Get matched with top structural engineers in Occidental, CA

Q: Do I need a structural engineer or an architect?

• <div><p>Whether you&rsquo;re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.</p></div>

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: Can you put a doorway in a structural wall?

• <div><p>Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it&rsquo;s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer&rsquo;s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.</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: What is the 10 10 rule in construction?

• <div><p>The 10 10 rule describes the formula most contractors use to determine how much to charge for a job. Allowing for 10% overhead above the total projected cost to do the work and 10% profit sets a contractor up for success, even if there are delays or other problems on the project. This formula isn&rsquo;t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a ballpark figure to begin with when estimating your expenses on a job.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Occidental, CA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Occidental, 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 Occidental, 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 12, 2023

Reviewed in December 2023
They were absolutely amazing and solved my problem in under 45 minutes. My engineer husband couldnâ t even figure out what to do and he did it remotely which made it super easy.
Computer Coach
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Reviewed in May 2023
I had a really good experience with Alicia and Juan. We had a previously existing patio structure in our back patio, and wanted to add a similar structure to a new area in our larger front yard. They nailed it; same materials, including a rusted patina corrugated roof, matched the stain and...
JA Mejia Construction
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Reviewed in August 2022
This was a new experience for us as we had never had structures built, the entire team was knowledgeable and guided us through the process smoothly making our vision possible.
Cutting Edge
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Reviewed in April 2022
Excavation was first rate and incredibly efficient due to expert operators. Company owns and operates new equipment. We had huge job and everything was well within their scope and capabilities. Trenched and installed over 200 ft of electrical conduit and irrigations lines. Grading was...
Santiago General Engineering
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Reviewed in December 2021
This is the worst Engineering Design firm. They outsource their engineers from India. They are incapable of accomplishing the plans on time. Do not use this place. We are still waiting for our structural and civil plans. You can’t speak with the engineers directly and have to go through an...
Design Everest
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Reviewed in September 2021
I hired smooth to add on to an existing structure. They went above and beyond and actually did more work that I had suddenly thought of when I had them on site. Hector (the owner) gave me the best price of 3 contractors and was very open about the timeline. Overall, I would definitely recommend...
Smooth Style Concrete Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2021
This was THE BEST experience I've ever had with any home contractor. The project was a complex exterior painting of a main house, guest house, and pool house along with multiple retaining walls and railings. The structures comprised about 5,500 sq. ft total with many unique surfaces and...
All Pro Painting
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Reviewed in February 2021
I have used Eric Wilson, owner of Specialty Improvements Unlimited, for various projects over the past 15 years and they have been excellent in each of the projects theyâ ve done. Iâ ve found Eric to be very professional, and honest with high integrity and character. Some of the smallest...
Specialty Improvements Unlimited
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Reviewed in September 2020
We have had Elmer on three different projects. It is a joy to have someone building for you and you have learned that it will be done right, no checking up is needed. Doing shoddy or sloppy work just is not in his DNA. He takes great pride in his work. He reminds me of my father who would come...
Bedrock Construction Co.
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Reviewed in June 2020
The best people ever. We placed the pond project on hold and they built a trex/redwood deck and installed drip lines & automatic watering. AWESOME workmanship. Suggested clever details improving safety: contrasting outline boards on trim and stairs for visual cueing, subtle lights at edge of...
B&C Enterprises
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Find Structural engineers in Occidental

Auburn Detailing and Construction Services

4.7(

)

Draftsperson/CADD

Serving Occidental, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Christopher was very helpful, he guide me through all the process of making a plan for the city. He was very patient with me through the project. Overall I was very satisfied with the project."

+10

Response time1 day

Response rate85%

Recommended by77%of homeowners

ArchitectArchitect - For BusinessDraftsperson/CADD

Serving Occidental, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"Very well. We have had GLB design several houses / projects for us through the years."

kitchen remodel and dining room addition.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Fine Point Architecture & Planning Incorporated

5.0(

)

ArchitectArchitect - For Business

Serving Occidental, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Knowledgeable . Made me comfortable during the whole process."

Response time4 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by60%of homeowners

Draftsperson/CADDArchitectArchitect - For Business

Serving Occidental, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I am having a full master bath and kitchen remodel done with new layouts in both rooms and knocking out a wall. Evolution worked with me to quickly get a drawing done of the new layouts so that the contractor could get started on the project. They made sure to include me in the process so that the design would be done exactly as my wife and I envisioned. They communicated effectively throughout the process and were always courteous and professional. I recommend them to anyone with drafting needs."

+23

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

72 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Occidental, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Customers say: Quick response

"Esther was very easy to work with and gave us a nice design for our bathroom re-do."

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Hogan Land Services, Inc.

4.0(

)

Draftsperson/CADD

Serving Occidental, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Did a great job. Very thorough. Reasonable cost. Stayed within the estimate."

Response time4 days

21 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by78%of homeowners

Serving Occidental, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Very straight forward . Very easy to work with. Good listenior timely"

+227

Response time1 day

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

M. Holz Design Studio

5.0(

)

Draftsperson/CADD

Serving Occidental, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Mary helped me with a new barn/adu design and also a second dwelling design. Sheâ s so easy to work with and made the process easy and streamlined. I highly recommend her!"

+20

Response time1 day

Response rate98%

Recommended by75%of homeowners

Draftsperson/CADDArchitect

Serving Occidental, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We have a single mission: Complete Customer Satisfaction! We have consistently focused on the needs of our customers, providing personalized attention and a stress-free experience.\nYou will find us to be competitively priced with close attention to the details.\nOur reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.\nWe look forward to building a lasting relationship and guarantee your satisfaction!\n

172 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Occidental, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1991

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Professional. Good communication. Reasonable fee. A+"

+70

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 57

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Whether you’re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.

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.

Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.

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.

The 10 10 rule describes the formula most contractors use to determine how much to charge for a job. Allowing for 10% overhead above the total projected cost to do the work and 10% profit sets a contractor up for success, even if there are delays or other problems on the project. This formula isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a ballpark figure to begin with when estimating your expenses on a job.

The Occidental, 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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Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026
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•
Oct 2, 2026Oct 2, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
Beam installation costs are an important consideration if you’re building a home or doing renovations. Learn about average costs and factors in this guide.
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•
Aug 22, 2026Aug 22, 2026
Structural Engineering: Everything You Need to Know
Spotting deep foundation cracks or sagging floors? Learn about structural engineering costs, serious warning signs, and how to hire the right local pro.
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Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
How to Hire a Structural Engineer: Complete Guide
It can be hard to choose the right pro for any job, but it matters. Learn how to hire a structural engineer who'll get the job done right from start to finish.