Frequently Asked Questions

A structural engineer is a licensed engineer who specializes in inspecting the major structural aspects of a home or building. A residential structural engineer inspects for serious structural defects that are not easy to spot, or for which it’s not easy to identify the solution.

A home inspector will spend most of his time inspecting items that are easy for the buyer to inspect. Home inspectors will be most concerned with whether windows and doors open and close correctly, if sinks drain and outlets work, and if appliances and mechanicals function well for where they are in their normal lifespan.

Architects concentrate on the aesthetics and functionality of a building.

Structural engineers make sure structures support and resist the loads to which they are subjected without excessive movement. Structural engineers also ensure that the design is suitable for the manufacturing tolerances of the building materials used. Structural engineers only inspect, evaluate and design plans or repairs for structures.

A construction contractor builds or makes home structural repairs.

1 ½ to 2 ½ hours depending on the scope of work.

Most structural engineers can design most structures. Different types of projects require a certain knowledge base and this knowledge only comes from experience. Intelligent Design Engineering has qualified team members at every level resulting in a project that is designed correctly, built correctly, and leaves everyone feeling like the project was a success.

Engineers do not do the structural repair work, but they can refer you to someone who can.

Yes, structural engineers hold licenses to be permitted to offer their services to the public. Once licensed, professional engineers are often assigned an identification number that must be stamped or embossed on any plans they approve. Many state license boards also require that a professional engineer take a minimum number of hours of continuing education each year.

A structural engineer will need to make a site visit to your location to assess the situation. The engineer will also need to know why the building inspector did not approve the work as it was completed. The structural engineer will provide an independent opinion and in many cases will either recommend changes to your project to follow code requirements or write an engineer’s letter stating that the work is acceptable as witnessed.

You should always consult a structural engineer before removing any walls inside your house. Walls can either be load bearing or non-load bearing walls. Your engineer will be able to recommend how to remove your walls as well as what size beam you will need to place in your new opening.

There is a section of your Home Inspector’s report which is usually titled “Structural Components.” That is the section of the report that your structural engineer is most interested in. Structural engineers inspect from the house’s foundation to the roofing system. Foundations include basements, crawlspaces and concrete slabs. Structural engineers inspect attics and roof rafters. However, they do not inspect exterior roofing components.