Is it worth getting a structural engineer?

• <div><p>If you’re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it’s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren’t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It’s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you’re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Hensley, AR

Q: Are ceiling joists load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they&rsquo;re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them. </p></div>

Q: What is the typical process architects follow from concept to completion?

• <div><p>The process involves initial consultation, concept development, detailed planning, regulatory approvals, and integration of contractor work for project execution.</p></div>

Q: Why are houses built with crawl spaces?

• <div><p>The primary reason homes have crawl spaces is so the foundation can reach down below the frost line to avoid dangerous soil movement and structural damage when the ground freezes. They&rsquo;re more popular in colder climates where the ground freezes down to a few feet, and slabs are most popular in warmer areas where there is no frost line. Crawl spaces also provide a space for utility lines to run where they&rsquo;re at less of a risk of freezing.</p></div>

Q: How much weight can 6 inches of concrete hold?

• <div><p>On average, 6 inches of concrete can hold around 150 pounds per square foot, but the exact weight that 6 inches of concrete can hold depends on factors such as the type of concrete, the reinforcement method, soil conditions below, and structural design. If you&rsquo;re concerned about the longevity of your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway, hire a professional to help you choose an appropriate concrete thickness and reinforcement method for your needs. </p></div>

Q: Is it worth getting a structural engineer?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it&rsquo;s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren&rsquo;t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It&rsquo;s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you&rsquo;re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Hensley, AR

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Hensley, AR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Structural Engineering companies in Hensley, AR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

Last update on February 25, 2026

Reviewed in February 2026
Todd and his crew did a wonderful job of installing a new roof on my two-story house. They have excellent workmanship and were easy to get our roof done. Definitely a company to use for roof installations.
Big Rock Restoration, LLC dba Big Rock Kangaroof
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Reviewed in March 2025
Allen Construction just completed putting vinyl siding on my home. The crew did an incredible job. They were professional and so very nice. My home looks brand new. They really paid attention to details. I could not be happier. A+
Allen Construction
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Reviewed in September 2023
Excellent craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality. I am beyond pleased with the job done, which included brick, stone, and concrete. Highly recommend!
Plan A Brick And Stone
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Reviewed in April 2023
Isaiah installed a mini-split in an addition for me. Workmanship was excellent!! They were on time with project goals, as well as kept the interior of area clean/ cleaned up after themselves. Pricing for this project was also excellent!!! I highly recommend IT Construction!!!
I.T. Wells General Contractors
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Reviewed in August 2022
Wade was great! I needed a brick structure removed from my living room and he went above and beyond. Was very kind and explained everything well. I would definitely recommend and use again!
Wade Taylor
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Reviewed in October 2021
The entire crew was amazing!! My first project was a roof along with wood siding repair, house painting, and installing a railing the entire length of my front porch. The price was fair and the work was completed as the weather would allow. It did not take long at all. I was kept updated on all...
J & Z Roofing Remodeling Construction
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Reviewed in July 2021
Mark & his crew did an amazing job building a 23’ x 10’ screened-in porch attached to the back of our home. They were very detail oriented & took extras steps to ensure the porch was structurally sound & secure. Workmanship is outstanding and finished product is exactly what we wanted. Highly...
Entech Home Improvement Services
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Reviewed in April 2020
I usually do not write reviews but this was a major purchase for me. I spoke with quite a few other companies and JD was the rep that took the time to explain the process to me and educate me (this was my first time buying a building for my growing business). I could tell from my first...
J.D.s Roofing and Home Improvement
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Reviewed in November 2018
This project was for an 1860’s historic home on the National Registry. David of SAI showed a genuine respect for the integrity of the structure. Work was done efficiently at a reasonably cost. This contractor gets my highest recommendation.
South Arkansas Improvements
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Reviewed in July 2015
What a project. I live in an OLD late 1800s brick masonry home. The home went through a major gut renovation back in the 70s by a previous owner. Before I bought the place a few years ago, it had sat empty for several years, so several things were in disrepair, and it had sustained some damage...
Freewalt Builders Inc
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Find Structural engineers in Hensley

Hall Engineering, Ltd.

4.8(

162

)

Serving Hensley, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Credit card accepted

"The structural engineer I hired has been very quick tonrespind and provides nothing but what you'd expect from a professional. Easy to work with and knowledgeable, and very to the point. Thank you home advisor. You saved me on this one"

Response time1 day

Response rate91%

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Request Quote

Hall Engineering, Ltd.

4.6(

167

)

Serving Hensley, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Credit card accepted

"While I hadn't initially planned to spend extra money for an engineer, I'm very much satisfied with my decision to do so. It was indeed worth it! I felt it best to employ the services of a professional to help with my first home, so I did an online search for structural engineers, and came across Hall Engineering. Honestly, Martin was great! He was prompt(actually a few minutes early!), professional, personable, and very knowledgeable. It was a really enjoyable experience! His answers were honest, practical, and helped me to make design decisions that I'd contemplated for a while. He took the time to actually explain what could, or couldn't be done based on current structuring, and what would be cost effective. He even took an extra trip up into the attic to be thorough about the information he gathered, and the answers that he was giving me. I'm sure he's quite busy, and knowing that, I really appreciate the extra time he took to make that extra attic trip. When it's time for the next project(front porch addition) I definitely plan to contact Martin; and will recommend him to anyone I know that could use his expertise! Thanks again!"

Response time11 hrs

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they’re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them.

The process involves initial consultation, concept development, detailed planning, regulatory approvals, and integration of contractor work for project execution.

The primary reason homes have crawl spaces is so the foundation can reach down below the frost line to avoid dangerous soil movement and structural damage when the ground freezes. They’re more popular in colder climates where the ground freezes down to a few feet, and slabs are most popular in warmer areas where there is no frost line. Crawl spaces also provide a space for utility lines to run where they’re at less of a risk of freezing.

On average, 6 inches of concrete can hold around 150 pounds per square foot, but the exact weight that 6 inches of concrete can hold depends on factors such as the type of concrete, the reinforcement method, soil conditions below, and structural design. If you’re concerned about the longevity of your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway, hire a professional to help you choose an appropriate concrete thickness and reinforcement method for your needs.

If you’re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it’s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren’t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It’s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you’re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.

The Hensley, AR homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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