Get matched with top structural engineers in Shelby, MT

Q: Do structural engineers draw house plans?

• <div><p>Structural engineers draw structural plans, which include detailed drawings of the structural components of a home only. Complete house plans will require additional work from an architect or draftsperson, whose drawings will take the structural drawings into account. They&rsquo;ll also include more details about the finishing materials and layout of a home, including everything from roofing and flooring materials to the position of furniture, light fixtures, switches, and plumbing fixtures.</p></div>

Q: Are dormers load-bearing?

• <div><p>Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.</p></div>

Q: What is considered a structural issue in a house?

• <div><p>Any issue that affects the structural integrity or soundness of a home is considered a structural issue. In addition to foundation cracks, other signs of structural issues include roof leaks, bowing walls, sloping floors, gaps around windows and doors, and more.</p></div>

Q: Are brick houses safer in an earthquake?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/urmwalls/#:~:text=Houses%20built%20of%20unreinforced%20masonry,and%20the%20roof%20is%20critical.">Earthquake Country Alliance</a>&mdash;a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness&mdash;reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn&rsquo;t as stable as other building materials and methods.</p></div>

Q: Do I need a structural engineer or an architect?

• <div><p>Whether you&rsquo;re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Shelby, MT

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Shelby, MT 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 Shelby, MT 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 July 22, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
The entire process from start to finish was a breeze. The windows look great and the function as advertised. The installation crew was amazing. We enjoyed having them around for two days. The entire house, both inside and out, was spotless. We've received a lot of compliments from friends and...
Renewal by Andersen of Montana
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Reviewed in December 2022
These guys were horrible DO NOT HIRE THEM one of the movers stole from me a bottle of change and cologne my mother's prescriptions they were hired through movinghelp.com they broke a piece of persian tiger marble from an antique that belongs to my wife they damaged my wife's bed frame and the...
Odd Job Fellas
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Reviewed in September 2022
Be wary when looking for a plumber. I contacted Edwards Plumbing and Heating for quote to install a second shower head. I was charged an $85 service fee for the quote. Over a week later, I still have not received my quote. I contacted Edwards Plumbing and Heating to ask for a refund on...
Edwards Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in April 2021
Never got back to me with estimate.
805 Contracting, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2020
Very knowledgeable and friendly. Gave us multiple options to fix the issue. Highly recommend them.
Harts Plumbers, Electricians, & HVAC Technicians
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Reviewed in February 2018
Valley plumbing was quick. They took time to explain what I needed to know about water softeners before the install to make sure I was making an informed decision. The techs were on time and very professional.
Valley Plumbing Heating & Cooling
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Reviewed in December 2017
Robert responded to my work request promptly, and with little information I was able to receive a quote. He had excellent communication on the front end of the project, while we waited on weather and scheduling. Robert and Vern did a great job patching up the exterior of the door. Great work!
Golden Wood, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2016
They were quick and thorough
FRA Landscape and Concrete, LLC
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Find Structural engineers in Shelby

TCH Builders & Remodeling

4.0(

)

Serving Shelby, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

If you dream it, we can build it. What's the biggest difference between us and them? We build to last! We offer a full line of Green and Energy Star Certified products, backed by our labor and manufacturer's lifetime transferable warranties. Credit Cards Welcome Financing Available OAC.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Structural engineers draw structural plans, which include detailed drawings of the structural components of a home only. Complete house plans will require additional work from an architect or draftsperson, whose drawings will take the structural drawings into account. They’ll also include more details about the finishing materials and layout of a home, including everything from roofing and flooring materials to the position of furniture, light fixtures, switches, and plumbing fixtures.

Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.

Any issue that affects the structural integrity or soundness of a home is considered a structural issue. In addition to foundation cracks, other signs of structural issues include roof leaks, bowing walls, sloping floors, gaps around windows and doors, and more.

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

Whether you’re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.

The Shelby, MT 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

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Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
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Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?
Structural steel and wood beams ensure your house is structurally sound. Learn the difference between steel and wood beams and how to choose the right one.