Can you put a doorway in a structural wall?

• <div><p>Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.</p></div>

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>

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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>

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: What are the typical warning signs of a structural issue in my home?

• <div><p>Indications include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows that suggest foundation movements.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Nemo, SD

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Nemo, SD 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 Nemo, SD 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 May 06, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
Bryce can do it all. I'm pretty handy but when I'm in over my head I always call Monument Custom Builders to bail me out. He has done an excellent siding job for me as well as a custom closet build. He's honest and fair. He shows up and gets the job done right. If you get around in Rapid City...
Monument Custom Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2024
I hired Mr. Keranen to help me finish a landscape block retaining wall and concrete patio project. His operation is efficient, professional, and quality. I definitely plan on using Central Hills Construction in the future, and recommend you do the same for your project.
Central Hills Construction
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Reviewed in May 2024
I did not proceed with the project, but Concept Development was very attentive to my inquiries about the potential project. They were exceptionally friendly and willing to help get it started.
Concept Development LIC
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Reviewed in March 2024
Great group of people to work with. Sales and a fantastic crew. Ahead of schedule. Couldn't ask for better. Job clean-up awesome. (Brady, Michael, Benard, Brandon and many more that were on sight. Structured for 30k mobile home. Thanks To all.
JM&M Construction LLC
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Reviewed in December 2023
After serving in the military, I have been in the construction business for nearly a decade. I have worked with a lot of contractors and many of them I wouldn't trust working on my home. Nate is not one like that. I would have him work on my own home in an instant. Nate is a hard worker,...
Nate Alford Construction
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Reviewed in November 2023
The boys from Andersen came in and did their job quickly and installed the five windows we ordered with no problem. They seem to be working very well. I only wish they had advised us on how to stain/paint/treat the wooden frames. But it was a job well done.
Renewal by Andersen of Rapid City
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Reviewed in August 2023
I recently had the pleasure of working with David and his team at Motif Properties for a deck renovation and some new electrical work in my home. From the very beginning, it was clear that they shared the same values that I champion - putting people first and approaching the task with genuine...
Motif Properties LLC
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Reviewed in December 2022
This company is very professional & friendly. They kept me informed of the progress of getting the doors &, installed them in frigid weather. Quality of doors seems excellent & the appearance is great.
Garage Door Pros
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Reviewed in May 2022
Exceptional work, extremely neat! Professional and timely. Will definitely recommend Baum Construction and use them for future needs.
Baum Construction
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Reviewed in November 2021
Very difficult to get the scope of the project in the categories above. I needed all of the floor joists and framing removed from an area in my basement, and replacement flooring installed. Tommy and his crew made short work of the demolition, and cleanup. The underlayment and new structure...
Tommy Neiffer Construction
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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

Indications include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows that suggest foundation movements.

Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.

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?

The Nemo, SD 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

Lyle Hendriks
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
Beam installation costs are an important consideration if you’re building a home or doing renovations. Learn about average costs and factors in this guide.
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]
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.
Alison Kasch
•
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.
Rachel Hoffman
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Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
Structural Inspection vs. Home Inspection: Which Is Right for You?
Knowing the difference between structural inspections vs. home inspections is easy with this convenient guide. Learn when you might get each one done.
Dan Simms
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Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
What Is a Structural Engineer and Do You Need One?
Learn what a structural engineer is, what they do, when you might need to hire one for your home project, and how much they charge.
Kyle Schurman
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Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who to Hire to Replace a Sill Plate?
A sill plate needs to be replaced when it starts to rot out. Use this guide to help you know who to hire to replace a sill plate at your home.