Are foundation walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.</p></div>

Does a structural engineer need to be licensed?

• <div><p>Yes, all states require structural engineers to carry the proper license, with specifics determined by each state. You can use Angi’s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to confirm that the structural engineer you’re considering holds the required licensing to tackle your job. Hiring an unlicensed structural engineer will not only cause issues with permits but it could also lead to an unsafe building. The cost of a professional, licensed, and experienced engineer is well worth the investment.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Los Osos, CA

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 do retaining walls lean?

• <div><p>Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.</p></div>

Q: Are horizontal cracks structural?

• <div><p>Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Los Osos, CA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Los Osos, 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 Los Osos, 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 December 10, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
We were so impressed with Brazell Builders and their professionalism. The men working on our project arrived on time , didn?t leave for the day without cleaning up the area and surrounding area to our project and did whatever we ask of them They were polite beyond words to us and our family...
Brazell Builders
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Reviewed in September 2024
This company spent 9 days at my 1600 sq. ft house installing engineered hardwood. Scott, who oversaw the job and decided what needed to be done was, at all times, knowledgeable and easy to deal with. The two gentlemen who performed the install, were very focused on their tasks and quite...
Pacific Cal Floor
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Reviewed in September 2022
Inspecter Kevin was outstanding He inspected the home we wanted to buy the day after we called him and had his comprehensive report to us ant the realtor within 8 hours. He pointed out each flaw, those that needed to be fixed because of safety, and items that needed further evaluation as well...
KRE Home Inspection Service
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Reviewed in May 2017
Recommended consulting an engineer to evaluate solutions.
Rich Riedel Home Improvement and Repair
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Reviewed in January 2017
We hired Mark Simmons and his A-1 Concrete Crew to install a concrete retaining wall and patio in our backyard in April, 2016 and it has been a complete nightmare. The retaining wall is structurally unsound and has developed significant cracks (all concrete cracks, but less than a month after...
A-1 CONCRETE
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Reviewed in August 2015
I called Simons to have a contractor come out and take a look at a house <br /> we were in escrow on. Ed came out promptly the next day to give us a <br /> free estimate on adding a bathroom to the house. We talked about the <br /> bathroom addition and a few other remodeling items. The...
Simons Construction Inc
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Reviewed in October 2014
Castle flooring did and exceptional job from fit to finish installing our engineered hardwood on and elevated plywood floor. His customer service and work ethic were superb. He took care of all the details even making uneven areas in a our house smooth and solid, and even accounting for...
Castle Floor Covering
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Reviewed in December 2013
Tom, of North County Insulation, examined the entire structure, which included climbing into the attic and crawling under the house. He then presented us with a (reasonable) itemized estimate, and showed up with his crew in just a few days to complete the job. His office has also been...
North County Insulation Inc
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Reviewed in March 2013
Walter met with us at our house and we showed him the damaged areas on our house and roof deck. We discussed materials and time lines. A couple of days later, he submitted two different quotes on based on various material and labor costs, depending on what we wanted in the end product. To...
Unks Construction
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Reviewed in December 2012
While Shaun's crew was doing the work outside, I was giving the interior an extensive face lift. As a result, I had a chance to observe their work close hand. Shaun had more than one project going so Shaun stopped by most mornings and evenings to check in with his crew. I got the impression he...
O'Shea Construction
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Find Structural engineers in Los Osos

J Hanna Engineering, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Los Osos, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"John was able to advise us on the best course of action in a tricky situation. He got back to me very quickly and was thorough on his advice. We will continue to utilize his services for this and future projects."

Response time2 days

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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Pasquini Engineering, Inc.

2.7(

)

Serving Los Osos, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"I would have liked talking with the draftsmen on the phone. It would have saved both of us time clarifying details instead of back and forth via email"

Response time1 day

Response rate94%

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Serving Los Osos, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

EEI has been in business for 6 years. With offices in Reno NV, Carlsbad CA, and Camarillo CA EEI provides Environmental, Engineering and Architectural services. If you need Engineering or Architectural services please send an e-mail to [email protected]. A complete company profile can be seen at www.eeitiger.com, or call us in Reno at (775) 746-1980 to discuss how we can assist you.

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.

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

Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.

Yes, all states require structural engineers to carry the proper license, with specifics determined by each state. You can use Angi’s state licensing tool to confirm that the structural engineer you’re considering holds the required licensing to tackle your job. Hiring an unlicensed structural engineer will not only cause issues with permits but it could also lead to an unsafe building. The cost of a professional, licensed, and experienced engineer is well worth the investment.

Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage.

The Los Osos, CA 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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