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>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Saranac, MI

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>

Q: Are all exterior walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria. </p></div>

Q: Do structural engineers do free quotes?

• <div><p>Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home&rsquo;s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.</p></div>

Q: What factors affect assembly costs?

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

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Saranac, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Saranac, MI 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 Saranac, MI 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 February 05, 2024

Reviewed in February 2024
Excellent job done on time and on budget. Jessie has a good eye for design and construction. I highly recommend them.
LHS BUILDING SERVICES LLC
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Reviewed in July 2023
As a busy single mom I have plenty to do, and never enough time. Recently I needed a grape vine fence built into the ground. I met with Jeremy to discuss what I wanted done, he gave me a fair estimate, and completed the work much faster and I am sure a better quality structure than I could have...
J. Van Handyman, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2023
NEW Pitched and Flat Roof. Our home was built in 1860 and was in dire need of a new roof, with an active leak. When we were ready to move, they worked us into their busy schedule, right before the Labor Day Holiday weekend 2022. They started with the pitched roof, stripping off not only...
Skyline Exteriors, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2018
They were very prompt in taking down a tree that had partially fallen and was becoming a danger to structures and power line. Responded very quickly and did a great job taking down the tree safely!
New Growth Tree and Snow Service LLC
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Reviewed in October 2015
Our first experience with Dave Speese and his crew was in late summer 2013. They painted the exterior of our house, a Tudor-style structure with a variety of surfaces and a lot of trim. It had not been painted in about a dozen years and was in rough shape in many areas. We were very impressed by...
Speese Painting Co., LLC
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Reviewed in May 2015
WORKING WITH AVALON HAS BEEN A GREAT EXPERIENCE IN THE RENOVATION OF MY 120+ YR. OLD FARMHOUSE. I WAS SO HAPPY WITH THE FIRST JOB THEY DID FOR ME (NEW SIDING AND WINDOWS) THAT I HIRED THEM FOR A SECOND JOB, A NEW STAIRWAY, WHICH INVOLVED SOME DIFFICULT RE-ENGINEERING. THE END RESULT =...
Avalon Roofing and Exteriors
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Reviewed in January 2013
Do expect professionalism and a friendly group of experts. A structural engineer, as well as a project manager were involved in the process. Dwight and company drew up blueprints of how to proceed with a severe structural problem on our home, recently purchased on a short sale. <br />
Jacobsen Remodeling Inc
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Reviewed in June 2011
They were courteous and professional from step one to the last picket of the fence. The jobsite stayed clean throughout the construction and when they finished the fence I couldn't even tell they were here. Also the head of their service division is a certified civil and construction engineer...
Riteside Fence LLC
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Reviewed in March 2009
It went very well. They were the only company we talked to that was willing to take the process one step at a time. The other two companies immediately wanted to do piering of the walls. As it turned out, the structure was fine and we didn't need any piering. We couldn't have known that until...
BASEMENT SPECIALISTS INC
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Find Structural engineers in Saranac

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Saranac, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Offers commercial services

"Robert responded quickly to my request. He provided me with the services I needed in a timely fashion. I would recommend Robert Cowles PE for your project."

Response time1 day

10 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Foundation Specialist, LLC

4.2(

)

Serving Saranac, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I'm selling a home in Holland. The appraiser noticed a crack in the poured concrete foundation and asked for further investigation by a licensed foundation expert. Bryan Foster showed up promptly, provided a written report that confirmed no settlement, bowing or water intrusion, and charged a fair price. I didn't need or ask for an estimate, but Mr. Foster provided one free. I appreciate that the estimate was separate from the inspection report."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving Saranac, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It was very good. They were professional. They were very quick in the work."

+101

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria.

Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home’s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.

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

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.

The Saranac, MI 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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Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.