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 Monterey, CA

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: How long does a structural assessment typically take?

• <div><p>A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.</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>

Q: How deep does a monolithic slab need to be?

• <div><p>The depth of any foundation style depends on your climate and how deep the frost line is, as building code requires that the footers of a foundation&mdash;which are built into a monolithic slab&mdash;sit at least a foot below the frost line. At the southern tip of Florida, for example, a monolithic slab foundation would only need to sit 12 inches under the soil at the widest parts. On some parts of the Canadian border, the frost line is 100 inches, which would mean a minimum of 112 inches, which is prohibitively deep for a monolithic slab.</p></div>

Q: If you do the work yourself, how can you be sure your home is still structurally sound?

• <div><p>If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-architect-cost.htm">pay to hire an architect</a> or a structural engineer to ensure your home remains structurally sound. They can help with the planning to make sure everything is up to code and safe for your family. On the other hand, if you&rsquo;re not sure your home will be completely safe when you&rsquo;ve completed the project, let a pro do the job.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Monterey, CA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Monterey, 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 Monterey, 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 June 30, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Total industrial auto building renovation including concrete, electrical, HVAC, lighting, roof, etc. They did an excellent job. Always on time and on budget. They handled all of the plans, engineering and permitting. Great communication and the staff, which includes in-house design, is...
Hastings Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2024
Concrete expert! Youâ re choosing the best by going with Gary and his team. Gary consulted me on all facets of the job, never missing a detail and making my house amazing. Thanks, Higuera Excavation and Grading!
Higuera Excavation and Grading
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Reviewed in September 2023
Bruno Construction did a great job remodeling my home. Mike and his team were fantastic. Always on time and thorough. Mike was great in listening to my ideas and understanding what my goals and vision for our remodel were. His ideas to make our home more suitable for our needs were great. He...
Bruno Construction
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Reviewed in December 2022
Anthony Powers Tile is absolutely the worst of the worst. Here are some of the problems I encountered with Powers: 1. Anthony Powers brought his two young boys with him as helpers. The boys worked solely and exclusively under the direction and supervision of Powers. Powers paid his boys (if they...
Anthony Powers Tile
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Reviewed in May 2022
I received a great quote and was impressed by how quickly the job was completed. The project turned out beautiful and it was exactly what I envisioned! Thank you Lorenzo Noto Engineering!
Lorenzo Noto Engineering Inc
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Reviewed in May 2019
They took down a huge condemned oak tree that had 4 very long and heavy limbs that endangered structures on 3 neighbor's property and our master bedroom. They have all the right equipment and attitude. Great guys, professional, on time, and know what they're doing. Gary, Pacific Grove
The Tree Brothers
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Reviewed in September 2014
He was on time, professional, down to earth and took time to answer our questions and explain options to us. He also recommended a structural engineer who was very helpful as well. <br /> There were so many issues with the home that we did not go through with the purchase but we were very...
Fischer Construction Inc
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Reviewed in September 2013
There were several jobs, large and small over a period of time and all work was performed with a great deal of input on my part. Much of the work had to be customized to the structure. I would describe what I wanted and Mr. Fasulo would provide several options. The biggest job was replacing...
PRECISION ELECTRIC, INC.
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Reviewed in September 2013
I'm not sure why people think Carmel Audio Video is so terrific, why they have such a positive brand reputation. While I was happy with their responsiveness and professionalism, I resented the fact that they were the <strong>only</strong> one of several A/V contractors to charge me ($185) for...
CARMEL AUDIO & VIDEO
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Reviewed in August 2013
Great. In addition to fine workmanship, Max Baggett Construction is especially good at providing inventive engineering solutions to unusual or dificult problems which I had encountered. <br />
Baggett Construction Services
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Find Structural engineers in Monterey

J Hanna Engineering, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Monterey, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Although Johnâ s company is 120 miles away from my place, he was able to provide me a very good engineering service for a good size job of opening up four rooms into a huge great room environment. He has many years of engineering experience in wide range of complex jobs with high quality of interaction with customer without much of delay. He is my go to engineer for my next remodeling project on other property in near future. Tsbiker Hollister, CA"

Response time2 days

7 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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EA Structural Engineering

New to Angi

Serving Monterey, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

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Medina Remodeling Company

3.9(

)

Serving Monterey, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

"I liked Fred M. but I can not spend that kind of money for my bathroom. I looked at his work and I would say is very good,but just to much for me,to spend on a rental.
"

+11

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Serving Monterey, 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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Wright Engineers of California, Inc.

New to Angi

Serving Monterey, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1980

Wright Engineers provides one-stop multi-discipline engineering solutions for public and private clients throughout the West and nationwide. Our staff is comprised of a team of over 100 of the best of the best. Engineers are licensed in 34 states, including the entire Western Region. \n \n

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.

No, it’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.

The depth of any foundation style depends on your climate and how deep the frost line is, as building code requires that the footers of a foundation—which are built into a monolithic slab—sit at least a foot below the frost line. At the southern tip of Florida, for example, a monolithic slab foundation would only need to sit 12 inches under the soil at the widest parts. On some parts of the Canadian border, the frost line is 100 inches, which would mean a minimum of 112 inches, which is prohibitively deep for a monolithic slab.

If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can pay to hire an architect or a structural engineer to ensure your home remains structurally sound. They can help with the planning to make sure everything is up to code and safe for your family. On the other hand, if you’re not sure your home will be completely safe when you’ve completed the project, let a pro do the job.

The Monterey, CA homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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