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 James Island, SC

Q: What are the signs of structural damage?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/signs-of-structural-damage.htm">Signs of structural damage</a> include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems. </p></div>

Q: Is it okay to drill into a load-bearing beam?

• <div><p>You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it&rsquo;s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that&rsquo;s safe to use.</p></div>

Q: Can water damage affect the structural integrity of my walls?

• <div><p>Yes, water damage can affect your walls' structural integrity. If the water or moisture sits on the walls for an extended period, it can weaken the drywall, plaster, wood framing, and other materials supporting the wall. That's why it's critical to dry out the area as soon as you notice it.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in James Island, SC

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in James Island, 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 James Island, 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 September 16, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
The owner of this company is very shady. He contracted to have engineering work done on a project but never paid for it. I'm sure he charged the customer for engineered work though. He will not respond back abd will ghost you if you have any issues. Do not trust this business.
Tidewater Roofing and Construction
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Reviewed in April 2025
We just used Sam Petrostyan and his crew to replace our old wood deck. They did a great job. They very carefully improved the wooden support structure and then installed Timber-Tech deck flooring. Everything was finished in 1 day. They cleaned up our yard and hauled away the debris. We highly...
Coastal Renovations, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
Our experience with Mt Valley Foundation was outstanding. Patrick E., the Ceritified Field Inspector, conducted a very thorough inspection of our crawlspace. Then he presented us with all of the details and photographs of his inspection. He spent an hour answering all of our questions and then...
Groundworks
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Reviewed in May 2023
As an engineer I have dealt with contractors for a lifetime. These are among the best I have dealt with!
Custom Homes and Renovations
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Reviewed in January 2021
This was a great experience. Davidson verified the job twice before installing the door. The door was installed through a structural wall and Davidson took all the necessary steps and precautions to ensure everything was perfect. We couldnâ t be happier with the quality of the project and now...
Charleston Restoration of SC, Inc.
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Reviewed in November 2020
Hard working and response. I'd recommend Madd Bazz for any demolition work. They demolished a backyard structure that I had and removed a brick patio and concrete. Done quickly and for a reasonable price.
Madd Bazz, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2020
We converted a sun room and kitchen into a larger kitchen. Claudio handled everything including installing a ceiling beam to replace a structural wall. It was a complete transformation. The craftsmanship on the part of all of the subcontractors was excellent. Claudio’s strength is getting the...
Pacheco Contracting LLC
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Reviewed in May 2020
My wife and I were so impressed with the quality of work that Greg and "D" from Charleston Creative Fences + provided us. From the start, they encouraged us to be involved with our new structure, taking our inputs during the construction. For example, there were a couple of times when they...
Charleston Creative Fences +
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Reviewed in October 2019
They came when they told me, worked hard, and kept the premises clean. Scott understands the building code and made structural enhancements we really needed. Scott and David were a pleasure to have working on the premises and did a great job. In addition, I had the peace of mind that the...
CESM, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2019
Mr. Shepard was very responsive to my needs. He knew this project needed to be completed in a timely manner and did all he could to respond. He explained the engineering implications clearly. Highly recommend.
Henry N Shepard, II, PE
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Find Structural engineers in James Island

Henry N Shepard, II, PE

4.6(

)

Serving James Island, SC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"I drew the architectural plans myself, with 40 years in construction I know how, didn't seem like the engineer paid much attention to them"

Response time2 days

21 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Serving James Island, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"We thought we had foundation problems and contacted CNT for an estimate on repairs. ED VanOsdol came out at the specified
time to give us a quote. Ed generated a computerized lay out of the structure of the house and then crawed under the house and made pictures of the structure. He indentified one problem area which was minor and a potential problem area. He explained
what was happening to the foundation and because it was so minor, he told me how I could fix it myself. I told him that I would
pay for the inspection, but he said it was not necessary. If I ever do have problems with my foundation, I will certainly use them
for the repairs. I would recomend CNT to everyone. They are very professional and honest.
"

+270

Recommended by84%of homeowners

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3R Repair Right & Remodeling

4.3(

)

Serving James Island, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Dan showed up on time everyday and worked to get the job done. He and his help were courteous and always cleaned after themselves.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Rivas General Contractors LLC

3.0(

)

Serving James Island, SC and surrounding areas

"It was excellent, they were on time and did a quality work. He was honest and straight forward."

+12

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Signs of structural damage include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems.

You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

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?

Yes, water damage can affect your walls' structural integrity. If the water or moisture sits on the walls for an extended period, it can weaken the drywall, plaster, wood framing, and other materials supporting the wall. That's why it's critical to dry out the area as soon as you notice it.

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.

The James Island, SC homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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