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>

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>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Jackson, SC

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: What do structural engineers look for when doing an inspection?

• <div><p>Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:</p><ul><li><p>Dry rot</p></li><li><p>Infestation</p></li><li><p>Shifting or<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/quarter-inch-crack-my-foundation-major-concern.htm"> cracking foundations</a></p></li><li><p>Erosion</p></li><li><p>Water damage</p></li><li><p>Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: What factors affect building costs?

• <div><p>The costs depend on the type of wood, labor, roofing material, permits, and whether additional storage or enclosed walls are included.</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 Jackson, SC

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Jackson, SC 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 Jackson, SC 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 25, 2024

Reviewed in April 2024
It was an absolute pleasure getting what I paid for. Jerry McCord was upfront and professional about the demolition of the structure on my property. I Now know someone I call to take care of just about anything when I encounter a home/property situation.
Redline MM, LLP
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Reviewed in December 2023
Kraig did an awesome job and kept me informed on where we were in the progress of the project! Excellent work any masonry work I need he will be doing.
Bricks and More
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Reviewed in November 2023
Project was done professionally, great quality, and excellent communication. FPC has done other work for us and I would not hesitate to call them for any small or large future projects. Strongly recommend FPC for construction services.
FPC Construction
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Reviewed in June 2023
We have used this company multiple times for installing three board horse fencing, no climb wire, and occasional repairs. They are always responsive, efficient, and have competitive pricing. We highly recommend them.
Affordable Fence Building & Painting
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Reviewed in October 2020
The initial installation in Jan 2020 went well. The owner arranged to have mine installed before another home because they still had hot water and mine was completely out. In Aug I suddenly had no hot water. I spent an entire Friday trying to contact the company with no success. I finally called...
The Neighborhood Plumber
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Reviewed in July 2020
In the 30 years, we have made our home in Augusta, and we have tried four or five different HVAC services providers and found all liking in some aspic of the services. High cost for poor services, no services warranty, extra charges for items that should be part of routine maintenance, charges...
Sig Cox Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in June 2018
I had a deck installed by another company and they did a terrible job. There were a lot of structural issues and didn't look good at all. Larry came in rebuilt it stronger and more visually pleasing. He did a fantastic job! This was a complicated job and Larry worked though all the...
Larry's Home Repairs & Decks/Patios
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Reviewed in April 2018
Elliot mapped out what needed to be done, i.e., trees needing to come down, those that needed trimming, and discussed with my husband, an engineer, who completely agreed. Other "tree specialists" asked me what needed to be done. Impressed with how safely work was performed: one huge tree was...
Southern Tree Removal - Home Facebook
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Reviewed in December 2013
Rich has actually done 3 jobs in our home. The quote entered here is for a reconstruction of our fireplace (and support below). He did an INCREDIBLE job. He is by FAR the most professional, thorough, trustworthy and considerate (very neat, never left a mess, no collateral damage) construction...
Alta Construction Services, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2013
We purchased a foreclosure home that needed a whole lot of work. We met Mr Tallent and other contractors at the recent Home & Garden Show in Augusta. Although we received several estimates, Mr Tallent offered to do all of the necessary repairs and construction to meet our needs that was well...
Tallents Decks And Porches
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Find Structural engineers in Jackson

CNT Foundations

4.5(

)

Serving Jackson, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"All work was completed as expected. Costs were reasonable and as expected. Bid came in better than competitor."

+270

Recommended by84%of homeowners

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Arthur Engineering LLC

New to Angi

Serving Jackson, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Customer satisfaction is what determines our success, which is why we take a hands-on approach. When interacting with our company, you'll notice that we're particularly focused on the principles of quality workmanship, timely completion, competitive pricing and integrity in all our business dealings. We combine knowledge and research with our extensive practical experience to ensure a specialized approach for your project needs. Contact us today for a fair and accurate estimate of your project. We look forward to adding you to our long and growing list of happy customers.\n

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Paul Davis Restoration of Augusta & Aiken

3.5(

)

Serving Jackson, SC and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"My home insurance company recommended them. I used Paul Davis for the cleaning and storage my furniture. They had my household items from December 2014 through March 2015. Upon return of my items there were several items that were damaged during their handling of them. Several of the items they had even attached a note station they were sorry for the damage. I didn't complain and sacked that up: but there were items that they damaged and I showed them they took pictures of and said they would take care of and they haven't. They scratched my Click/Clack (futon) type of sofa that needs replacing and I haven't heard from them. I went back and spoke to owner back in April, and he assured me they were working on getting things taken care. I had even tried calling around to see if it could be fixed, it can't so I'm still waiting for replacement of this item. I looked for replacement parts for my dryer they damaged but was unsuccessful. They do need to replace the my Click/Clack with a brand new one, so I can close this chapter. The employees were really nice and accommodating.
"

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:

Dry rot
Infestation
Shifting or cracking foundations
Erosion
Water damage
Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support

The costs depend on the type of wood, labor, roofing material, permits, and whether additional storage or enclosed walls are included.

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 Jackson, SC 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 a Structural Engineer Cost to Hire? [2026 Data]
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•
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How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
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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 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection
Learn why it might be a good idea to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection in addition to a general home inspector when you’re purchasing a home.
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•
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.
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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.