Are foundation walls load-bearing?

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

Does a structural engineer need to be licensed?

• <div><p>Yes, all states require structural engineers to carry the proper license, with specifics determined by each state. You can use Angi’s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to confirm that the structural engineer you’re considering holds the required licensing to tackle your job. Hiring an unlicensed structural engineer will not only cause issues with permits but it could also lead to an unsafe building. The cost of a professional, licensed, and experienced engineer is well worth the investment.</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 Centre Hall, PA

Q: Is a pier and beam the same as a crawl space?

• <div><p>Although the two terms are closely related and often used interchangeably, pier and beam foundations and crawl spaces are different things. A pier and beam foundation is made up of concrete piers and wooden beams and creates a space under the home known as a crawl space. There are several types of foundations that create crawl spaces, often collectively known as &ldquo;crawl space foundations,&rdquo; but the crawl space itself is separate from the foundation. </p></div>

Q: For which type of foundation cracking should a structural engineer be recommended?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.nahb.org/">National Association of Home Builders</a> 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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/sinking-foundation.htm">sinking foundation</a>, so an inspection is a good idea for your peace of mind.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Centre Hall, PA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Centre Hall, PA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Centre Hall, PA 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 Centre Hall, PA 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 January 27, 2025

Reviewed in January 2025
I worked with John on some volunteer projects. He does excellent work and is very professional. He is very good at on-the-fly engineering.
Sette Industries LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2022
My husband and I are thrilled and amazed with the team that worked on our basement. It looks phenomenal and we are excited to be able to keep our historic house both free of water and structurally sound. Thank you so much Lukas S, Steven S, Dalton B, Henrey M, Brian L, Garrette W, and Daren A!!
Groundworks
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2021
Boyle Engineering did an outstanding job! Their engineers were a pleasure to deal with and surprisingly affordable. Nick and his crew were very accommodating with the project’s dynamic scope of work. They will definitely be my first call for Geotechnical, Bridge, and other Structural...
Boyle Engineering, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2018
J&E Structures LLC is the best roofer by far! They removed all of the old shingles and replaced with new ones in 1 1/2 days! They threw the old materials in a bin on a lift, rather than throwing them on the ground. They took extra care of our shrubs and Nativity scene. When they were finished,...
Starway Roof Systems
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2018
They dont do roofs on detached structures even though HomeAdvisor connected them.
P.J. Fitzpatrick, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2018
I hired them for deck repair. We had an older sagging deck. They came in and took off the top boards, installed additional support structure and reattached the deck to the side of the house. Their estimate was way less than competitors. They were courteous, on-time and communicative. I will...
V-Tile
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2015
Price was below others, but no specifics as to the design or the engineering required. <br />
Joseph C Hazel Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2014
<p>Immediately he encountered unexpected 10" think concrete floor which caused extensive labor to go beyond the estimate. He also dealt with structural issues in the base blocks on 2 walls that he repaired by adding structural steel members. The combination of conditions caused his estimate...
Kidd Enterprise
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in Centre Hall

NEC Solutions, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Centre Hall, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Dee is a solid guy and excellent engineer. My project required him to design and create the engineering specs to navigate our town's permitting process. His thoroughness exceeded my expectations. I recommend and trust Dee on any future project."

+10

Response time7 hrs

Recommended by54%of homeowners

Request Quote

Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

222

)

Serving Centre Hall, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

"First time using Gerhart Engineering. Will use again."

Response time1 day

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Request Quote

Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

162

)

Serving Centre Hall, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

"The engineer was very friendly and professional."

Tolans drill rig for extinguishing mine fire

+23

Recommended by91%of homeowners

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.

Yes, all states require structural engineers to carry the proper license, with specifics determined by each state. You can use Angi’s state licensing tool to confirm that the structural engineer you’re considering holds the required licensing to tackle your job. Hiring an unlicensed structural engineer will not only cause issues with permits but it could also lead to an unsafe building. The cost of a professional, licensed, and experienced engineer is well worth the investment.

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?

Although the two terms are closely related and often used interchangeably, pier and beam foundations and crawl spaces are different things. A pier and beam foundation is made up of concrete piers and wooden beams and creates a space under the home known as a crawl space. There are several types of foundations that create crawl spaces, often collectively known as “crawl space foundations,” but the crawl space itself is separate from the foundation.

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 Centre Hall, PA 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

Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
Timothy Moore
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2026 Data]
Looking to remove load-bearing walls and vertical supports to open up your living space? Learn about what affects the cost to install an LVL beam.
Lyle Hendriks
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
Beam installation costs are an important consideration if you’re building a home or doing renovations. Learn about average costs and factors in this guide.
Kyle Schurman
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who to Hire to Replace a Sill Plate?
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.
Kate Fann
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
What to Expect From a Structural Engineer Foundation Inspection
Identify potentially serious problems with your foundation with an inspection from a structural engineer.