Get Structural Engineering Approval
Any structural changes to your home require stamped engineer drawings - this is not optional. Removing walls, adding beams, modifying foundations, or changing roof structure all need professional engineering calculations for safety and permit approval.
Quick Summary
Typical Cost
$2,000-$10,000
Based on project complexity
Timeline
2-4 weeks
From consultation to stamps
Deliverable
Stamped drawings
Required for permits
Why Structural Engineering Is Non-Negotiable
Your home's structure works as a system. Walls, floors, roof, and foundation all work together to carry loads safely to the ground. When you modify any part of this system - even something that seems minor like removing a wall - you change how forces flow through the building.
Structural engineers calculate these forces and design solutions that maintain safety. They determine beam sizes, specify connections, and ensure modifications won't cause problems elsewhere in the structure. This isn't something contractors can guess at - it requires professional analysis.
- Safety: Improperly sized beams or inadequate support can fail catastrophically
- Code compliance: Building departments require engineer-stamped drawings for structural work
- Insurance: Structural work without engineering may void your coverage
- Resale: Unpermitted structural work must be disclosed and devalues your home
- Liability: If structural work fails, you're personally liable for damages and injuries
- Peace of mind: Know your home is structurally sound for decades to come
When Structural Engineering Is Required
Engineer Required
- • Removing or modifying load-bearing walls
- • Installing new beams or headers
- • Adding a second story or room addition
- • Foundation repairs or modifications
- • Enlarging openings in exterior walls
- • Removing or modifying roof structure
- • Creating large open-concept spaces
- • Adding significant load (heavy fixtures, hot tubs)
- • Seismic retrofitting
- • Any work building department requires engineering for
Engineering Typically Not Required
- • Removing non-load-bearing walls
- • Interior cosmetic changes
- • Fixture replacements (same location)
- • Flooring replacement
- • Cabinet and countertop installation
- • Painting and drywall
- • Electrical and plumbing in existing walls
- • Window replacement (same size opening)
How to tell if a wall is load-bearing: Load-bearing walls typically run perpendicular to floor joists and support structure above. However, only a professional can make this determination with certainty. Never assume a wall is non-load-bearing - the consequences of being wrong are severe.
What Structural Engineers Provide
Load Calculations
Engineers calculate dead loads (weight of building materials), live loads (occupants, furniture), and environmental loads (wind, snow, seismic) that the structure must support.
These calculations determine what size structural elements are required and how they must be connected.
Beam and Column Sizing
When walls are removed, beams must be installed to carry the load. Engineers specify exact beam dimensions, material (steel, LVL, glulam), and span limits.
Under-sized beams can sag over time or fail suddenly. Over-sized beams waste money and may not fit in the available space.
Connection Details
How structural elements connect is as important as the elements themselves. Engineers specify hangers, connectors, bolts, and fastening requirements.
Improper connections are a common cause of structural failure, especially in earthquakes or high winds.
Foundation Analysis
New beams and columns need adequate foundation support. Engineers evaluate existing foundations and specify reinforcement or new footings as needed.
Adding load without adequate foundation support can cause settling, cracking, or structural damage.
Stamped Drawings
The final deliverable is a set of drawings bearing the engineer's professional stamp and signature. This certifies the design meets code and the engineer accepts professional liability.
Stamped drawings are required by building departments. Without them, your permit application will be rejected.
The Structural Engineering Process
Find a Licensed Structural Engineer
Get recommendations from your architect or contractor. Look for engineers with residential renovation experience - commercial engineers may not be familiar with residential construction methods.
Verify License
Check that the engineer is licensed in your state. Search your state's engineering board website to verify current license status and any disciplinary history.
Check Experience
Ask specifically about residential remodel experience. Engineers who primarily do commercial work may over-specify (costing you money) or be unfamiliar with residential codes.
Get References
Ask for contacts from recent residential projects. Check if they delivered on time, communicated well, and if their designs were practical to build.
Provide Project Information
The engineer needs complete information about your project and existing structure to develop accurate designs.
Information to Provide
- • Architectural plans showing proposed changes
- • Existing floor plans (if available from previous permits)
- • Photos of existing conditions
- • Property survey or plot plan
- • Description of existing construction (wood frame, masonry, etc.)
- • Known issues (settling, cracks, previous modifications)
- • Soil report (if available, especially for foundation work)
Site Visit and Assessment
Most engineers will visit the site to verify existing conditions and assess the structure. This is critical - assumptions from plans can be wrong.
What They'll Check
Existing framing (if accessible), foundation condition, evidence of settling or movement, actual dimensions versus plans, and any visible structural issues.
Preparation Tips
Provide access to attic, crawl space, and basement. Clear areas around walls being modified. Have a ladder available. Share any permits from previous work on the house.
Pro Tip: If your project is complex, consider having the engineer visit before finalizing architectural design. They may identify constraints that affect what's feasible or cost-effective.
Engineering Analysis and Design
The engineer analyzes your project and develops structural solutions. This may involve several iterations if initial designs conflict with architectural intent or budget.
Typical Timeline
Simple projects (single beam): 1-2 weeks. Moderate complexity: 2-3 weeks. Complex projects: 3-4+ weeks. Allow time for coordination with architect if changes needed.
Design Iterations
If initial design creates problems (beam won't fit, cost too high, conflicts with aesthetics), work with engineer and architect on alternatives. Multiple solutions usually exist.
Receive Stamped Drawings
Final deliverable is a set of stamped structural drawings and calculations ready for permit submission.
What You Should Receive
Structural plans showing beam locations and sizes, connection details, foundation requirements, and general notes. Plus calculation package supporting the design.
Review with Contractor
Before submitting for permit, have your contractor review the structural plans. They may identify constructability issues or have questions that should be resolved now.
Number of Copies
Ask how many stamped copies are included. You'll need copies for permit submission (typically 2-4) plus one for the job site. Additional copies may incur extra fees.
Understanding Engineering Costs
Typical Cost Ranges
Single beam sizing
One wall removal with beam calculation and details
Multiple structural changes
Several walls, beams, and connection details
Comprehensive structural package
Whole home remodel with foundation work
Addition or second story
New structure requiring full structural design
Fee Structures
- • Fixed fee: Most common for defined scope - know total cost upfront
- • Hourly ($150-$300/hr): For consultation or undefined scope
- • Per element: Some charge by beam, opening, or detail
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming your contractor can determine beam sizes
Consequence: Improperly sized beams can fail, causing structural damage or collapse. Building departments will reject permits without engineer calculations
Prevention: Always have a licensed structural engineer size beams and specify connections - this is not optional for load-bearing changes
Hiring engineer after architect completes plans
Consequence: Engineer may require design changes that conflict with architect's work, causing costly plan revisions
Prevention: Engage structural engineer early, coordinate with architect throughout design phase
Not providing accurate existing conditions information
Consequence: Engineer's calculations based on wrong assumptions, requiring expensive field changes during construction
Prevention: Have engineer visit site before finalizing calculations, provide accurate measurements and conditions
Choosing engineer based solely on lowest price
Consequence: Inexperienced engineer may over-specify (wasting money on larger beams than needed) or under-specify (unsafe)
Prevention: Select based on residential renovation experience, reputation, and clear communication
Making field changes without engineer approval
Consequence: Modifications may compromise structural integrity, void engineer's liability, and fail inspection
Prevention: Contact engineer for any deviations from approved plans, get written approval before proceeding
Ignoring engineer's recommendations due to cost
Consequence: Cutting corners on structural work risks catastrophic failure and personal liability
Prevention: Trust the engineer - if cost is prohibitive, explore alternative design solutions with architect
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a structural engineer for my remodel?
You need a structural engineer when removing load-bearing walls, installing beams, making foundation changes, adding stories, enlarging openings in exterior walls, or modifying roof structure. Any work affecting how your home carries weight requires engineering.
How much does a structural engineer cost?
Costs typically range $2,000-$10,000. Simple wall removal: $800-$2,000. Multiple modifications: $3,000-$6,000. Complex projects with foundation work: $5,000-$10,000+. Some charge hourly ($150-$300/hr), others by project scope.
What's the difference between architect and structural engineer?
Architects design spaces and aesthetics - how buildings look and function. Structural engineers ensure buildings stand up safely - they calculate loads and size structural elements. Most remodels need both, working together.
How long does structural engineering take?
Typical timeline is 2-4 weeks. Simple projects: 1-2 weeks. Moderate complexity: 2-3 weeks. Complex projects: 3-4+ weeks. Coordinate with permit submission timeline.
What are 'stamped' engineering drawings?
Stamped drawings bear the engineer's official seal and signature, certifying designs meet codes. Building departments require stamped drawings for permits. The engineer assumes liability for stamped documents.