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: Are ceiling joists load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they&rsquo;re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them. </p></div>

Q: Can I build over a stump?

• <div><p>Yes, you can build over a stump if the roots are no longer alive. Living roots will continue to grow and may damage your new construction over time. Similarly, you should also remove rotting stumps because they may continue to attract pests and even cause new structures (especially those made from wood) to decompose as well. </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>

Q: How long does a structural assessment typically take?

• <div><p>A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.</p></div>

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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Clearwater, MN

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Clearwater, 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 Clearwater, 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 January 16, 2025

Reviewed in January 2025
Excellent work. Job was for remodel of kitchen and bath. Pro hung Sheetrock, taped and mudded. Second project he has completed for me. Will hire again.
IHelp Handyman, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
Out of three contractor bids, Taz construction was the only one who actually listened to what we wanted. They did a fantastic high quality job, paying attention to every detail. I would highly recommend them.
Taz Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2023
Landson Construction is there for anything you need done. It was a real pleasure working with them. They were professional, honest and seemed to enjoy what they were doing. I would highly recommend them to anyone. Great job guys.
Landson Construction
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Reviewed in September 2023
Wendell tore out an old staircase and put in a new one (wood). His craftsman skills are superb. He asked the right questions and offered alternatives. He was thorough and completed the project in a timely manner. I am very happy with my new staircase.
Wendell Johnson, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
Doug with Building Materials Plus was great to work with. The crew did a great job from start to finish. We are very happy with our new roof, and with how smooth everything went.
Building Materials Plus Inc
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Reviewed in August 2022
Snap Construction did an excellent job insulating our attic, walls, and crawlspace. They kept us informed every step of the way and addressed any concerns we had. I’d give them more than five stars if I could. We are happy that we chose Snap Construction for the job.
Snap Construction Inc
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Reviewed in April 2022
I would highly recommend going with Glacier Companies for your next project. The owner was highly skilled in directing us with the design on the new construction of our home. The workers and the whole team showed great craftsmanship. They treated us professionally and priced the project...
Glacier Companies LLC
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Reviewed in March 2022
Ian did a good job. I left him alone to fix whatever he found rotten on an older playhouse/guest house that needed structural foundation repairs. He merely took pictures to show me what he found and pictures to show me how he fixed it.
Sutton Home Projects LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
Robert did an amazing job installing our gutters. He was very friendly and it was priced just right. Highly recommended!
Veteran Seamless Gutters
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Reviewed in January 2016
I was trying to decide if the 70 year old cabin was worth rebuilding, or needed to be removed and rebuilt. No value added with this service, and major issues were missed. Ultimately, I bought a structure that cannot be renovated and must be torn down and spent $20,000 too much for the cabin. ...
KITTOK BUILDERS
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Find Structural engineers in Clearwater

CADY HANDYMAN SERVICES

4.2(

342

)

Serving Clearwater, 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

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Sears Home Improvement Products

3.7(

1,712

)

Serving Clearwater, 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

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LP Concrete & Masonry LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Clearwater, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

"Larry and his crew did a great job building the foundation in extreme temperatures!! After Larry was finished, the excavator company broke out a corner of the foundation. I called Larry about it, he was out the next morning had it fixed and the project didn't miss a beat. Top notch company would definitely hire them again!!! Tim"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Aurora Engineering LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Clearwater, 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

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Sandman Structural Engineers

New to Angi

Serving Clearwater, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

Sandman Structural Engineers is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time1 day

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they’re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them.

Yes, you can build over a stump if the roots are no longer alive. Living roots will continue to grow and may damage your new construction over time. Similarly, you should also remove rotting stumps because they may continue to attract pests and even cause new structures (especially those made from wood) to decompose as well.

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.

A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.

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.

The Clearwater, MN 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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