Is it worth getting a structural engineer?

• <div><p>If you’re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it’s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren’t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It’s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you’re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.</p></div>

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Q: Can I do my own structural calculations?

• <div><p>No, it&rsquo;s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.</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>

Q: How do you know if a wall is load-bearing?

• <div><p>The easiest way to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/load-bearing-wall.htm">tell if a wall is load bearing</a> is to check if it&rsquo;s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don&rsquo;t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you&rsquo;re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.</p></div>

Q: How can you tell if a crack is structural?

• <div><p>Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren&rsquo;t uneven across the gap, and don&rsquo;t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don&rsquo;t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.</p></div>

Q: Is it worth getting a structural engineer?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it&rsquo;s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren&rsquo;t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It&rsquo;s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you&rsquo;re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Loreauville, LA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Loreauville, LA 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 Loreauville, LA 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 November 17, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Yes D&D was very professional the concrete slab & metal building that was assembled at my location came out great, I would highly recommend D&D to anyone if needing a metal building erected or concrete slab!! After the wrk was completed the company did great house keeping making...
D & D Construction of Rayne, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2018
I cannot say enough about the safety that this team showed for their crew as well as for all structures surrounding our schoolyard. The attention to detail was a true spectacle. It was obvious that everyone knew their job responsibilities and took pride in their end product. At the end of...
Green Leaf Tree Service
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Reviewed in August 2017
My experience with him is that he has no structural knowledge of buildings. As a designer you must have knowledge of structures in order to design a building in a cost effective ways. From what I seen as his profile on this site, it does not match his knowledge as a designer. He has a program...
Buddy's Design
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Reviewed in September 2013
I needed just a structural inspection on my home. He came out and looked around very carefully and gave me his opinion. Very quick and easy.
BAYOU STATE INSPECTIONS
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Reviewed in May 2013
It's an independent shop and they are pretty good. They tell you exactly what's going on with your car and they are straight-up about it. They're not really fast, but they are thorough and that's what counts because they get it right. If it's something that doesn't really need fixing they are...
Hebert's Garage
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Reviewed in January 2012
Last winter knob broke to open and close the vent to the chimney. As cold weather approached called him from the yellow pages. He made an appointment; arrived on time, assessed the situation. Noticed how badly the chimney needed cleaning, saw a crack at the top of the outside structure, offered...
Acadiana Chimney Sweeps
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Matrix Technology Services

Matrix Technology Services

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Istre Engineering Services

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Practical Engineering Solutions LLC

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Primeaux Touchet & Associates LLC

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Fugro Chance Inc

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SONNY GREER CONSTRUCTION

MECH'TECH ENGINEERING LLC

MECH'TECH ENGINEERING LLC

Ritter Consulting Engineers

Ritter Consulting Engineers

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