Get matched with top structural engineers in Winnemucca, NV

The 10 10 rule describes the formula most contractors use to determine how much to charge for a job. Allowing for 10% overhead above the total projected cost to do the work and 10% profit sets a contractor up for success, even if there are delays or other problems on the project. This formula isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a ballpark figure to begin with when estimating your expenses on a job.

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.

Structural engineers typically charge between $100 and $250 per hour, but many jobs won’t be based on a per-hour fee. Instead, the structural engineer will offer a flat rate for the inspection and structural calculations. The flat rate for a structural engineer costs an average of around $550, but you could see prices ranging from $300 to $800, depending on the complexity of your project and how easy it is to access certain parts of your home for the inspection.

Cathedral ceilings make a statement in your home, but at the cost of your attic space. Normal attics are wide open, which allows warm air to move around and exit your home. Because of this, cathedral ceilings make your home less energy efficient and put your ceiling at risk of venting issues if you’re not careful. They also reduce your attic storage space, potentially cause an echo, and even make it harder to change a light bulb.