Get matched with top structural engineers in Kodiak, AK

Their expertise in identifying potential problems early and implementing durable solutions safeguards your home’s integrity.

Squeaky floors don’t always mean structural damage. Usually, it’s caused by friction somewhere inside your floor—whether it’s a loose floorboard or a gap between the subfloor and joists. If there is structural damage, you’ll notice other signs like soft or sagging floors, cracks that go from the wall to the ceiling, and horizontal cracks on your foundation.

The early stages of building a house are harder than the later stages; laying the foundation and framing the house are two of the most challenging steps. However, it varies for everyone. Some people have difficulty installing HVAC, plumbing, and electricity, while others find it harder to plan the house and secure the necessary permits. 

The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.