Can you put a doorway in a structural wall?

• <div><p>Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.</p></div>

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Q: How thick are LVL beams?

• <div><p>The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between <b>1.75 inches and 7 inches</b>. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.</p></div>

Q: How long does a structural assessment typically take?

• <div><p>A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.</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: Do I need a structural engineer or an architect?

• <div><p>Whether you&rsquo;re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Viola, IL

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Viola, 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 Viola, 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 July 11, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Highly recommend Sizemore Tree Care. They did excellent work and were very professional. Great clean up after the work was done and reasonable priced.
Sizemore Tree Care
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Reviewed in February 2025
I was very impressed with Saltzman Masonry & Home Improvement! I had them reblock entire foundation. They are reasonably priced, fast, and very good at what they do! I'd definitely give them a call for any masonry or home Improvement jobs you may have.
Saltzman Masonry & Home Improvement
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Reviewed in September 2023
The task was to replace all the aluminum siding on a south facing gable including facia and soffit due to severe storm damage. The new materials matched the existing siding very well and do not look like replacements. The two man crew completed the project on time, as promised with in a...
PARSONS PROJECTS
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Reviewed in April 2023
Darrin was quick with the visit and bid, offering a reasonable price for absolutely excellent customer service and a great, solid black vinyl- clad chain link fence. He listened carefully and implemented my ideas well. He's just plain easy to work with, and is both professional and very...
Schwind, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2022
They did a great job. We loved the work that they did and were very friendly and efficient. I would recommend them to anyone looking for any house work.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in August 2022
Excellent job with installation and providing instructions. The dogs have adapted to the fencing nicely.
Dog Guard
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Reviewed in August 2022
They are thorough, and kept me updated the entire remodel. It turned out fabulous and we’re so thankful for their attention to detail! Very up front and easy to work with. Honest and diligent.
Emergent Builders
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Reviewed in May 2022
We were beyond pleased with the work completed. We had a remodel of a staircase in our home completed, as well as a deck removed and space remodel. Their eye for design, the quality of the work, and their genuine love for what they do is incredible. Not only was the work completed in a timely...
Red Box Design, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2022
The work performed was excellent. House looked amazing when finished. Top notch customer service. Will definitely hire again.
Divine Shine power washing
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Reviewed in December 2021
Twin Bridge Construction did phenomenal work on my roof. Very fast and professional and courteous. I would recommend Twin Bridge Construction to anyone who needs a roof!
Twin Bridge Construction
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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between 1.75 inches and 7 inches. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.

A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.

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.

Whether you’re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.

Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.

The Viola, IL 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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