Get matched with top structural engineers in Funkstown, MD

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: 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 horizontal cracks structural?

• <div><p>Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage. </p></div>

Q: What are the typical warning signs of a structural issue in my home?

• <div><p>Indications include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows that suggest foundation movements.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Funkstown, MD

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Funkstown, MD 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 Funkstown, MD 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 March 01, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Kenny not only did drywall and painting, he corrected foundation issue and installed a French drain; roof replacement, flooring; structural beam replacement in cellar; replaced exterior stairs; decking; siding; replaced windows and trim. He does it all.
KLS Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2023
Beginning in late 2021 (specifically August 2021), we signed a contract with JC Smith LLC to have a simple addition constructed and attached to our existing split-foyer house. This entailed a new sunroom, lower basement area, deck, and siding for the entire house. The total contracted price...
J. C. Smith, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2020
We had a tree removed that fell on our house, the crew was very friendly and expertly removed this tree, separating the tree into about five key parts. The way it fell on the house, there was a danger that falling limbs could easily damage the structure further but the arborist handled it...
Cumberland Valley Tree Service Landscaping
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Reviewed in February 2019
They were very professional. Yet i would have liked a better explanation of what would have been done for the fee. I have no clue what other consulting firms charge. Yet being on fixed income it was more money for the time they spent on property than i thought would be invested, I do NOT know...
J. Casey Consulting
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Reviewed in February 2018
Excellent!!! As homeowners we were concerned about minor cracking in the basement. The inspector noted that they were minor due to the house settling. There is no structural damage to the basement. Big relief. The inspector pointed out some minor issues that would require some minor repairs....
Absolute Home Inspections LLC
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Reviewed in June 2017
Brandon did everything but the plumbing and the outside siding. He demoed, framed and did all the structural work. He was prompt and cleaned up each night. I trusted him to do the work even when I had to leave.
Brandon's Bathroom Remodeling LLC.
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Reviewed in April 2017
Working with Advanced Angles has been a fantastic experience for my us as owner-builders. John has gone above and beyond to keep us informed as to code and building requirements as well as working directly with the SIPS manufacturer and installation crews to set our floating loft, procurement of...
Advanced Angles Construction and Home Improvements
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Reviewed in December 2016
This project was a train-wreck from start to finish. It was poorly planned and executed. The subs ran the job with little to no supervision, which caused major problems and delays. The project was to be completed in 8-10 months, it took well over a year. The contractor always had an excuse and...
Corey's Construction
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Reviewed in July 2014
The construction is very good. The construction workers, the guys that did the work were excellent. But we had a lot of problems with the foreman, the supervisor. He does not return our calls. There is one thing he still has not fixed. It's been going on for 2 months, 3 months, something like...
JC Smith LLC
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Reviewed in December 2012
We bought a slightly distressed property for refurbishment, not <br /> initially realizing how distressed to begin with. After doing some <br /> demolition work to convert the downstairs into livable space, We <br /> discovered a large crack running front-to-back through the entire house. ...
Miller Construction LLC
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Find Structural engineers in Funkstown

Bartel Engineering, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Funkstown, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

"I have worked with Mark for roughly 10 years. He is critical in helping answer structural questions and providing engineering services for engineered wood products for our building supply company. He is very knowledgeable and thorough in his work and has been one of the best engineers I have had the pleasure of working with."

+24

Response time4 hrs

Response rate95%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Parsoneault Consulting, LLC

4.9(

117

)

Serving Funkstown, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"I needed someone to provide pushback against the local permitting department. I was told I needed a structural engineer to inspect the deck and that is what happened. I got constructive input on deck problems from the consultant and the permitting department backed off and started working with me. I view this as a success. The consultant communicates well and seems very knowledgeable."

KITCHEN REMODEL WITH STRUCTURAL MODIFICATIONS

Response time1 day

Response rate90%

Recommended by97%of homeowners

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Hanover Waterproofing

5.0(

)

Serving Funkstown, MD and surrounding areas

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We strongly believe in giving our absolute best in all of our projects no matter how big, or small. We are experts in our trade, and will always keep you educated on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! We Also offer financing.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage.

Indications include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows that suggest foundation movements.

The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’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’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.

The Funkstown, MD 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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