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>

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Q: Are split-level and a split-floor plan the same thing?

• <div><p>A split-level home is one that has several staggered floors connected by short staircases, while a split floor plan separates the primary bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms. Split floor plans are most often found in single-story homes, while split-level homes are always at least two stories.</p></div>

Q: What are the disadvantages of a cathedral ceiling?

• <div><p>Cathedral ceilings make a statement in your home, but at the cost of your attic space. Normal attics are wide open, which allows warm air to move around and exit your home. Because of this, cathedral ceilings make your home less energy efficient and put your ceiling at risk of venting issues if you&rsquo;re not careful. They also reduce your attic storage space, potentially cause an echo, and even make it harder to change a light bulb. </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>

Q: What’s the difference between an architect and an engineer?

• <div><p>The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you&rsquo;re designing and building a new home.</p></div>

Q: Can I do my own structural calculations?

• <div><p>No, it&rsquo;s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Fort Bragg, CA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Fort Bragg, CA 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 Fort Bragg, CA 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 October 26, 2025

Reviewed in November 2024
Leonardo did a great job. He pays attention to detail and he works well with engineers, architects and city and county officials. He is also very good at communicating and keeping me abreast of all costs and cost over runs.
Gaona Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2022
Excellent company I heard of from a neighbor and I am thrilled with the results. ASI Moalem was my first contact and stayed involved. He got me hooked up with Tom Shavit, the project manager and man, everything was perfect. These guys know what they are doing and have the best customer...
Sonny Builders, Inc.
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Reviewed in November 2019
Robert (the business owner) was patient, approachable and communicative throughout the process. Our 1930's era house was a fairly complex job requiring a great deal of critical thought and planning; we were extremely fortunate to have found ECS. Robert has the breadth and depth of experience and...
ECS Exterior Solutions
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Reviewed in April 2018
Terry was astounding at assisting me with this purchase. I had some specific wants from my new home, and she carefully steered me towards homes that met my criteria. Occasionally she probed to see what my limits were, and then she respectfully revised her searches for me. After a couple months...
Terry Diane Kinney, REALTOR
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Reviewed in March 2018
I would like to render a complaint before I pay my bill. Employee came to our house around the 12Jan2018 did an inspection of the house. A few days later we received the report and assumed everything was ok. My husband was home at the time and Employee did not say anything about anything. A few...
Stanley Pest Control-El Monte Office
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Reviewed in June 2009
They did the work without messing up the house too much, always using pads and cleaning up dust. As it happens, Burns's quote was lower than several other vendors, though about $1,300 higher than the lowest bid. The owner, Bob Burns, is a thoughtful guy who explored a lot of alternatives before...
Burns Mechanical Corp
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Reviewed in November 2007
Performed task well. I had an architect draw conceptions and Mr. McCarthy do the plans. Wish alternative ways of construction were explained by one or the other. After getting bids from the first set of plans, I had to have them redrawn so the structure did not need expensive retaining walls....
W. L. McCarthy, RCE
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RSCO, Inc

RSCO, Inc

Swicegood Civil Engineering, Inc.

Swicegood Civil Engineering, Inc.

Mashiach Exploration LLC

Mashiach Exploration LLC

A&E Associated

A&E Associated

Romanazzi General Engineering

Romanazzi General Engineering

Fielden Engineering Group

Fielden Engineering Group

Cullumber Engineering

Cullumber Engineering

RYAKT

RYAKT

THR Engineering

THR Engineering

Hanbali And Associates

Hanbali And Associates

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