Are foundation walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Auburn, ME

Q: What factors affect assembly costs?

• <div><p>Costs depend on furniture type, size, complexity, and whether additional modifications are needed.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if I need a structural engineer?

• <div><p>You need to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-structural-engineer.htm">hire a structural engineer</a> when building or modifying any component with a structural load in your home. Common situations where you would need a structural engineer include home inspections when buying or selling a home, investigating possible issues with your foundation, beams, load-bearing walls, or chimneys, breaking ground on a new home or structure on your property, and renovating an old part of your home that could threaten any structural integrity. Home additions and bump-outs also require an engineer. </p></div>

Q: How do contractors cut a doorway in a concrete block wall?

• <div><p>First, most contractors will have a structural engineer create a report and plan for your project to ensure it&rsquo;s safe to cut into the load-bearing wall. The contractor will then excavate around the wall, if necessary, measure the opening&mdash;allowing for additional space to fit and level the door, and then cut the doorway out. They will likely install a steel lintel as a header over the door for support. Once the doorway is cut out, they&rsquo;ll demolish the concrete using sledge hammers and masonry chisels, clean up the surrounding concrete, and seal around the door with masonry mortar. </p></div>

Q: What is the 10 10 rule in construction?

• <div><p>The 10 10 rule describes the formula most contractors use to determine how much to charge for a job. Allowing for 10% overhead above the total projected cost to do the work and 10% profit sets a contractor up for success, even if there are delays or other problems on the project. This formula isn&rsquo;t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a ballpark figure to begin with when estimating your expenses on a job.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Auburn, ME

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Auburn, ME 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 Auburn, ME 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 January 28, 2025

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Solid Framing Engineering, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Auburn, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Jacob Schott of Solid Framing Engineering was/is phenomenal is his support as a structural engineer. Mr. Schott listened, and heard, what the requirements were. He proposed acceptable, structurally engineered solutions in a timely, professional and thorough manner. We hired Jacob Schott of Solid Framing Engineering to aid in ensuring that residential new build actions would adhere to structural safety & longevity standards. Our requirements consisted of a rather large deck, a bridge (12?x29?) with a cover/portico section and exaggerated soffits. All these requirements were in Mid-coast Maine where significant winds, attacking from various directions, are prevalent and cause for multi-axis planning to control potential environmental considerations. Mr. Schott continued to provide engineering advice/direction after the sub contractor failed to adhere to specifications and induced the need for modified engineering solutions?even after having concluded the initial scope of work."

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Costs depend on furniture type, size, complexity, and whether additional modifications are needed.

Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.

You need to hire a structural engineer when building or modifying any component with a structural load in your home. Common situations where you would need a structural engineer include home inspections when buying or selling a home, investigating possible issues with your foundation, beams, load-bearing walls, or chimneys, breaking ground on a new home or structure on your property, and renovating an old part of your home that could threaten any structural integrity. Home additions and bump-outs also require an engineer.

First, most contractors will have a structural engineer create a report and plan for your project to ensure it’s safe to cut into the load-bearing wall. The contractor will then excavate around the wall, if necessary, measure the opening—allowing for additional space to fit and level the door, and then cut the doorway out. They will likely install a steel lintel as a header over the door for support. Once the doorway is cut out, they’ll demolish the concrete using sledge hammers and masonry chisels, clean up the surrounding concrete, and seal around the door with masonry mortar.

The 10 10 rule describes the formula most contractors use to determine how much to charge for a job. Allowing for 10% overhead above the total projected cost to do the work and 10% profit sets a contractor up for success, even if there are delays or other problems on the project. This formula isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a ballpark figure to begin with when estimating your expenses on a job.

The Auburn, ME 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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