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>

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: How do you know if a wall is load-bearing?

• <div><p>The easiest way to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/load-bearing-wall.htm">tell if a wall is load bearing</a> is to check if it&rsquo;s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don&rsquo;t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you&rsquo;re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.</p></div>

Q: What are the typical warning signs of a structural issue in my home?

• <div><p>Indications include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows that suggest foundation movements.</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: Why do retaining walls lean?

• <div><p>Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Columbus, MS

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Columbus, MS 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 Columbus, MS 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 October 01, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Mr. Miller came to my house within the hour that I called. He fixed my roof and did a wonderful in no time at all. I have had no problems with my roof. Thank you Mr. Willisms
J Miller Roofing
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Reviewed in February 2025
Blake put my gutters in and did a great job. House looks terrific. He also fixed a problem of water leaking down the backside of our patio. I would highly recommend Blake and his company.
Frazier Contracting Services
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Reviewed in June 2024
Excellent work laying concrete, have to do better job afterwards cleaning up remaining concrete and any other materials
A1 Concrete Contractor LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
My project was assembly of a piece furniture. He was prompt, professional, and courteous. He completed the task in a timely manner. Very pleasant to work with. I am very pleased with the assembly of the product.
James Stoll
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Reviewed in December 2023
I needed a great deal of work in my house and was put in contact with Dennis. After meeting a few time to make sure what we wanted the work was begun. Richard C. Not only replaced all my pipes but made sure they were wrapped, flooring (replacing old boards), cabinets, Island, carpet, sink etc. I...
Facella Building and Renovation Company, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
Communication was excellent and effective! One of the owners reached out to me to see what i needed. They were very helpful in purchasing supplies, of course i wouldnt have known what to get! The project only took 2 days which was great timing. I definitely recoomend! Will definitely hire for...
misgovcontracting
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Reviewed in February 2022
I am absolutely pleased with all the work. They are very knowledgeable and efficient and did not waste any time they did such supreme job and my daughter plans to hire them too. They were excellent and courteous. If you need any work like this done please consider this business they really did...
CJ's Roofing and Home Remodeling
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Reviewed in September 2021
I had a wood ceiling put in on an outdoor room. They did a really good job and explained things being done. I would definately hire them again.
Handy Southern
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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.

The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.

Indications include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows that suggest foundation movements.

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.

Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.

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