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>

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 Arlington, MN

Q: What exactly does a structural engineer do?

• <div><p>A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.</p></div>

Q: Do squeaky floors mean structural damage?

• <div><p>No, squeaky floors do not always mean there is structural damage. The noise is often caused by friction from issues like loose floorboards, gaps between the subfloor and joists, or loose subflooring. While many squeaks are harmless, persistent or worsening noise could indicate a more severe problem. If you notice other signs of structural damage&mdash;such as soft or sagging floors, cracks running from the wall to the ceiling, or horizontal cracks in your foundation&mdash;it's best to have a professional inspect your floor to determine the root cause.</p></div>

Q: Why hire a structural engineer for home projects?

• <div><p>Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Arlington, MN?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Arlington, MN

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Arlington, MN 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 Arlington, MN 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 September 16, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
Nathan and his crew did an amazing job on our attic with the insulation install. Mr. Rozelle remained in constant contact with our family and had more than fair pricing on the products. Highly recommend
Above All Insulation, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2025
The work on the house was done fast and efficiently. Once started they completed the project before going on to anything else. Owner was very courteous and very open and clear about his fees and charges. Very clear on the costs of materials and the time he thought the project would take. Very...
Northland Exteriors, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2023
It went great. Completed in one day. Worked with customer to plan before and during the actual work. All of the crew was friendly easy to get along with. I'm a retired engineer , I enjoyed watching them work. it was a pleasure to see quality work.
Kali Concrete
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2023
Jake framed some walls for a basement remodel project for me. Very good at what he does 10/10
J.Bennett Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2021
The workers and materials are top notch!
Five Star Bath Solutions
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2021
Steve was up to task for re-facing a large wood deck with Trex composite decking. He worked well with my material supplier with the materials needed with very little overage which I was able to return. He took the time to make sure everything was done right and up to Minnesota codes. All the...
Cross Carpentry
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2021
Dennis did an amazing job installing and finishing the drywall in my basement. He was able to fit me in quickly and had excellent communication throughout the project. I highly recommend him and will be going back to him in the future!
Minneapolis Drywall, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2013
After the first application we noticed a dramatic difference in the number of mosquitoes. It's not perfect - especially near dusk. But it is significantly better than an organic garlic spray, which did not work. The company is clear that the effectiveness will weaken over time and...
Spring Touch Lawn & Pest Control
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in Arlington

CADY HANDYMAN SERVICES

4.2(

342

)

Serving Arlington, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"
Our experiences with Cady's Handyman Services have been excellent. They are professional, very neat and overall just plain great. There was nothing to be disappointed with so I give them a strong A+.
"

Recommended by87%of homeowners

Request Quote

Sears Home Improvement Products

3.7(

1,712

)

Serving Arlington, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1886

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The work was completed on time in a very timely manner. Clean up after the job was done very professionally. Over all it was a very good job with very good quality.
"

Recommended by74%of homeowners

Request Quote

Aurora Engineering LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Arlington, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Tom Webber offers creative and cost-effective residential structural solutions; and that is why I use him on a weekly basis in my business."

Response time20 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.

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.

No, squeaky floors do not always mean there is structural damage. The noise is often caused by friction from issues like loose floorboards, gaps between the subfloor and joists, or loose subflooring. While many squeaks are harmless, persistent or worsening noise could indicate a more severe problem. If you notice other signs of structural damage—such as soft or sagging floors, cracks running from the wall to the ceiling, or horizontal cracks in your foundation—it's best to have a professional inspect your floor to determine the root cause.

Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.

The Arlington, MN homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
Alison Kasch
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
Lyle Hendriks
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
Beam installation costs are an important consideration if you’re building a home or doing renovations. Learn about average costs and factors in this guide.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection
Learn why it might be a good idea to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection in addition to a general home inspector when you’re purchasing a home.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
Structural Inspection vs. Home Inspection: Which Is Right for You?
Knowing the difference between structural inspections vs. home inspections is easy with this convenient guide. Learn when you might get each one done.
Kate Fann
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
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.