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>

How do you choose a residential structural engineer?

• <div><p>The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:</p><ul><li><p>Do you have experience working in my specific area?</p></li><li><p>Do you have professional indemnity insurance?</p></li><li><p>What will your structural report cover?</p></li><li><p>Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?</p></li><li><p>How long have you been in business?</p></li><li><p>Do you have a list of customer references?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Moweaqua, IL

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 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: What do structural engineers look for when doing an inspection?

• <div><p>Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:</p><ul><li><p>Dry rot</p></li><li><p>Infestation</p></li><li><p>Shifting or<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/quarter-inch-crack-my-foundation-major-concern.htm"> cracking foundations</a></p></li><li><p>Erosion</p></li><li><p>Water damage</p></li><li><p>Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Moweaqua, IL

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Moweaqua, 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 Moweaqua, 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 September 09, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
Oh we can't say enough about Rueben and his crew.. the work was top notch and talk about craftsmanship, there is no comparison.. we were on a budget and they came through and made everything work. We had a sunroom and bath added to our h ome and we just love them. The crew of guys were always...
Marvon Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2025
Contractor needed to dig post holes for fencing project with many on a incline and a few along backside of garage with limited access. Kyle arrived with a mini excavator with a post hole digger/auger attachment on the date/time we agreed to. A real pleasure to work with as holes were dug on a...
Kaufman Earthmoving
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Reviewed in June 2025
This was the best work I've seen done in my yard. Everything was overgrown and I had a small tree that had fallen. It was all taken care of by this company.
TLT Service, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2025
Highly experienced and very professional. Was so happy to find someone mobile for my welding needs, was very convenient and on top of that affordable!
Borealis Mobile Welding
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Reviewed in August 2024
Very friendly and careful with materials excellent work skills
Younker Construction, Remodeling and Handyman Services
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Reviewed in November 2023
Thomas and his team did a pretty good job in my landscaping area. They were very kind and professional and would recommend them if you have a project to do in your house.
Scenic services LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
I was looking for a land surveyor with years of experience at a reasonable price. You get both with Rex. I was very pleased with the work done and the short time it took to schedule and then complete the job.
Rex A Bradfield
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Reviewed in August 2022
The job was completed quickly and efficiently. I was very happy with the the completed project. The service man cleaned up the area and removed all of the material. Very happy with the tub to shower conversion project
Bath Planet of Springfield
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Reviewed in April 2022
Noah recommend a product that I wasnâ t 100% sure about but I went ahead anyway and I am beyond happy with the results. I trust his judgement and quality of work. His crew also stayed on the job until it was completed. I will be having them install a new roof this summer. Thanks for a job...
Brick House Roofing Company, PLLC
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Reviewed in August 2021
They stained concrete patio. Hard workers. Wanted to make sure I was pleased with the project. I would recommend Catalyst Coating and Care.
Catalyst Coating and Care
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American Custom Homes

5.0(

)

Serving Moweaqua, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Emergency services offered

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"I would like to start off with precise, warm welcome and highly responsible of what they are doing. They really know what they are doing and from start from start to end it has been a great project with new experiences and great craftsmanship. Thanks again guys and i hope to have more work for you soon...
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

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.

Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:

Dry rot
Infestation
Shifting or cracking foundations
Erosion
Water damage
Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support

The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:

Do you have experience working in my specific area?
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
What will your structural report cover?
Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?
How long have you been in business?
Do you have a list of customer references?

The Moweaqua, 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

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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.