Get matched with top structural engineers in Harrisville, RI

Q: How do you know if a wall is load-bearing?

• <div><p>The easiest way to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/load-bearing-wall.htm">tell if a wall is load bearing</a> is to check if it&rsquo;s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don&rsquo;t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you&rsquo;re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if cracks are structural?

• <div><p>The best way to determine if ceiling cracks are structural is to hire a ceiling contractor to inspect the cracks and provide a professional opinion. That said, you might be able to make an educated guess based on the size and appearance of the crack. Larger cracks, cracks accompanied by sagging or discoloration, and cracks that travel from the ceiling down the walls are all signs of structural issues.</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: Why are studs 16 inches apart?

• <div><p>In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called &quot;on-center&quot; and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called &quot;advanced framing&quot;. This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity. </p></div>

Q: What is the 10 10 rule in construction?

• <div><p>The 10 10 rule describes the formula most contractors use to determine how much to charge for a job. Allowing for 10% overhead above the total projected cost to do the work and 10% profit sets a contractor up for success, even if there are delays or other problems on the project. This formula isn&rsquo;t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a ballpark figure to begin with when estimating your expenses on a job.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Harrisville, RI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Harrisville, RI 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 Harrisville, RI 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 July 14, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Install of main entry door and storm door. Added structural support to and custom built new shelving storage to stand-alone garage. Built small front deck. Excellent work and he did not stop until it was all operating perfectly! Quick response time and good communication throughout the project....
J E Dennen & Sons Building & Remodeling
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Reviewed in December 2023
Existing stoop in front of house was in desperate need of replacement. Decided to replace existing structure with a portico. The work was completed quickly and the quality was outstanding. Price was good for what was built. Would definitely hire again and recommend to others.
Remodel or Renew Home Improvement
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Reviewed in February 2023
We worked with William on some structural framing reinforcement in our basement. William offered some suggested approaches, was clear in communications, and performed the work in a timely manner. Very happy to recommend!
Reyes Contractors LLC
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Reviewed in May 2020
Adam was friendly, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. He was on-site within hours of my initial call, and he gave me a lot of great advice. If I ever need a structural engineer again he is going to be the first person I call.
Taddonio Engineering, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2018
***BEWARE*** Do not hire this firm because if they find something wrong, they will turn you into the City Building Inspector. My house is for sale and in the buyer's inspection, a crack in the foundation needed further assessment. I hired ACE based on internet recommendations to assess this...
AQUIDNECK CONSULTING ENGINEERS
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Reviewed in November 2017
It required special measurements and work. The new bulkhead is metal and that had to be made to order which took sometime. Just about the day they were going to make the initial part of the installation, we had a storm of hurricane force that stopped all work. They were able to get back the...
The Cellar Door Co
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Reviewed in December 2016
see attached before & after photos as well... Regards Joe & Dawn Cruz & entire “Team” of CRUZ Construction Co., Inc. 23 Maple Street, Ste.6 ; Cumberland, RI 02864 ; 401-727-3770 Just wanted to be sure that we join in, with so many other testimonials. Like them we found your entire team from your...
Cruz Construction Co. Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2014
This was the third major construction project that Glenn Grover and the team at North American Building completed for me over the last 10 years. Glenn came right over to help me understand the process of working with the insurenace company and helped me limit the damage when the flooding began...
North American Building Inc
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Reviewed in January 2014
Staff to pick up and then later deliver the bedframes were very professional--polite, efficient, and cautious. <br /> We had been told that it would take 4 to 8 weeks to repair wood components, but more likely closer to 4 weeks as none of the beds required any refinishing work--only structural....
Classic Furniture Services
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Reviewed in October 2013
He showed up to my home and was polite, and professional. I showed him all of my projects, he took measurements, and I told him that I needed the jobs done ASAP. When he was here, he told him about how hard it would be do to the things I was asking, and that it would cost a lot money, and that I...
Ark Home Improvement
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Find Structural engineers in Harrisville

Taddonio Engineering, LLC

4.8(

345

)

Serving Harrisville, RI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2016

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

"Adam was wonderful. He was punctual, articulate, very knowledgeable, along with a pleasant personality! He gave us a structural report for the insurance company within 24 hours! Lastly, His price was very reasonable. I highly recommend that you hire Adam for structural engineering assessment."

Response time1 day

Response rate85%

380 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Harrisville, RI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Steven was very professional and took his time to explain what I needed to do to complete my project. He gave me a fair price and checked in with me regularly to see how the project was going. I would highly recommend him for the job. He has a great attitude and understands structural designs."

+22

Response time2 days

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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Stonecare Paving and Masonry

4.7(

)

Serving Harrisville, RI and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We are extremely satisfied with the chimney repair services provided by Stonecare Paving and Masonry. Their team's expertise and promptness were highly impressive."

New patio with design in center using granite and charcoal colors to highlight

+918

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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New England Home Renovations LLC

4.0(

311

)

Serving Harrisville, RI and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"In summary I have to say Richard was excellent! He came when he said he would and finished the work when he said it would be finished. As I solicited multiple bids for the work NE Renovations was among the most competitive. As the work was completed I was so pleased I ended requesting he come back to do additional jobs. He was very accomadating and even explained various options on how best to accomplish the additional work.
"

+37

Recommended by89%of homeowners

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LifeCycle Transitions

3.8(

175

)

Serving Harrisville, RI and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"However, as of Monday it will be almost a week since I have heard back and the only feedback I got was a promise to get back to me by the end of the day with a quote after I EMAILED HIM!
I have had so many handmen and contractors not call me back, or are unavailable. I was really excited to find someone and get started.
I felt like it shouldn't take this long to get an estimate on the work and I would rather be told straight forward that the project would not be big enough or the schedule did not work. If I am having this much trouble getting an estimate, what about the work?
We are trying to decide whether or not to put our home on the market and this price weighs in our decision."

+49

Recommended by77%of homeowners

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JIREH CONSTRUCTION LLC

New to Angi

Serving Harrisville, RI and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

JIREH CONSTRUCTION LLC is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.

The best way to determine if ceiling cracks are structural is to hire a ceiling contractor to inspect the cracks and provide a professional opinion. That said, you might be able to make an educated guess based on the size and appearance of the crack. Larger cracks, cracks accompanied by sagging or discoloration, and cracks that travel from the ceiling down the walls are all signs of structural issues.

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.

In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity.

The 10 10 rule describes the formula most contractors use to determine how much to charge for a job. Allowing for 10% overhead above the total projected cost to do the work and 10% profit sets a contractor up for success, even if there are delays or other problems on the project. This formula isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a ballpark figure to begin with when estimating your expenses on a job.

The Harrisville, RI 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

Haley Nothstein
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
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Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
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What to Expect From a Structural Engineer Foundation Inspection
Identify potentially serious problems with your foundation with an inspection from a structural engineer.
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10 Signs of Structural Damage in Your Home
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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.