Is it worth getting a structural engineer?

• <div><p>If you’re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it’s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren’t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It’s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you’re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.</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>

Are foundation walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Westmoreland, NY

Q: Are horizontal cracks structural?

• <div><p>Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage. </p></div>

Q: Is it worth getting a structural engineer?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it&rsquo;s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren&rsquo;t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It&rsquo;s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you&rsquo;re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.</p></div>

Q: Are beams and joists the same?

• <div><p>No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Westmoreland, NY

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Westmoreland, 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 Westmoreland, 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 February 2026
Surtr Construction was great. I hired them for a kitchen remodel. They did everything from electrical, plumbing and cabinets. Job site was always clean at the end of the day. Would highly recommend.
Surtr Construction
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Reviewed in January 2026
Randy did a great job fixing our metal railing. He was prompt and very passionate about his work.
Salvation Welding/Fencing
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Reviewed in May 2025
William Moore, owner of Patriot Contracting is amazing! Nobody would commit to a complete 1880's home renovation at the height of the pandemic. He figured out relocating a stairwell that 6 other contractors and a structural engineer never got. He and his crew were hardworking, honest, and...
Patriot Contracting Services Of Central New York
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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 September 2021
Taylor Construction and General Contracting did a wonderful job on my new roof. The owner was personally involved throughout the project providing supervision to his team on the work being done. I was very impressed with the care he took in protecting my landscaping and structures from damage. I...
Taylor Construction & General Contracting LLC
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Reviewed in January 2021
We are thrilled to have found Elegant Interior Remodeling, LLC! Serge takes pride in his work, providing beautiful product and impeccable service. We first hired this company to do a complete remodel of our kitchen. We were so impressed with the outcome, we hired him again for our complete...
Elegant Interior Remodeling, LLC
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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 July 2020
Mike did an outstanding job rebuilding the porch on our 200+ year old house. He reframed the deck, put up new posts, put down Trex decking, built a new stairway and put up Trex railing. The work was top notch and he's coming back again to rebuild our side porch, put up a structural beam, and put...
Roofing King
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Find Structural engineers in Westmoreland

Northshore Engineering and Design

4.9(

)

Serving Westmoreland, 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 Westmoreland, 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 Westmoreland, 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 Westmoreland, 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

Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage.

If you’re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it’s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren’t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It’s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you’re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.

No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.

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?

Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.

The Westmoreland, 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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A sill plate needs to be replaced when it starts to rot out. Use this guide to help you know who to hire to replace a sill plate at your home.