Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Erwin, NC

Q: Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner&rsquo;s insurance companies don&rsquo;t mandate a structural engineer&rsquo;s inspection, so in most cases, it&rsquo;s not required. However, it&rsquo;s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you&rsquo;re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

Q: What do structural engineers look for when doing an inspection?

• <div><p>Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:</p><ul><li><p>Dry rot</p></li><li><p>Infestation</p></li><li><p>Shifting or<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/quarter-inch-crack-my-foundation-major-concern.htm"> cracking foundations</a></p></li><li><p>Erosion</p></li><li><p>Water damage</p></li><li><p>Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: What inspections do structural engineers do?

• <div><p>Structural engineers can perform various inspections on different structures in your home. These inspections usually include a report detailing the engineer&rsquo;s findings and recommendations for repairs so you can determine your next course of action for repairs, replacements, or new builds. Some of the most common structural engineering reports include:</p><ul><li><p>Full home inspection: $350&ndash;$1,000</p></li><li><p>Foundation: $300&ndash;$800</p></li><li><p>Load-bearing walls: $300&ndash;$1,000</p></li><li><p>Roof: $150&ndash;$600</p></li><li><p>Chimney: $200&ndash;$500</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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: How do material selection and structural changes influence the cost of a garage remodel?

• <div><p>Costs depend on material choices, labor, and the extent of structural modifications.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Erwin, NC?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Erwin, NC

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Erwin, NC 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 Erwin, NC 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 02, 2024

Reviewed in July 2024
Fantastic builder to have on your side! Ive been doing business with Mark for a year now and he is truly knowledgeable about this Industry. He is the most organized General contractor I have run across which makes for a well communicated job site. Highly recommend for your next project!!
JACO Construction & Home Improvement LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2024
Tyler and Bailey did an Awesome job!! They kept me updated throughout the project. The work was beautifully done, with care. They went above and beyond offering suggestions and ideas as they went through the building process. I highly recommend them and I will definitely have them back to do...
Black River Residential LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2023
I have used XXXXX Roofing and Construction on multiple jobs. It has been the most stress free interaction I have had in dealing with any construction company. They are punctual, the communication is on point, and the quality of work is unbelievable. Chris is amazing and he does exactly what the...
Roofline Xperts of NC, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2022
1st choice construction did work on my patio install they were very thorough and performed excellent work I would 10/10 recommend them for concrete jobs.
1st Choice Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2021
Working with Atlantic Builders and Design was indeed a pleasure. They moved the project forward and maintained constant communication with me on updates, changes, and challenges along the way. I would highly recommend them for your upcoming project.
Atlantic Builders & Design
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2021
Paul King worked with the engineers and other contractors to make sure every part of our home was perfect. He worked nonstop until every aspect was done and done right. I've worked with other contractors before, and Paul's services were, by far, the best.
Kings General Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2021
Mr. Gorman is very professional. He gave me a reasonable rate. He did the job in one day on two structures.
Mid America Lightning Protection
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2020
I work for the county and I hired Carmelo Migliore as a contractor for work on my home. He executes Excellent work and is very professional. Migliore restored the structural support for my home by replacing the support of the house within 3 days. They worked very hard and accurately. Migliore...
Migliore Home Restoration
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2018
We bought a 1950's era ranch 4 years ago to remodel ourselves, when we started ripping it apart, we found extensive damage in the floor system throughout the house which our inspector conveniently failed to find prior to our purchase. We initially hired a 'family friend' to repair the floors....
Advanced Structural Repair LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2015
When the work was completed, there was no additional movement for about one year. During that time, I completed the inside of the garage with sheetrock and moldings. Then I noticed additional cracks in the walls of the brick foundation and inside along the sheetrock. This continued and...
Carolina Foundation Solutions LLC
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in Erwin

PJM Structural

4.9(

)

Serving Erwin, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Pedro is a very professional Structural Engineer. Very knowledgeable."

+15

Response time4 hrs

Response rate86%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Jeffrey J. Moss, P.E.

4.4(

)

Serving Erwin, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Work was completed by phone."

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Serving Erwin, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

I am a licensed Professional Engineer providing structural engineering services for residential and small commercial projects. I work with homeowners, contractors, and design professionals to help move projects through the permit process by providing structural calculations, drawings, evaluations, and engineering letters as needed.\n\nIn-person structural inspections are available in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. Remote structural consulting is available in Delaware and North Carolina.\n\nTypical projects include load-bearing wall removal, beam and header sizing, additions, decks, foundation concerns, and framing evaluations. My goal is to provide practical, code-compliant structural solutions that are clear, efficient, and tailored to the project.

24 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Ecological Community Builders

4.3(

)

Serving Erwin, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Thought the guys were great! Looks like a new home!! Everyone was great to work with. I would recommend to anyone looking to have work done."

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Request Quote

M.A. Colvin Engineering & Consulting, Inc.

3.0(

)

Serving Erwin, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

"I needed an engineer to evaluate a mortar crack in the side of my brick house in order to refinance our home. We were on a time crunch in which I called the engineer that morning and needed his evaluation faxed to the loan processor by 5:00 pm that evening. Mr. Colvin was able to accomodate us and fax his report (favorable) in the time frame needed."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Seven Lakes Engineering Services, Inc.

New to Angi

Serving Erwin, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Seven Lakes Engineering Services, Inc. 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 time4 hrs

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing.

Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:

Dry rot
Infestation
Shifting or cracking foundations
Erosion
Water damage
Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support

Structural engineers can perform various inspections on different structures in your home. These inspections usually include a report detailing the engineer’s findings and recommendations for repairs so you can determine your next course of action for repairs, replacements, or new builds. Some of the most common structural engineering reports include:

Full home inspection: $350–$1,000
Foundation: $300–$800
Load-bearing walls: $300–$1,000
Roof: $150–$600
Chimney: $200–$500

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.

Costs depend on material choices, labor, and the extent of structural modifications.

The Erwin, NC 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

Mackenzie Sanford
•
Feb 25, 2026Feb 25, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Raleigh? [2026 Data]
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 Raleigh, NC.
Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
Alison Kasch
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
What Is a Structural Engineer and Do You Need One?
Learn what a structural engineer is, what they do, when you might need to hire one for your home project, and how much they charge.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
15 Warning Signs That a House Will Collapse
A home doesn’t collapse unexpectedly. Learn the warning signs that a house will collapse, so you can protect your family and your home.
Em Norton
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How to Hire a Structural Engineer: Complete Guide
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.