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>

Are foundation walls load-bearing?

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

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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>

Q: What building codes apply to spiral staircases?

• <div><p>Building codes for spiral staircases will vary by your location. Most local codes will specify minimum tread width, riser height, handrail requirements, and headroom. These standards help ensure safety and accessibility for all users. Always check local codes before you begin the installation to ensure compliance and avoid costly modifications or fines.</p></div>

Q: How much weight does a 4-inch concrete slab support?

• <div><p>A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you&rsquo;re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Hines, MN

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Hines, 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 Hines, 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 March 15, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
The team was very personable and worked alongside my schedule to get things done. They remodeled a 1930s bathroom and did an amazing job.
Matt Stone Contracting LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
This is absolutely THE place to go for your dream home design! The Team at Simonson Design Studios was amazing to work with through the process! I will be going back to them for all of my future projects.
Simonson Design Studios LLC
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Reviewed in November 2021
Proficient Construction was professional, looked out for the customers best interest, one-time, great workers, clean job site, and easily walked us through the construction process. We would highly recommend them.
Proficient Construction
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Reviewed in February 2019
Everything was better than I was expecting.
Poxleitner Concrete
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Reviewed in February 2019
Tony goes above and beyond to make sure that the job gets done.
Nendick Heating, Septic, & Plumbing, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2017
It was awesome when done. couldn't see the walls problems once the steel was on. Very happy with there work!! I would recommend them to any one seeking quality work!!
Pleasant Valley Builders
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Reviewed in June 2015
We have used this company several times with excellent service. These guys are such hard workers and they always work fast. I ask for Mike every time, he's always done a great job so we will continue to use this company. <br />
BOB'S ECONO PUMP
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Reviewed in September 2012
They did a great job. They are very friendly and have resonable pricing.
TIRES PLUS
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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.

Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.

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.

Building codes for spiral staircases will vary by your location. Most local codes will specify minimum tread width, riser height, handrail requirements, and headroom. These standards help ensure safety and accessibility for all users. Always check local codes before you begin the installation to ensure compliance and avoid costly modifications or fines.

A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.

The Hines, 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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