"I highly recommend Part Time PE. Adam was able to provide us with a structural engineering report under a tight timeline. Not only did he answer our questions onsite but he was also quick and responsive with follow ups by phone and email. Professional and friendly service - we would be happy to use Part Time PE in the future."
"Mike was easy to work with, he took time to discuss what I was looking for in my basement remodel. I was provided 3 options for my space in the timeframe established. He is open to changes and input and easy to reach for questions or concerns."
"My experience with them was outstanding, the details were excellent, they turned around the project in a short amount of time, I have nothing but a graceful experience, one of the best experience I ever had."
"They were excellent. They quickly made a draft that only needed 3 minor adjustments. The final product was exactly what I needed. They referred me to a structural engineer for review. The whole process took half of the time that they initially estimated. I would definitely use them again."
We have the experience and we are committed to providing quality workmanship and superior customer service on all our applications. We at Architectural Design Group strive to maintain our reputation as a high quality, very service oriented company with our main focus being customer satisfaction.
"I had a wonderful time working with Gabrielle. She is a talented and empathetic designer who listened to what I sought in my office remodel. She was mindful of my budget and offered great advice on repurposing a few essential items I already had. The final product was so lovely I could use my office as a recording space for a work video! Gabrielle made my office into an excellent space that my whole family enjoys. I also worked with her on my house purchase and was able to initially use her expertise to look over home inspections, view houses via video chat and help me make a decision on the feasibility of said homes. Gabrielle's knowledge was imperative in my home buying decision. Furthermore, she was also pivotal in a kitchen remodle that I did in my small cottage home, attached to my main house. She helped us think of a strategy for removing a partial wall and also how to best position, construct and install a kitchen island. Needless to say, Gabrielle is a one stop shop for any building, interior and consulting needs that anyone has while building, buying, renovating or decorating a home. I highly recommend her services!"
Founded in 2009, Firm Ground Architects & 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 design and building code standards combined with creative ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, good stewards of their budget, and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can pay to hire an architect or a structural engineer to ensure your home remains structurally sound. They can help with the planning to make sure everything is up to code and safe for your family. On the other hand, if you’re not sure your home will be completely safe when you’ve completed the project, let a pro do the 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.
The primary reason homes have crawl spaces is so the foundation can reach down below the frost line to avoid dangerous soil movement and structural damage when the ground freezes. They’re more popular in colder climates where the ground freezes down to a few feet, and slabs are most popular in warmer areas where there is no frost line. Crawl spaces also provide a space for utility lines to run where they’re at less of a risk of freezing.
In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity.
The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:
Do you have experience working in my specific area?
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
What will your structural report cover?
Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?
How long have you been in business?
Do you have a list of customer references?
The Lauderdale, MN homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total in Minneapolis, MN.
Find out how much an architect costs in Minneapolis, MN. Learn what you can expect to pay for local architectural design services and start your project today.
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total.
It can be hard to choose the right pro for any job, but it matters. Learn how to hire a structural engineer who'll get the job done right from start to finish.