Are there benefits to consulting an engineer before home modifications?

• <div><p>Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won’t compromise structural integrity.</p></div>

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Q: Are there benefits to consulting an engineer before home modifications?

• <div><p>Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won&rsquo;t compromise structural integrity.</p></div>

Q: If you do the work yourself, how can you be sure your home is still structurally sound?

• <div><p>If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-architect-cost.htm">pay to hire an architect</a> 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&rsquo;re not sure your home will be completely safe when you&rsquo;ve completed the project, let a pro do the job.</p></div>

Q: Are ceiling joists load-bearing?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them. </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: Can a one-story house have a load-bearing wall?

• <div><p>Yes, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Chillicothe, IL

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Chillicothe, IL 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 Chillicothe, IL 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 May 15, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Would not recommend. I asked him to come out and fix a leak on a sink that he installed a little less than a year ago, as well as replace two water supply valves. Was grossly over charged, when asked about the pricing structure his math did not add up to what he charged me. Worked for an hour...
Schlueter Plumbing
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Reviewed in August 2025
Transforming a basement from an underutilized space into a functional part of the home is a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the delicate art of listening to a client’s needs. Having experienced this process firsthand, I am delighted to provide my strongest recommendation for A1 Quality...
A1 Quality Construction Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2023
If you need a door repair, door installed, frame work around the door and entryway floor repair, James Flanigan construction is the way to go. Man knows what he is doing. Quotes you a price, writes you up a bill of sale and gets started. Shows up on time and gets the job finished. Definitely...
James Flanigan Construction
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Reviewed in February 2023
Outstanding work! This team knows their business deeply, and it shows in the quality of their work. Our property required considerable pruning in large trees overhanging structures, as well as the removal of several dead/dying trees. In consultation, we discussed how to best prune established...
Right Way Tree & Outdoor Service
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Reviewed in November 2021
Excellent! I couldn’t be happier. Professional crew, excellent work. They far exceeded my expectations. You can’t go wrong hiring Troy.
Bath Time by Troy Crilly
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Reviewed in July 2021
I would highly recommend Ready Roof. They took time to explain and execute the job. The materials used where all top of the line and they made sure things were done properly and in a timely manner. Clean up was great and I'm very happy with my new roof and siding. Top notch company.
Ready Roof
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Reviewed in July 2021
Great company! Very professional. When my basement flooded they came in and made this stress free for me and handled everything in a timely matter. My basement looks great now and I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend.
Illinois Remodeling Consultants
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Reviewed in July 2019
O Rourke Deck Services provided top-notch professionalism. Sean provided thoughtful, detailed communications for us and kept us up-to-date on each stage of construction. He designed and constructed the deck exactly to our specifications using the highest quality materials. The deck is now more...
O'Rourke Deck Services, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2017
TEN WEEKS later I got my mower back, minus some parts and some other parts replaced with ones they must have found laying around (I assumed they had either broken or lost the parts which were on it originally). I was never called about the status of the mower, I always had to initiate the call....
Call-A-Tool Inc
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Reviewed in June 2015
This was our first use of Angie's List, and we are quite impressed with SF Pauli Builders. We were called on the same day of our original contact, and 2 additional times during the process. All who we talked to were very friendly and professional. The estimate to remount our deck steps was quick...
S.F. Pauli Builders, Inc.
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Find Structural engineers in Chillicothe

Advanced Foundation Repair & Replacement

5.0(

)

Serving Chillicothe, IL and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

"Two years ago my wife and I noticed that our foundation was beginning to settle. We had huge cracks in the dry-wall and our front door wasn't opening and closing properly. We decided to contact Advanced Foundation Repair and Replacement, owner Frank Matyiko. He got a structural engineer to our house. The engineer recommended that we needed twelve piers in order to fix our foundation. the entire construction project went as planned. Advance Foundation provided us with a transferable warranty in case we decided to sell our home.
The overall experience was wonderful their crew was very professional and we would use them again and recommend them to anyone!!
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won’t compromise structural integrity.

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.

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.

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

Yes, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.

The Chillicothe, IL 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

Timothy Moore
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
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How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
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Everything to Know About LVL Beams
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