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>

Are foundation walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Odebolt, IA

Q: Why hire a structural engineer for home projects?

• <div><p>Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.</p></div>

Q: Where are most load-bearing walls located?

• <div><p>Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.</p></div>

Q: Are walls on the top floor load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor&rsquo;s foundation.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Odebolt, IA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Odebolt, IA 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 Odebolt, IA 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 March 09, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Beautiful windows, very friendly and professional installers. Would recommend highly
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in May 2025
We had him take down 2 trees between the street and lakeshore and had a great experience so hired him to remove multiple trees at our farm grove too. He showed up when he said, kept us informed and respected our property . He did a great job with replanting trees for us too.
King's Tree Service
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Reviewed in July 2024
Ernesto did a wonderful job on replacing our electrical panel. He followed through on everything he told me he would do. Was clean, professional and easy to work with. He also followed through on coming back to do something extra that I requested. Very satisfied with this company. I would...
JP ELECTRIC SERVICES, CORP.
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Reviewed in July 2023
The remodeler was very professional and did an awesome
Bath Planet of Des Moines
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Reviewed in August 2022
She transformed both bathrooms into what I envisioned. One of my bathrooms was a darker color and itâ s now bright and beautiful!
L&K Paint
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Reviewed in November 2021
They do a great job!
Northwest Builders Of Iowa, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2021
Very professional installers. They cleaned up after themselves. Beautiful windows!!
BRISTOL WINDOWS INC
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Reviewed in August 2021
Excellent work and very timely.
Geralyn Morales
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Reviewed in April 2021
Around the beginning of the year I had them come out to cut down a large ash tree that was showing signs of rot and I didn't want it to break and hit my house. I started the process of getting a quote online and was given a call within and hour and made arrangements for them to come look. ...
Siouxland Tree Services, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2021
The communication was on point and had responded quickly any time I had questions. You can tell there was a lot of effort put into the finish work, met my all expectations.
M & S Dirt Work
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Find Structural engineers in Odebolt

Lawrence T. Butler, Professional Engineer, LLC

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Serving Odebolt, IA and surrounding areas

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In business since 2016

Small jobs welcome

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"Good job explaining everything and what to do"

Response time1 day

19 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by93%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.

Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.

Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor’s foundation.

The Odebolt, IA 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

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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost to Hire? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
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Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 2026
Structural Engineer vs. Architect: Their Differences and Why You Need Both
Do you have an upcoming construction project and aren’t sure whether hiring a structural engineer vs an architect is better? Find out here.
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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.
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Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.