Do I need a structural engineer to knock down a wall?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Q: How do contractors cut a doorway in a concrete block wall?

• <div><p>First, most contractors will have a structural engineer create a report and plan for your project to ensure it&rsquo;s safe to cut into the load-bearing wall. The contractor will then excavate around the wall, if necessary, measure the opening&mdash;allowing for additional space to fit and level the door, and then cut the doorway out. They will likely install a steel lintel as a header over the door for support. Once the doorway is cut out, they&rsquo;ll demolish the concrete using sledge hammers and masonry chisels, clean up the surrounding concrete, and seal around the door with masonry mortar. </p></div>

Q: Where are most load-bearing walls located?

• <div><p>Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.</p></div>

Q: Can termite damage affect home structural value?

• <div><p>Yes, unresolved damage can decrease property integrity and market value.</p></div>

Q: What are the key elements of quality framing work?

• <div><p>Accurate measurements, sturdy materials, and seamless integration with other structures.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Cokeburg, PA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Cokeburg, 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 Cokeburg, 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 April 06, 2023

Reviewed in April 2023
Gary was very professional and knowledgeable about his field I would definitely use him again in the future if we needed anything structural done. Thanks Gary
Gary J. Miller
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Reviewed in May 2022
Johnson Masonry Restoration did an exemplary job rebuilding a block wall, which was caving in the entrance to my basement in my home. They completely dismantled the old wall and built a new one to replace it. For the second job, they completed a new drainage system down my walkway which now...
Johnson Masonry Restoration LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
Great company to work with. I had seamless gutters and all the fascia boards and trim, capped. The project manager, Devan, answered all my questions and let me know what to expect. Aaron, who lead the crew doing the work, was very professional. Other than how wonderful my house looks now, they...
Home Genius Exteriors
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Reviewed in November 2020
The guy did not check all the water lines which caused extensive water damage after the house was purchased and flew a drone to check the roof without actually checking or testing the structural integrity at all. Complete waste of time and money.
Pillar To Post Zamiska Team
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Reviewed in March 2017
The job went very well and the work was completed professionally and as timely as possible given the amount of additional work needed to address the structural issues. The contractors were prompt, courteous, and kept the work area clean throughout the duration of the work. I would definantly use...
Locy Construction Services
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Reviewed in May 2014
Exceptional. Mr. Wattelet and his staff provided quality work and service in a timely manner. They cleaned up at the end of each day. There was no damage to any of our items or property. Mr. Wattelet was even willing to assist us in a few addtional requests while he was here which we very...
M L Wattelet Landscaping & Contracting
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Reviewed in May 2014
Excellent quality and craftsmanship. Work was performed as promised and on time. Mike, John, and Lincoln were very professional and took care to match the existing structures so that you cannot tell that the new doors and molding are not part of the original house construction. They were very...
Top Quality Contractors
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Reviewed in April 2014
This review is regarding ACA Construction AKA Bryan Scott Berkich. My wife and I contacted ACA construction in July of 2013. We wanted to complete a second story addition and after several estimates Mr. Scott Berkich came in with the best price and seemed like a very knowledgeable contractor. We...
ACA Construction
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Reviewed in August 2013
This time we actually bought our second structure from Yoder's Backyard S. Their prices and quality and were the reasons we went back. They delivered the chicken coop promptly and professionally. We would definitely do business with this company again. <br />
YODER'S BACKYARD STRUCTURES
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Reviewed in July 2013
It was great. He was very professional. He has actually great design ideas because I didn’t know what I could do without doing structural changes and I had the vision of how it could be different from what it was and so he had that vision like the first time he came. He drew it up and we worked...
Connors Custom Cabinetry
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Find Structural engineers in Cokeburg

Serving Cokeburg, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Gary took the time to evaluate my structural issue and wrote up an assessment. He also gave me recommendations for resolving the problem and explained what was wrong and what actions were needed for repair. I would highly recommend Gary for his expertise and experience in structural engineering."

Response time9 hrs

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by93%of homeowners

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JL & A Structural Engineers

4.0(

)

Serving Cokeburg, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Emergency services offered

"John has a heart and enjoys his work and it shows. Everything that job required john was always 1 step ahead of project fast and efficient"

Response time2 days

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving Cokeburg, 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

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Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

222

)

Serving Cokeburg, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

"I did not fully appreciate how much a knowledgeable engineer could enhance my reconstruction project until I received his thoughtful report. Now we know the right way to proceed with saving our 1902 structure."

Response time1 day

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

162

)

Serving Cokeburg, 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

Serving Cokeburg, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1992

"Ed was able to come out and do the job the same day he contacted meand within two days I received his report to pass along to my mortgage broker. His professional analysis and prompt attention helped me to go forward with the purchase of my first home and his report reassured me regarding the structuaral soundness of the home. I would highly recommend Mr. Brenkus to anyone with similar needs. In fact I plan on cantacting him again for additional projects. He was professional, prompt, courteous, and candid."

Recommended by19%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

First, most contractors will have a structural engineer create a report and plan for your project to ensure it’s safe to cut into the load-bearing wall. The contractor will then excavate around the wall, if necessary, measure the opening—allowing for additional space to fit and level the door, and then cut the doorway out. They will likely install a steel lintel as a header over the door for support. Once the doorway is cut out, they’ll demolish the concrete using sledge hammers and masonry chisels, clean up the surrounding concrete, and seal around the door with masonry mortar.

Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.

Yes, unresolved damage can decrease property integrity and market value.

Accurate measurements, sturdy materials, and seamless integration with other structures.

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.

The Cokeburg, PA 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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