineers are not explicitly involved with every building that gets built. There are prescriptive rules that contractors and home designers follow to safely build common houses. Once you leave the realm of a common house – you are in the territory of hiring a structural engineer. What counts as common? Anything that you look at that seems normal.

What are some situations when you need to hire a structural engineer?

• For New Buildings
  • Long, open spans often require beams to be designed
  • Oddly shaped houses (irregular combinations of regular shapes are included)
  • Unusually tall walls require the input of a structural engineer
  • Walls that are full of windows often require the input of a structural engineer
  • Anything that is unusual for a typical new home should involve a structural engineer
  • Anything that is open to the public
  • If you’re unsure, ask an engineer or your local building official
• For Existing Buildings
  • Modifying or adding to an existing building
  • Inspecting damaged buildings
  • Repairing damaged buildings
  • If you’re unsure, ask an engineer or your local building official

That’s a loaded question! (pun intended) There are potential situations in all types of buildings that should include the input from a structural engineer. Structural engineers are hired to solve your problems and to make sure you get the solution you need, not the solution somebody wants to sell you. In other words, structural engineers are advocates for public safety – when you hire an engineer to solve your problem, you can rest assured it will be solved correctly the first time!

That depends on what you type of project you’ve got. Here are some example project cost ranges to hire a structural engineer for typical residential projects. Keep in mind these are the structural engineering fees, not the cost a contractor would charge to do the work.

• Bearing wall identification: $300 – $600
• Remove bearing wall and replace with beam: $1,000+
• To examine a crack/damage/settlement/etc. for real estate sales: $500 – $1,000+
• Simple addition or renovation to existing home: $1,500 – $3,000
• Custom home design: $3,000+

All the time!

The first step of recognizing the problem is critical. Walls are supposed to be straight – if they’re not, you’ve got a problem. If your basement walls are bowing in, you should contact a structural engineer to examine your specific situation.

The problem is usually caused by a combination of pressure on the wall from the soil pushing inwards and insufficient strength or poor construction of the wall. There are several ways to correct the problem, though all solutions generally require specialized equipment. A structural engineer will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend suitable repairs if they’re required.