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 Manchester, NH

Q: What exactly does a structural engineer do?

• <div><p>A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.</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>

Q: What are the key elements of quality framing work?

• <div><p>Accurate measurements, sturdy materials, and seamless integration with other structures.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Manchester, NH

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Manchester, NH 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 Manchester, NH 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 18, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
I was selling a 71 year old home and the inspection revealed a failing septic system. I had called another company as well as Bob snd had opted to use the other company which was local in Merrimack. Sadly I was told it would be 6 to 8 weeks. I could not wait that long since the house needed to...
Innovative Septic Solutions
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Reviewed in July 2024
Outstanding work. Reliable, on time consistent and reliable. Delapidated 10 X 20 shed needed serious repair, now looks like new. Yunior repaired broken down doors, rotting facia boards, entrance ramps &spot lights. He often suggested helpful modifications to the the original structure. The...
JR Carpentry
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Reviewed in June 2023
One of few contractors that check all the necessary boxes of needed services and workmanship. If you need concrete work done this is a highly recommended company.
G.M. Gagne
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Reviewed in March 2023
I was introduced to Paul/CHESS Engineering through my realtor. I wanted to maximize the value of my 10-acre property. Paul provided a free review of my property and told me that it was possible to build 3-4 homes on my property. I hired him to survey my large property and design the new homes....
CHESS Engineering, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
They did a wonderful job. I had to have a window taken out and an exterior door put in its place - and it was not an easy job to get done! (I'm talking cutting through concrete and building out the entire structure) But the team at Titan Custom Remodeling got it done in a timely manner all while...
Titans Custom Remodeling LLC
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Reviewed in September 2021
They are amazing team They work hard and deliver great quality work Hire them for any masonry work
C&T Masonry
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Reviewed in March 2021
Dan was very thorough and professional. A major structural defect was found in the attic area. We can’t thank Dan at Millyard Home Inspection enough for helping us. I will definitely be using Dan when we find our next home. I would highly recommend this company.
Millyard Home Inspection LLC
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Reviewed in June 2019
Brian provided excellent service and value for my home project needs. He was efficient, timely, very respectful, clean, and of great quality work and high caliber proficiency. He is also versatile in experienced in many areas. My project involved carpentry, drywall, outdoor structural framing,...
BTP Family Enterprises, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2017
Mr Luna is very professional and gave the right advice to solve some engineering issues
Luna Design Group
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Reviewed in June 2016
If you are like most homeowners, you dread contracting. Even if you subscribe to Angies's list, which I do, a lot of my home repair jobs have had mixed results. I needed a back porch re-roofed, some siding fixed from wind damage, and cottage re-roofed. The guys at Metal Masters did a...
Metal Masters Custom Carpentry, LLC
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Find Structural engineers in Manchester

Neponset Valley Construction

4.1(

259

)

Serving Manchester, NH and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I had an experience with Neponset Valley Construction. They did work about three years ago. I would tell others that they're more for exterior jobs than they are interior jobs, the work is kind of shoddy. The price was the reason we went with them. "

Recommended by89%of homeowners

Serving Manchester, NH and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were knowledgeable about my problem and they communicate thru. They were clean and tidy everyday, everything went smooth and I have no problem at all. They were friendly, responsive integrity and quality of his work."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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LifeCycle Transitions

3.8(

175

)

Serving Manchester, NH and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"
They were priced to high. They were on time. They came and looked at the work. Our interaction was good. They covered everything that needed to be done.
"

+49

Recommended by77%of homeowners

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Zach Engineering

New to Angi

Serving Manchester, NH and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

I have been working for 20 years in both residential and commercial archtiectural construction field.\n\nI am a structural & MEP professional engineer who exceptionally values customer satisfaction.\nI’ve started structural engineering at the age of 20, and since then it has been an inseparable friend of mine.\n\nI also have a rising architect and engineer teamnates who are registered in 34 states, United States and a holder of an NCARB certificate that allows me to be registered in most states. \n\nOur services include:\n- Full plan sets\n- Architectural plans\n- Structural plans\n- Civil plans\n- MEP plans\n- HVAC plans\n- Structural calculation reports\n- Structural analysis and design\n- 3D modeling of buildings\n- Title 24 compliance\n- Review and stamping of plans\n- Fire Protection Systems Desgin.\n\n\nI am committed to delivering high-quality work with exceptional standards, meeting deadlines, and providing fair pricing. I look forward to the opportunity to do business with you.\nThanks.\n

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Brent Williams

New to Angi

Serving Manchester, NH and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Our happy and satisfied customers recommend us to their friends and family all the time. We are proud of our reputation and we feel it has been well earned. We are also happy that we can help you feel good knowing that you are working with a reputable company that stands behind its products and services.\n

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Healey Construction & development LLC

1.0(

)

Serving Manchester, NH and surrounding areas

In business since 1987

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

General Contracting

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.

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.

Accurate measurements, sturdy materials, and seamless integration with other structures.

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.

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.

The Manchester, NH 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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