Top-rated structural engineers.

Get matched with top structural engineers in Downey, ID

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Downey, ID?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Structural engineers in Downey

Meier Architecture • Engineering

No reviews yet

Meier Architecture • Engineering

No reviews yet
43 years of experience

Meier Architecture & Engineering, an Employee Owned company, is a full-service architectural and engineering consulting firm with Registered Architects and licensed Professional Engineers in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Structural Engineering. Formed in 1982, has successfully completed more than 6,600 projects in the past 29 years. Meier Architecture & Engineering, an award winning company providing services from coast to coast, as well as worldwide, we are licensed in 28 states and serve as members of many professional, discipline-specific associations. Mindful of our future, members of our staff are also accredited in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Meier Architecture & Engineering, an Employee Owned company, is a full-service architectural and engineering consulting firm with Registered Architects and licensed Professional Engineers in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Structural Engineering. Formed in 1982, has successfully completed more than 6,600 projects in the past 29 years. Meier Architecture & Engineering, an award winning company providing services from coast to coast, as well as worldwide, we are licensed in 28 states and serve as members of many professional, discipline-specific associations. Mindful of our future, members of our staff are also accredited in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Avatar for Workhorse Excavation and Construction Inc.

Workhorse Excavation and Construction Inc.

No reviews yet

Workhorse Excavation and Construction Inc.

No reviews yet

We are a company that specializes in excavation and new home construction. We also do civil underground utilities, septic systems, storm drains and rock walls. We have over 32 years of Hands on and Leadership experience in the construction industry. Safety is a personal core value and an important part of how we run construction sites. Other qualities that define who we are: Integrity, flexibility, adaptability and continuous improvement.

We are a company that specializes in excavation and new home construction. We also do civil underground utilities, septic systems, storm drains and rock walls. We have over 32 years of Hands on and Leadership experience in the construction industry. Safety is a personal core value and an important part of how we run construction sites. Other qualities that define who we are: Integrity, flexibility, adaptability and continuous improvement.

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can pay to hire an architect or a structural engineer to ensure your home remains structurally sound. They can help with the planning to make sure everything is up to code and safe for your family. On the other hand, if you’re not sure your home will be completely safe when you’ve completed the project, let a pro do the job.

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.

In many areas, advice from a structural engineer or an architect will be required by your building department before you can remove a wall, but even if it’s not necessary, it’s a good idea. Accidentally removing a load-bearing wall—even if a general contractor advises that it’s safe—can cause major structural damage, putting you and your family at risk and potentially costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.

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. 

Because of their composite structure, cutting or drilling LVL beams can compromise their integrity. We strongly advise contacting a general contractor or structural engineer before making any alterations to LVL beams. Professionals can also answer questions about choosing between a pier and beam versus slab foundation when designing your project.

The Downey, ID 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

What do you need done? We’ll find top pros.
  • 🌱 "Mow a small front yard"
  • 🛠 "Fix a leaking pipe under the sink"
  • 🏠 "Repair shingles on an asphalt roof"