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 Pahala, HI

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: Are all exterior walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria. </p></div>

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: How do I know if cracks are structural?

• <div><p>The best way to determine if ceiling cracks are structural is to hire a ceiling contractor to inspect the cracks and provide a professional opinion. That said, you might be able to make an educated guess based on the size and appearance of the crack. Larger cracks, cracks accompanied by sagging or discoloration, and cracks that travel from the ceiling down the walls are all signs of structural issues.</p></div>

Q: Are dormers load-bearing?

• <div><p>Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Pahala, HI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Pahala, HI 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 Pahala, HI 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 November 25, 2025

Reviewed in September 2022
I noticed some issues with the foundation around the house and Curtis came by to take a look at the house and provided me an honest quote on what work is needed. The work was done professionally and a timely manner with no surprises. For the amount of work that my house needed, the cost was...
Schaibly Brothers Foundation Repair
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Reviewed in January 2019
I felt that the work looked so low quality, that I refused to let them come a second time to fix their job. I can&#39;t understand why they felt the work they did was something they could bill anyone for. My work ethic says that you don&#39;t tell someone the job is done until it is...
Walther Service's, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2017
The service engineer was very knowledgeable and considerate with our needs. I recommend AC DOCTORS.
AC Doctors
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Reviewed in November 2015
IT took me calling and emailing SEVERAL times before he came to my house. They had a big job with the school district I believe and were trying to finish it up. I needed front enclosure YESTERDAY ( ASAP) to protect my pets from rogue coyotes in the neighborhood. He came out two weeks after I...
Norton Iron, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2014
Jake performed the inspection and I was very pleased with his professionalism, experience, and honesty. His inspection and reports were very detailed and useful to me and my wife as novice home buyers. He showed us everything to be worried about; including items about the structure, electrical,...
BIERMAN HOME INSPECTION
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Reviewed in December 2013
The scheduling was pretty straightforward. There were two men who came to work on the car; they tried to up-sell me when they arrived, but I stuck to the Angie's List deal.|They did the wash and detailing in the driveway in the full sun, which immediately indicated it wouldn't be a the best job....
Starr Detail Inc.
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Reviewed in May 2013
They seem to be the experts in automotive and know about engines and everything. I talked to them about issues with some other car and they were very interested in getting into the root of the problem. They are very concerned about getting the right things.
WATER STAR MOTORS
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Reviewed in August 2008
It has been an A plus plus. I have had others who have done this work on me. I find everyone who does it does it differently. Mark's version is very powerful and very effective. He has an engineering background and has applied this perspective to an understanding of the body. He approaches his...
MARK EDDS
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ARCHITECTS STUDIO

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ARCHITECTS STUDIO

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Architectural and Structural Engineering since 1971

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.

It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria.

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

The best way to determine if ceiling cracks are structural is to hire a ceiling contractor to inspect the cracks and provide a professional opinion. That said, you might be able to make an educated guess based on the size and appearance of the crack. Larger cracks, cracks accompanied by sagging or discoloration, and cracks that travel from the ceiling down the walls are all signs of structural issues.

Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.

The Pahala, HI 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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