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>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Barnegat Light, NJ

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Barnegat Light, NJ?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

TRUSTED BY BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ HOMEOWNERS

5
Average homeowner rating
19
Verified structural engineering services reviews

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Barnegat Light, NJ

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Barnegat Light, NJ 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 Barnegat Light, NJ 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 August 01, 2023

Reviewed in August 2023
We used Built Right for 2 large renovation projects (#1 finishing a large full basement w/bathroom and #2 renovating a deck with a new free standing roof structure) Both projects came in on schedule and on budget with exceptional quality and attention to detail. Roy and his team are extremely...
Built Right Renovations, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2023
PRICE GAUGE. Engine light went on during recent trip to the area. I took car in with engine code diagnosis in hand knowing what the issue was ($200 charge to diagnose the issue I knew about going in). Knowing I was from out of town, AutoStream completely overcharged me for a simple job nearly...
Autostream Car Care Center - Baltimore
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2022
Mark and his team did a great job with the demo, structure build, and decking. Mark was open to the structural changes I wanted and he handled a late change I made to the railings and lighting. He and his team was professional and performed all work as I would have expected
Mark Heslin Builders
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2021
I have been buying, renovating and selling homes for decades. With an in-depth and comprehensive knowledge, hands down Mark has distinguished himself to be the most professional and detail-oriented of all the home inspectors with whom I have worked. Be it of a structural nature, a safety...
Freedom Home Inspections
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2021
I waited several weeks to write this review so I could be as objective as possible in my assessment. I ultimately landed here: I wish I never hired Danny or his company. On balance, and from my perspective, Danny pays very little attention to quality, aesthetics and he does the absolute bare...
DeCarlo Concrete & Masonry, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2019
The service we received today from Jim Roese was SPECTACULAR. My son is buying his first home, so this is all new to him. Jim not only accommodated us to fit us into his schedule immediately, but he 100% went above and beyond the call of duty to make certain he went over every single part of...
Jim Roese Home Inspections LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2018
we moved into our new home in February. What we didnt know was that there was structural damage thAt was neither disclosed or picked up by the engineer. Having it rain indoors is not something we expected. We found Michael and Tri county and he was truly a magician. He diagnosed the problem...
Tri-County Handyman, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2017
After having our foundation stabilized there were cracks in the walls and doors out of alignment not to mention our two story deck needed to be fixed. The owner came out for an estimate and assured me this could be completed by Memorial Day (this was in early March). I was initially so excited...
BUCCHINO GENERAL CONTRACTING, LLC
Request a quote

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.

Through detailed analysis of load paths, materials, and existing damages.

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.

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.

The National Association of Home Builders requires repair of any foundation crack of more than one quarter of an inch, although local regulations may vary. In general, any visible crack that is growing in size, allowing water through, or that you have just noticed, is a good reason to call a structural engineer. Cracks can be a sign of a sinking foundation, so an inspection is a good idea for your peace of mind.

The Barnegat Light, NJ 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

Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
A damaged main support beam can cause serious structural damage to your house. Learn how much it costs to replace a main house support beam.
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
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost to Hire? [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.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 2026
6 Sill Plate Replacement Tips to Consider Before Replacing
Your sill plate plays an important role in your home’s structural integrity. Learn how sill plate replacement works, when it’s needed, and more in this guide.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
Who Can Check if a Wall Is Load-Bearing?
Before removing a wall, make sure it’s not load-bearing. Learn the benefits of hiring a structural engineer to check if a wall is load-bearing.
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.