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’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.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Winters, CA

Q: How thick are LVL beams?

• <div><p>The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between <b>1.75 inches and 7 inches</b>. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.</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: Are brick houses safer in an earthquake?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/urmwalls/#:~:text=Houses%20built%20of%20unreinforced%20masonry,and%20the%20roof%20is%20critical.">Earthquake Country Alliance</a>&mdash;a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness&mdash;reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn&rsquo;t as stable as other building materials and methods.</p></div>

Q: Do structural engineers do free quotes?

• <div><p>Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home&rsquo;s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Winters, CA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Winters, 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 Winters, 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 02, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Jorge gave a fair bid, showed up on time, completed all work as promised. Has great skill for structural repair, & extremely professional. We will hire him again for our next home project. Nice guy.
ProHome Design
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Reviewed in January 2025
Austin is an expert in excavator use to accomplish the most demanding jobs. In quick notice he brought in heavy equipment to relocate a structure on a ranch hill. This required site prep work, grading and leveling, and then movement of a structure in position with 1/2" tolerances for footings....
Yolostone Enterprises, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2023
We reached out to Hawley & Sons, Warren in particular, after a previous contractor left our remodel project in absolute despair. We were in a massive pickle of picking up the pieces. Warren jumped right in to not only assist us with services, but with guidance as well. His team, with included...
Hawley Construction and Remodel Inc
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Reviewed in June 2023
The Apex team is professional, friendly, and the work they did blended seamlessly with existing structures. Working with Apex was a very positive, no-stress experience. I was so pleased by the outcome that I have already contracted with them to tackle my next project!
Apex Standard Builders, Inc
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Reviewed in July 2021
I've been a Designer, product Developer, as well as a general contractor for 30 years, and I'm hyper aware of all the details around Design & Construction standards. With that understanding between parties, the staff at California Sunrooms were more than willing to accept my...
California Sunrooms
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Reviewed in April 2018
This was a massive months-long project to repair wood rot damage. It included replacing multiple structural deficits, termite damage, replacing the roof, siding and stucco work, rebuilding a balcony, renovating the garage, replacing a window and sliding glass door, and painting the house...
Red Line Remodeling & Design, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2015
Right from the start we were impressed with the way Tony the salesman, listened to our ideas and drew a plan to incorporate them all. Before construction, the designer, ( I think his name was Jason) came out to make sure the plans were functional, and had some additional great ideas for...
Clark Wagaman Designs
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Reviewed in December 2013
It went very well. We have a very large roof (single story home with 3-car garage and covered patio stretching across entire rear of home, so roof is 4,600 square feet). They delayed start of work one day because of rain prediction, but then deployed a large crew that quickly removed the old...
Northern California Roofing Co
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Reviewed in May 2013
Alex, the salesman was very helpful in helping me select the appropriate color combination; he went out of his way to bring samples that I could keep to bring shopping. THere was some difficulty getting the repairs scheduled, on my part and theirs. However, once we got started, it went smoothly...
Best Exteriors Construction Inc
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Reviewed in December 2012
Steve is an absolutely amazing custom home builder. He is also a master with outdoor hardscapes. His ATTENTION TO DETAIL is unsurpassed. He is a PERFECTIONIST and sees everything. VERY DETAILED, and this is what separates a good builder from the BEST. I truly feel fortunate to have found...
Vandewark Construction
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Find Structural engineers in Winters

Eiffel Structural Engineers, LLC

4.5(

)

Serving Winters, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

"Sam is one of the best in industry. Being a former architect myself, I would highly recommend him for any structural needs you may have for your project."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Mastodon Engineering Group, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Winters, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Mastodon Engineering Group is a heck of a company. I would highly recommend them to anyone. Mark is a really respectful man. I really liked working with Mark. Super professional, high integrity, very charismatic. I like people who are easy to talk to and have a sense of humor. He meets all those standards for me. He is very efficient and that is a plus."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Winters, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Welcome to BTS Engineering! We are committed to exceeding your expectations. As experts, we will handle your needs with the high quality expertise that your home or business deserves. We offer competitive prices and customer satisfaction is our number one priority. Call us today!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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EA Structural Engineering

New to Angi

Serving Winters, 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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Pasquini Engineering, Inc.

2.7(

)

Serving Winters, 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

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Structure Of Design Calculations and Inspections

New to Angi

Serving Winters, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Credit card accepted

Here at Structure of Design Calculations and Inspections, I focus on quality of the project every time. I am very precise with the way I complete my projects. With over 35 years of experience being a Civil Engineer I have dedication and pride in my work. Call me today for an estimate for building your future.

Response time9 hrs

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The McEdwards Group

New to Angi

Serving Winters, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

We take great pride our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Winters, 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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HCG Associates, Inc.

New to Angi

Serving Winters, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1979

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

HCG Associates has served the greater San Francisco Bay Area since 1979. We're experts in residential structural design, soft-story retrofit, seismic evaluations and homes in need of seismic retrofit. We provide structural engineering services delivering plans and calcs. After we're done, we'll offer a construction bid too!

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between 1.75 inches and 7 inches. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.

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.

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home’s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.

The Winters, CA homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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

See all articles

Dan Simms
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2026 Data]
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Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
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Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
What Is a Structural Engineer and Do You Need One?
Learn what a structural engineer is, what they do, when you might need to hire one for your home project, and how much they charge.
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Structural Inspection vs. Home Inspection: Which Is Right for You?
Knowing the difference between structural inspections vs. home inspections is easy with this convenient guide. Learn when you might get each one done.
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May 5, 2026May 5, 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.