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>

How do you choose a residential structural engineer?

• <div><p>The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:</p><ul><li><p>Do you have experience working in my specific area?</p></li><li><p>Do you have professional indemnity insurance?</p></li><li><p>What will your structural report cover?</p></li><li><p>Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?</p></li><li><p>How long have you been in business?</p></li><li><p>Do you have a list of customer references?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Glen Spey, NY

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: How high can you build a single brick wall?

• <div><p>A freestanding brick wall that's only one brick thick can usually stand six to eight feet high. If you need a higher wall, it should be at least two bricks thick for adequate stability, and it might require a footing to support the added weight. Additionally, some areas have regulations and codes dictating how high a brick wall can be, so check with local code enforcers to ensure your proposed wall complies with any regulations.</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 Glen Spey, NY

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Glen Spey, NY 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 Glen Spey, NY 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 May 26, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Wanted to remove metal spiral staircase for a wooden built-in custom look. I had a picture in my head on what I wanted and the look. Doug made that come to life. A Solid and rustic look is what I wanted and that's what I got, so much better than the metal staircase. Without a doubt a pure...
Prosperity Rails, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2025
Fiske Quality Construction has done multiple projects for us. He completely gutted and renovated the bathroom at our business and this was no small task. The building is over 100 years old and the bathroom had never been properly built. They did an amazing job, quickly done and explained...
Fiske Quality Construction LLC
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Reviewed in December 2024
I was working as the maintenance director for an historic building in upstate NY when I hired Steve and his men to re-roof our facility. They did the most phenomenal work and it?s incredible that it looks true to form. They were able to rebuild the underlying structure at a decent price and most...
Sticks & Bricks LLC
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Reviewed in June 2024
This team had to fix our deck structure AND completely rebuild 2 sets of stairs for a 2 level deck on a slope. They also built in ground steps to reach the deck from outside. They always showed when they said they would. They delivered what they said they would. When i needed help with the town...
Hudson Home Remodeling
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Reviewed in May 2024
Kenny is fantastic- super friendly, level headed, and considerate. We hired him to remodel a barn into a live/ work space. The barn pretty much needed to be rebuilt from the structural framing all the way to the siding. Kenny and his team are super efficient, they show up on time and deliver a...
Sixm Construction Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2024
He rebuilt out pool deck which the original “contractor” screwed up and he did it at age 15, if you can believe that! He has also rebuilt a wide deck staircase in our rental property as well as fixed our front steps. Knows his stuff.
Dunnrite Construction
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Reviewed in July 2021
this was the second time we've hired Max Construction. His work is excellent. he is hardworking and the end product is always beautifully completed.
General Contractor - Home Facebook
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Reviewed in May 2020
Bill did an outstanding job! He kept us informed throughout the project and worked very hard to get the job done in the timeframe promised! Bill is a true professional and I highly recommend him! The engineer Bill works with is also awesome! You won t be disappointed!
Quick Septic, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2019
Terrific contractor. Reliable, on-budget, and responded right away to any questions and updates. Job involved reinforcing some structural beams in a very old, well-built house.
LMR Improvements
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Reviewed in June 2018
The town required structural drawings for the retaining wall around my pool and after speaking with and getting estimates from several Structural Engineering companies choose Magnus Engineering. The company was responsive and willing to provide the service quickly. James Strizki was the...
Magnus Engineering, LP
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Find Structural engineers in Glen Spey

Thornton Engineering, PC

5.0(

)

Serving Glen Spey, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1960

"very positive. he was candid and knowledgable"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Mehyarco Construction & Engineering

5.0(

)

Serving Glen Spey, NY and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Mehyarco Engineering & Construction is a New Jersey-based home improvement and construction company specializing in residential renovations, structural repairs, and complex on-site construction solutions.\n\nUnlike typical contractors, our company is led by a New Jersey licensed Professional Engineer, allowing us to make informed engineering decisions directly in the field when conditions change or unforeseen issues arise.\n\nWe focus on quality workmanship, code-compliant construction, and practical solutions for homeowners, investors, and property managers.\n\nServices include kitchens, bathrooms, basements, structural modifications, framing, repairs, and permit-driven construction support.

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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.

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

A freestanding brick wall that's only one brick thick can usually stand six to eight feet high. If you need a higher wall, it should be at least two bricks thick for adequate stability, and it might require a footing to support the added weight. Additionally, some areas have regulations and codes dictating how high a brick wall can be, so check with local code enforcers to ensure your proposed wall complies with any regulations.

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.

The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:

Do you have experience working in my specific area?
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
What will your structural report cover?
Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?
How long have you been in business?
Do you have a list of customer references?

The Glen Spey, NY homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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