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>

Get matched with top structural engineers in West Alexander, PA

Q: Is a structural engineer’s report worth it?

• <div><p>A structural engineer&rsquo;s report is almost always worth it, as it can help you avoid buying or overpaying for a home with structural issues. The most important thing the report does for you is provide peace of mind that you won&rsquo;t have to pay thousands of dollars for structural repairs right after closing on a property. </p></div>

Q: What does a structural engineer's report include?

• <div><p>A structural engineer's report provides a professional assessment of a property's structural condition. It typically includes an evaluation of the foundation, key structural elements like roof trusses, floor joists, studs, beams, and rafters. The report will also contain a detailed description of the engineer's findings, often supported by photographs, and provide recommendations to correct any identified issues. Depending on the scope of the inspection, it might also include an assessment of property drainage, potential issues from environmental conditions like extreme weather or tree placement, and an estimated time and cost for any recommended repairs.</p></div>

Q: What qualifications should a structural engineer have?

• <div><p>Proper licensing and experience in residential and commercial structural projects.</p></div>

Q: Can I do my own structural calculations?

• <div><p>No, it&rsquo;s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in West Alexander, PA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in West Alexander, 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 West Alexander, 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 November 03, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Excellent workmanship. We had interior stairwell railing installed . They did a beautiful job, the finished project was flawless. Also, the Moser team removed old aluminum railing on our front porch and installed vinyl railing, again the completed work was exactly what we wanted! I would...
Moser Construction
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Reviewed in October 2022
Jacob shows up. He returns text messages and phone calls. As a contract engineer, Iâ ve worked with a variety of contractorsâ ¦.and Timber and Nail is a unicorn in this business. It explains why theyâ re so busy, and why you may have to wait your turn in line to get your project completed....
Timber and Nail
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Reviewed in September 2022
Highly recommend Behrmarc construction! They recently built our back deck and the work was done to absolute perfection; both presentation and structure. They took their time to make sure we were getting exactly what we wanted, and were fast and efficient when getting it done. I have a strong...
Behrmarc Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2017
Glenn was very knowledgeable on the structure of my home. The company is very professional.
Gary J. Miller
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Reviewed in April 2016
George has inspected two houses for us. He's very thorough and takes his time explaining as he goes along. His lovely wife works in the background entering information and checking the operation of each window. The report came by email quickly and detailed the condition of the house. As it turns...
NATIONAL PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
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Reviewed in October 2015
The workers were professional, and took the time to protect surrounding structures. I was very pleased with the results and cleanup. <br />
NEWMANS LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICE
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Reviewed in January 2015
Was prompt, reviewed the structural issue and wrote a report within 24 hours. Very satisfied.
Gerhart Engineering Company
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Reviewed in August 2013
I had contracted with Engineered Foundation Solutions after getting no responses from 1 contractor and a too good to be true job estimate from another. I chose EFS because I felt they were very professional and up front with the scope of the job required. <br /> Jeff and Fred both came to my...
Engineered Foundation Solutions
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Reviewed in June 2012
<br /> This was the worst experience ever.In the beginning he stated it would be a 2 week job and he was eager to work and answered all of my phone calls.When he started work he never showed up until after 8:30am and left before 2 on the days that he did show up. He took many days off using...
Knox Remodeling
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Reviewed in April 2012
When ordering the steel and measurments Mr. Ruckman helped out and explained what was needed. He even ordered the steel from the company and worked with their engineer. I added a cover to my front porch and my back sun room and they got the steel here quickly and it turned out great.
RUCKMAN REMODELING
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Find Structural engineers in West Alexander

JL & A Structural Engineers

4.0(

)

Serving West Alexander, 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 West Alexander, 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 West Alexander, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

"Clear specific recommendations to stabilize and correct sinking foundation & leaning walls on my 100 year old solid brick garage. Will implement recommendations. Although engineering report was promised within 7 to 10 days of inspection, it was received in 25 days. Worth the wait, great overall experience."

Response time1 day

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

162

)

Serving West Alexander, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

"Tim, is extremely Knowledgeable in his field. He showed up on time and he was pleasant and nice to work with. Tim put together drawings for a retainer wall I had built. I was very pleased with the drawing. He certified the drawing and signed off. Tim, thanks a lot. I highly recommend Tim if you need an experience Engineer that deals with retainer walls. Wanda. Langhorne, PA -Residence Customer."

Tolans drill rig for extinguishing mine fire

+23

Recommended by91%of homeowners

Serving West Alexander, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1992

"Great job- fast service- no problems"

Recommended by19%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

A structural engineer’s report is almost always worth it, as it can help you avoid buying or overpaying for a home with structural issues. The most important thing the report does for you is provide peace of mind that you won’t have to pay thousands of dollars for structural repairs right after closing on a property.

A structural engineer's report provides a professional assessment of a property's structural condition. It typically includes an evaluation of the foundation, key structural elements like roof trusses, floor joists, studs, beams, and rafters. The report will also contain a detailed description of the engineer's findings, often supported by photographs, and provide recommendations to correct any identified issues. Depending on the scope of the inspection, it might also include an assessment of property drainage, potential issues from environmental conditions like extreme weather or tree placement, and an estimated time and cost for any recommended repairs.

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.

Proper licensing and experience in residential and commercial structural projects.

No, it’s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.

The West Alexander, 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

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.
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•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
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•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
A damaged main support beam can cause serious structural damage to your house. Learn how much it costs to replace a main house support beam.
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Everything to Know About LVL Beams
What is an LVL beam? Read about LVL beams to determine if this material is safe and suitable for your project.
Rachel Hoffman
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Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 2026
Structural Engineer vs. Architect: Their Differences and Why You Need Both
Do you have an upcoming construction project and aren’t sure whether hiring a structural engineer vs an architect is better? Find out here.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?
Structural steel and wood beams ensure your house is structurally sound. Learn the difference between steel and wood beams and how to choose the right one.