Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Richfield, ID

Q: Why are houses built with crawl spaces?

• <div><p>The primary reason homes have crawl spaces is so the foundation can reach down below the frost line to avoid dangerous soil movement and structural damage when the ground freezes. They&rsquo;re more popular in colder climates where the ground freezes down to a few feet, and slabs are most popular in warmer areas where there is no frost line. Crawl spaces also provide a space for utility lines to run where they&rsquo;re at less of a risk of freezing.</p></div>

Q: Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner&rsquo;s insurance companies don&rsquo;t mandate a structural engineer&rsquo;s inspection, so in most cases, it&rsquo;s not required. However, it&rsquo;s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you&rsquo;re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

Q: What are the disadvantages of a cathedral ceiling?

• <div><p>Cathedral ceilings make a statement in your home, but at the cost of your attic space. Normal attics are wide open, which allows warm air to move around and exit your home. Because of this, cathedral ceilings make your home less energy efficient and put your ceiling at risk of venting issues if you&rsquo;re not careful. They also reduce your attic storage space, potentially cause an echo, and even make it harder to change a light bulb. </p></div>

Q: Why are studs 16 inches apart?

• <div><p>In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called &quot;on-center&quot; and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called &quot;advanced framing&quot;. This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity. </p></div>

Q: How do professionals ensure durability in wall construction?

• <div><p>Through proper drainage solutions and compacting the foundation soil.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Richfield, ID

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Richfield, ID 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 Richfield, ID 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 December 25, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
We purchased two new sliding glass doors at a home show. We wanted to replace ours because they were hard to slide open and closed. We have been VERY UNSATISFIED with Amazing Exteriors and REGRET ever buying them! They were a month late with the installation and never updated us to tell us when...
Amazing Exterior's of Idaho
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Reviewed in December 2024
My contractor was amazing getting the work done just like we asked and in a timely manner even with all the other jobs they had going at the time
Revamp Rebuild & Drywall LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
Awesome work and communication throughout the project. Could not meet a more friendly and awesome couple. There were removed several large trees overhanging fence lines, power lines, property lines, and structures. They did such a good job that I referred them to my fathers home for additional...
5C Tree Cutters, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2018
The owner of Red Rock Service and Repair, Ben Durfey, 1458 N 1180 E Shelley, Idaho. Ben checked the fifth wheel and told us what needed to be done. Later that day Ben gave a verbal quote on phone and we asked for a written estimate. We were told we needed to give him two thirds down. We gave him...
Red Rock RV Service and Repair
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Reviewed in February 2014
Arrived on monday at 9am as agreed. Keith made quick work of the first side of the wall demolition. The most impressive aspect of his work throughout, and at the end of the first day; was how clean he maintained the work area! So, he worked quickly and cleaned things up as he worked. A very cool...
Hooked On Construction
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Reviewed in October 2013
I have been searching for a new housecleaner since my former cleaner retired. Finding someone who does a good job and you feel good about working with is very difficult in this area. Irene and I initially spoke by phone and set up a time for her to come for her first cleaning. She was prompt,...
Irene Linder
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Reviewed in September 2013
About a month ago the owner, Bob Potter, came to bid on the project. He offered suggestions and we agreed on what needed to be done. The evening before the work was done he called to say tomorrow is the day. Fortunately it worked out well for me. The short notice was a bit surprising. The crew...
ADVANTAGE TREE CARE
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Reviewed in September 2013
Kept the car for 2 days to check the engine. Learned it was the gas tank and not engine. Very thorough
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Of Pocatello
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Reviewed in August 2013
Jeff was very professional and had a good level of communication throughout the process. He is busy, and I had to wait a couple weeks before he could take my truck but it was worth the wait. He had the engine steam cleaned and called me with a preliminary diagnosis within a couple hours of...
Askew Machine and Perfomance-Jeff Askew South Side
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Reviewed in July 2013
The work went well few if any problems; owner made a trip to local hardware type store to purchase special colored screws, while repair shop owner removed the engine from the boat; flashing pieces were installed and motor was reattached to boat. The result was even better than hoped for, I could...
Ultra Marine Performance
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Find Structural engineers in Richfield

Meier Architecture • Engineering

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Meier Architecture • Engineering

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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).

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The primary reason homes have crawl spaces is so the foundation can reach down below the frost line to avoid dangerous soil movement and structural damage when the ground freezes. They’re more popular in colder climates where the ground freezes down to a few feet, and slabs are most popular in warmer areas where there is no frost line. Crawl spaces also provide a space for utility lines to run where they’re at less of a risk of freezing.

Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing.

Cathedral ceilings make a statement in your home, but at the cost of your attic space. Normal attics are wide open, which allows warm air to move around and exit your home. Because of this, cathedral ceilings make your home less energy efficient and put your ceiling at risk of venting issues if you’re not careful. They also reduce your attic storage space, potentially cause an echo, and even make it harder to change a light bulb.

In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity.

Through proper drainage solutions and compacting the foundation soil.

The Richfield, ID 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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