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 Poland, NY

Q: Is a structural engineer the same as a builder?

• <div><p>No, a structural engineer is not the same as a builder. A structural engineer is an expert in all things related to the structural integrity of a building. The structural engineer is responsible for calculating the correct materials in terms of load-bearing capacity and overall structural safety. Structural engineers do not perform the actual building of the house or other structures. Rather, the builder executes the plans and designs specified by the structural engineer.</p></div>

Q: How can you tell if a crack is structural?

• <div><p>Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren&rsquo;t uneven across the gap, and don&rsquo;t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don&rsquo;t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.</p></div>

Q: If you do the work yourself, how can you be sure your home is still structurally sound?

• <div><p>If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-architect-cost.htm">pay to hire an architect</a> or a structural engineer to ensure your home remains structurally sound. They can help with the planning to make sure everything is up to code and safe for your family. On the other hand, if you&rsquo;re not sure your home will be completely safe when you&rsquo;ve completed the project, let a pro do the job.</p></div>

Q: What types of projects require a structural engineer’s expertise?

• <div><p>Structural engineers are necessary for projects involving alterations to load-bearing structures, foundation work, and compliance with safety standards. This includes home expansions, retaining walls, and significant repairs that impact a property's integrity.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Poland, NY

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Poland, 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 Poland, 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 05, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
We needed a split rail fence replaced, Ray gave good advice and options as to materials. He and his crew did a great job, ahead of schedule and the price was very good. It was a pleasure dealing with an honest and capable professional.
Rightway Fencing
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Reviewed in March 2024
Matt did an incredible job manufacturing and installing engineered beams and removing walls and doorways to open up my living area. His sheet rock work was top notch. Cleaning as he worked was a plus after other contractors left a huge mess. I will be using them again and recommend them for...
M&J Contracting Solutions, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2023
Project consisted of tearing down 26 6x8 panels and replacing with new wood. I'm completely ecstatic with the job they did, and how fast it was completed. Bryce and his crew are fantastic.
BD Fence Solutions
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Reviewed in June 2022
Andrew and his crew (Dan) did a fantastic job repairing our foundation and parging and painting our basement. Andrew responded to my request promptly and was out to the house within a day to provide an estimate. This level of professionalism and communication continued throughout the entire...
The Masonry Doctor, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
Very knowledgeable on all aspects of home building and repair
Johnston's Home Improvement
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Reviewed in November 2021
Alex, Tim and Vinny are all hardworking professionals. They discussed all parts of the projects with us as they built an addition as well as a deck with railing and steps. They did excellent work with an eye for detail, clean and neat and removed all debris themselves. I would recommend this...
Mahoney's Services
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Reviewed in July 2021
This company helped me out when I was moving into my condo. The space in the apartment was very limited. The guys were very patient and pleasant while we tried different arrangements of the furniture. They did exactly what I wanted. I was impressed seeing how adaptive they were.
Marrins Moving Systems LTD
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Reviewed in January 2021
Amazing service from Rome Pool and Spas! If you are looking for a team of people who are honest, knowledgeable, and hard-working look no further. We had an old liner in our inground pool that needed to be replaced, simple right? Well, once the old, faded, and wrinkled bottom liner was removed...
Rome Pools & Spas
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Reviewed in September 2013
on the 1st day most of the old structure was removed by backhoe. area cleaned up before leaving. the next day same 5 men returned and used jackhammers to finish. Again area cleaned up before leaving. a day delay due to rain. the next day forms put in place. the next day concrete poured,...
Putrello and Sons and Daughter Masonary
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Reviewed in September 2013
I had an engine light on due to fumes from my rusted tailpipe messing with the sensors. My dealer wanted $1800 to fix it because they'd have to replace the entire tailpipe assembly which contained other expensive parts (like catalytic converter I believe). The manager recommended I go to T P and...
T P Brake & Muffler Inc
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Find Structural engineers in Poland

Northshore Engineering and Design

4.9(

)

Serving Poland, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Northshore responded quickly to our inquiry and was able to complete the structural analysis we needed within a week. We received our report quickly. Everything was thorough and professional."

+29

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Thornton Engineering, PC

5.0(

)

Serving Poland, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1960

"very positive. he was candid and knowledgable"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Northshore Engineering and Design

5.0(

)

Serving Poland, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Credit card accepted

"Very good quality work, custom design, knows the industry practice well. Happy with the final design."

Response time11 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Badger Engineering, PLLC

New to Angi

Serving Poland, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Badger Engineering is 100% committed to provide you a timely, custom quality, code compliant designs ensuring complete customer satisfaction, guaranteed. Each design is unique and we are committed to working with you providing quality Engineering Services starting with your idea to create a conceptual design and final detailed design which can then be made constructed making your dream a reality. We can assist you with all aspects of your construction project including selection of a contractor, obtaining building permits and engineering oversight through construction. Committed to the environment through alternative energy system design. Licensed PE in NY and CA. Veteran owned and operated. \n\nJoshua 24:15

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

No, a structural engineer is not the same as a builder. A structural engineer is an expert in all things related to the structural integrity of a building. The structural engineer is responsible for calculating the correct materials in terms of load-bearing capacity and overall structural safety. Structural engineers do not perform the actual building of the house or other structures. Rather, the builder executes the plans and designs specified by the structural engineer.

Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren’t uneven across the gap, and don’t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don’t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.

If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can pay to hire an architect or a structural engineer to ensure your home remains structurally sound. They can help with the planning to make sure everything is up to code and safe for your family. On the other hand, if you’re not sure your home will be completely safe when you’ve completed the project, let a pro do the job.

Structural engineers are necessary for projects involving alterations to load-bearing structures, foundation work, and compliance with safety standards. This includes home expansions, retaining walls, and significant repairs that impact a property's integrity.

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.

The Poland, NY homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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