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>

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*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Fenwick Island, DE is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

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Last update on August 01, 2024

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William Siegel

5.0(

)

Serving Fenwick Island, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

I am a licensed Professional Engineer providing structural engineering services for residential and small commercial projects. I work with homeowners, contractors, and design professionals to help move projects through the permit process by providing structural calculations, drawings, evaluations, and engineering letters as needed.\n\nIn-person structural inspections are available in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. Remote structural consulting is available in Delaware and North Carolina.\n\nTypical projects include load-bearing wall removal, beam and header sizing, additions, decks, foundation concerns, and framing evaluations. My goal is to provide practical, code-compliant structural solutions that are clear, efficient, and tailored to the project.

25 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Stephen R. Lehr Engineering

3.5(

)

Serving Fenwick Island, DE and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Did a great job. Very nice."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Although the two terms are closely related and often used interchangeably, pier and beam foundations and crawl spaces are different things. A pier and beam foundation is made up of concrete piers and wooden beams and creates a space under the home known as a crawl space. There are several types of foundations that create crawl spaces, often collectively known as “crawl space foundations,” but the crawl space itself is separate from the foundation.

Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.

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.

A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.

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

The Fenwick Island, DE 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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Alison Kasch
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
Lyle Hendriks
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 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.
Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
What to Expect From a Structural Engineer Foundation Inspection
Identify potentially serious problems with your foundation with an inspection from a structural engineer.
Em Norton
•
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.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection
Learn why it might be a good idea to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection in addition to a general home inspector when you’re purchasing a home.