Do I need a structural engineer to knock down a wall?

• <div><p>In many areas, advice from a structural engineer or an architect will be required by your building department before you can remove a wall, but even if it’s not necessary, it’s a good idea. Accidentally removing a load-bearing wall—even if a general contractor advises that it’s safe—can cause major structural damage, putting you and your family at risk and potentially costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Kill Devil Hills, NC

Q: What building materials are used in Neoclassical architecture?

• <div><p>Stone, marble, and brick are common building materials of Neoclassical architecture, though you will also find wood flooring and a range of natural stone tiles. Since several home styles fall under Neoclassical architects' umbrella, a range of building materials&mdash;including traditional wood framing&mdash;will make an appearance.</p></div>

Q: How much weight can 6 inches of concrete hold?

• <div><p>On average, 6 inches of concrete can hold around 150 pounds per square foot, but the exact weight that 6 inches of concrete can hold depends on factors such as the type of concrete, the reinforcement method, soil conditions below, and structural design. If you&rsquo;re concerned about the longevity of your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway, hire a professional to help you choose an appropriate concrete thickness and reinforcement method for your needs. </p></div>

Q: Is it okay to drill into a load-bearing beam?

• <div><p>You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it&rsquo;s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that&rsquo;s safe to use.</p></div>

Q: Can a one-story house have a load-bearing wall?

• <div><p>Yes, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Kill Devil Hills, NC

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Kill Devil Hills, 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 Kill Devil Hills, 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 28, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Over a period of 15 mo, he took down the top and bottom decks, removed building siding on the upper and lower levels surrounding the windows and sliders that were contracted to replaced. He installed the flooring to the top deck but the flooring is bubbled and seams are exposed and separating. ...
E. Thornton and Sons, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
Top notch craftsmanship. Attention to detail can’t be taught. Their dedication to a project is what you’re looking for in yours. I highly recommend.
Sea Coast Remodeling LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
Jason Barber construction is a top notch company that provides attention to every detail of your project. We had a major structural and complete home renovation for a house built in 1959. Throughout the process, from demo to completion, Jason Barber himself was on site and always available...
Jason Barber Construction LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
Hal Moore and his amazing Sanderling team transformed my old, crumbling oceanfront cottage into a fortified beautiful jewel that I never knew was hiding underneath the dangerously weathered structure and extremely dated interior!. From our very first conversation, I knew not only that Hal had...
Sanderling Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2020
Prompt, professional engineering service, fantastic attention to detail and depth of design.
MM Design & Engineering, PC
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Reviewed in March 2020
My husband and I contacted ER Atlanta Engineering as they has so many positive reviews. Within minutes of our request we received a call back. The owner came out to give us an estimate that same day! The estimate was fair and he agreed to meet our short deadline. Upon completion he asked that...
ER Atlanta Engineering and Remodeling, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2019
Good quality work. Work secured by braces to joist structure. Excellent communication with pro provider. Already booking Dimitrii (MDA Household, LLC) for additional services.
MDA Household, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2014
This was not as straightforward as it might sound -- it required creative engineering and adapting non-standard parts. The work was done in one day to a high standard, Ryan was professional and a pleasure to deal with, and considering the time and ingenuity it took the price was very fair. <br...
Consider IT Done Owner Services
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Reviewed in July 2014
It was truely a pleasure working with Brad Loy on this project. Right from the start we had a good feeling both with the promptness of his responses as well as his suggestions on how to implement our plans. Being a remote owner made it essential that we were able to rely on Brad to insure that...
Brad Loy Builder Ltd.
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Reviewed in June 2014
Contractor made all repairs in a timely and professional manner. Hurricane straps were added to the deck structure to make it more stable and meet existing building codes. A subcontractor was used to install the roofing shingles... (the bill from the sub was considered high and contractor...
Sea Country Homes
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Find Structural engineers in Kill Devil Hills

PJM Structural

4.9(

)

Serving Kill Devil Hills, 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

Serving Kill Devil Hills, 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

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AquaDry Waterproofing & Structural Reinforcement

4.8(

)

Serving Kill Devil Hills, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 1975

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"
Very well. I feel so comfortable about the stability of my home. Jim, the owner of the company, was always looking for the best and most reasonable way to solve a problem. His crew was hard working and came to work when they said they would (except for the rainy periods of course). The house was empty so they stayed at my home (so they could be close to the job) and kept very good care of it.
It was an expensive repair but I believe I could not have found a better crew for the same price. Since I was out of state much of the time, they kept me informed at every step, which is helpful when you can not be there.
I definitely would recommend them for waterproofing but I was most impressed with their ability to do the structural reinforcement."

+11

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Family Safe Southeast

5.0(

)

Serving Kill Devil Hills, NC and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Saw display at home and garden show. Researched product and company, then ordered 4X4 shelter via telephone. Company provided additional details about testing and certification IAW FEMA standards upon request. Delivery and installation were on time and as promised."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Stone, marble, and brick are common building materials of Neoclassical architecture, though you will also find wood flooring and a range of natural stone tiles. Since several home styles fall under Neoclassical architects' umbrella, a range of building materials—including traditional wood framing—will make an appearance.

On average, 6 inches of concrete can hold around 150 pounds per square foot, but the exact weight that 6 inches of concrete can hold depends on factors such as the type of concrete, the reinforcement method, soil conditions below, and structural design. If you’re concerned about the longevity of your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway, hire a professional to help you choose an appropriate concrete thickness and reinforcement method for your needs.

In many areas, advice from a structural engineer or an architect will be required by your building department before you can remove a wall, but even if it’s not necessary, it’s a good idea. Accidentally removing a load-bearing wall—even if a general contractor advises that it’s safe—can cause major structural damage, putting you and your family at risk and potentially costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.

You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

Yes, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.

The Kill Devil Hills, 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

Timothy Moore
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
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•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
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•
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Everything to Know About LVL Beams
What is an LVL beam? Read about LVL beams to determine if this material is safe and suitable for your project.
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•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.
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•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
6 Tips on How to Build an Earthquake-Proof House
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