Top 10 Best Structural engineers in North Charleston, SC

Q: Is a structural engineer the same as a builder?

• <div><p>No, a structural engineer is not the same as a builder. A structural engineer is an expert in all things related to the structural integrity of a building. The structural engineer is responsible for calculating the correct materials in terms of load-bearing capacity and overall structural safety. Structural engineers do not perform the actual building of the house or other structures. Rather, the builder executes the plans and designs specified by the structural engineer.</p></div>

Q: What’s the difference between an architect and an engineer?

• <div><p>The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you&rsquo;re designing and building a new home.</p></div>

Q: Are horizontal cracks structural?

• <div><p>Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage. </p></div>

Q: Why do retaining walls lean?

• <div><p>Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.</p></div>

Q: How long does a structural assessment typically take?

• <div><p>A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in North Charleston, SC

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in North Charleston, 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 North Charleston, 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 March 2023
Ty and his crew are exceptional with communication, answering questions, the quality of their work, and professionalism. They recently completed work on adding engineered hardwoods to our entire upstairs and we couldn't be happier with how they turned out.
Brown's Hardwood Floors LLC
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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
We have lived on Daniel Island, SC for over seven years and in that time, we have hired dozens of contractors for various projects and maintenance tasks. With a few exceptions our experiences have been generally positive but John Syrjala Jr. is far and away the best contractor we have ever...
John O Syrjala Jr
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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 January 2018
Henry was simply AWESOME! Very quick to respond and was able to meet a very quick turn around time frame. He was very professional and thorough. I highly recommend Henry for all structural engineering needs.
Henry N Shepard, II, PE
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Reviewed in July 2016
I live in Downtown Charleston. Rob Hanawalt's firm did an excellent job on a piazza rebuild, which is no easy task with a 250 years old structure. Rob studied the situation in great detail and then gave me an estimate and a time frame to start and complete the project. He finished on time and on...
Inspired Construction
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Reviewed in March 2015
Aaron and his team were a pleasure to work with. We consulted with him whilst planning the renovation of our newly purchased 1940s home and worked closely together throughout the renovation to an on-time completion five months later. He and his team are not only fully qualified to carry out all...
Superior Builders SC LLC
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Find Structural engineers in North Charleston

Henry N Shepard, II, PE

4.6(

)

Serving North Charleston, 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

17 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by93%of homeowners

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Cecil Engineering P.C.

5.0(

)

Serving North Charleston, SC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"This professional showed up on time as he said he would. He took his time and answered all questions and gave his expert opinion. Turn around time on report was fast."

Failed Joist in a Downtown Charleston Home

Response time2 days

78 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by63%of homeowners

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Dwight M Herdrich, Architecture + Design

5.0(

)

Serving North Charleston, SC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

Customers say: True professional

"Dwight did a great job of taking on basic concept and turning it into a 3d drawing of our house."

Great room featuring Timberframing, open joist ceiling and shiplap interior paneling

View from water of newly renovated house and boat house

+113

Response time2 days

10 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving North Charleston, SC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Evolution Drafting did a great job modifying my existing plans and updating for Arizona codes and took care of the structural engineering as well."

+23

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

48 neighbors recently requested a quote

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GJS Architecture, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving North Charleston, SC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Offers commercial services

Customers say: Quick response

"They are an absolute pleasure to work with and given their experience, they provide a tremendous amount value for anyone needing assistance with a church!"

Response time3 hrs

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving North Charleston, SC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Master Plan Designs was started to give area home owners the choice to use a long term, local professional for all of their design needs. For "satisfaction plus service" please give us a call today.

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Ascended Constructions

New to Angi

Serving North Charleston, SC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Offers commercial services

Were a family owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity, and stands behind our work. We offer over 40 years of industry experience. We specialize in Asphalt Shingle Roofing installation, replacement, and repairs. Our services are customized to the individual project, paying close attention to the details of each project that we're involved with. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

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SC Consulting Engineer, LLC

4.7(

)

Serving North Charleston, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"We needed a structural engineer to ensure the foundation in a home we are buying was structurally sound. Steve was very professional, responsive and was able to get out to the house quickly to meet our deadline. He did a great job, was thorough, and reasonably priced. I would absolutely recommend him."

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

Recommended by94%of homeowners

Serving North Charleston, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Miguel, Victor and Ana were so easy to work with. I told Miguel what I wanted and the all projects were completed within 5 days. Also, they made sure I was happy after each step of the work. I will always use and recommend their services."

+61

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving North Charleston, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Everything went very well, and our bathroom is beautiful."

+84

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 38

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

No, a structural engineer is not the same as a builder. A structural engineer is an expert in all things related to the structural integrity of a building. The structural engineer is responsible for calculating the correct materials in terms of load-bearing capacity and overall structural safety. Structural engineers do not perform the actual building of the house or other structures. Rather, the builder executes the plans and designs specified by the structural engineer.

The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you’re designing and building a new home.

Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage.

Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.

A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.

The North Charleston, 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

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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.