Do I need a structural engineer to knock down a wall?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Manhattan, IL

Q: For which type of foundation cracking should a structural engineer be recommended?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.nahb.org/">National Association of Home Builders</a> requires repair of any foundation crack of more than one quarter of an inch, although local regulations may vary. In general, any visible crack that is growing in size, allowing water through, or that you have just noticed, is a good reason to call a structural engineer. Cracks can be a sign of a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/sinking-foundation.htm">sinking foundation</a>, so an inspection is a good idea for your peace of mind.</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>

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>

Q: What’s the difference between an architect and an engineer?

• <div><p>The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you&rsquo;re designing and building a new home.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Manhattan, IL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Manhattan, IL

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Manhattan, 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 Manhattan, 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 October 18, 2018

Reviewed in October 2018
Salvador and his crew did excellent work in finishing our basement. They installed a beautiful wet bar, cabinets, a full kitchenette, can LED lighting, tiled floor, bathroom and shower. Their dry wall and painting is superb. The luxury vinyl planking floor throughout looks marvelous along with...
High Quality Painting LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2018
I highly recommend Robert's Masonry Repair. From the initial contact I made with him here on Angie's list to follow up emails and calls it was always very easy and straightforward to communicate with Robert. He was able to look at our projects quickly after contact. He provided a written...
Robert's General Masonry Repair
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2018
Very professional and helpful! I received conflicting info. from contractors if one of our walls was load barring, and it was nice to have the piece of mind from a structural engineer to give us an actual answer! If your in doubt whether or not your wall is load barring or not, don't take the...
Structural Dynamics Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2017
We got stuck wth a lemon of a foundation repair job that the previous owners of the home had done in 2014. We bought the home almost a year later in 2015. Atlas corrected every mistake that the previous owners' company made. It was a pricy job, yes. But this is proof that you get what you pay...
Atlas Restoration LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2016
I have to start by say that CMs does excellent work, the picture I added don't do it justice. However, I don't just judge companies on the work they do when things go well, I judge them on how they handle a problem, and how they treat the customer while handling that problem. In this respect CMS...
CMS Hardwood Flooring & Remodeling Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2016
<p>Gen-One completed a very complex home renovation project. The project included the extension of the foundation walls, new framing/siding/roofing and finishing of several new rooms. Several situations presented themselves where it was determined that the original structure was not adequate...
Gen-One Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2016
Mike was on time and began work immediately. He was very punctual when it came to calling inspectors throughout the project and we never had an incident with regard to any of the inspections necessary. <br /> <br /> Mike designed and installed two separate, but connected cabana areas (one of...
Michael J Rosian Construction Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2015
I found Brassil construction on Angie's list. Hands down, best contractor I have worked with (we have built 2 houses) Prior to our 1st meeting with Mike, we had already invest $1000 with an architect for a plan that was un-buildable and expensive. Mike met with our original architect (he was...
Brassil Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2015
I used them on 3 homes to put in structural foundation walls and fix drainage issues. Professional work. Quality! You are sure it is done right. Great company.
Decosola Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2014
<p>Bill Lang responded to us on the same day that we requested an estimate from his company. He arrived promptly and was both professional and personable. He reviewed the roofs and provided a detailed proposal on site for the three buildings. </p> <p>Bill's proposal for the house/garage...
Lang Home Exteriors
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in Manhattan

Faron & Associates, Inc.

4.4(

)

Serving Manhattan, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Credit card accepted

Customers say: True professional

"I had a very good exchange with Michael on ideas and options."

Response time3 days

36 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Structural Design Corp

5.0(

)

Serving Manhattan, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1979

"structural integrity assessment of our home"

Response time5 days

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

American Custom Homes

5.0(

)

Serving Manhattan, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Absolutely perfect, imagine remodeling your kitchen and knowing what you want and actually getting what you want right in front of your eyes.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Manhattan, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Painting was not completed as desired. Many incomplete areas with paint splashes and spills on floor (the latter was cleaned up by their cleaning crew when I complained). Painter was let go and several others were asked to complete the work but none did a great job and still many areas not completed. I stopped the process and will finish it myself.
"

Recommended by57%of homeowners

Request Quote

A2 Engineering Services P.C

New to Angi

Serving Manhattan, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The National Association of Home Builders requires repair of any foundation crack of more than one quarter of an inch, although local regulations may vary. In general, any visible crack that is growing in size, allowing water through, or that you have just noticed, is a good reason to call a structural engineer. Cracks can be a sign of a sinking foundation, so an inspection is a good idea for your peace of mind.

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.

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

The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you’re designing and building a new home.

The Manhattan, 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

Mackenzie Sanford
•
Feb 25, 2026Feb 25, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Chicago? [2026 Data]
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total in Chicago, IL.
Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
Alison Kasch
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
Rachel Hoffman
•
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.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?
Structural steel and wood beams ensure your house is structurally sound. Learn the difference between steel and wood beams and how to choose the right one.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Apr 6, 2026Apr 6, 2026
Who Inspects Home Foundations?
Foundation problems can be dangerous and expensive. Hire a structural engineer who inspects home foundations to catch any potential problems early on.