Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Alexandria, TN

Q: Are all exterior walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria. </p></div>

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: 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>

Q: Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner&rsquo;s insurance companies don&rsquo;t mandate a structural engineer&rsquo;s inspection, so in most cases, it&rsquo;s not required. However, it&rsquo;s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you&rsquo;re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Alexandria, TN

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Alexandria, TN 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 Alexandria, TN 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 12, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Great experience with this contractor very professional. Did the work exactly how you described it I would recommend him to anyone.
Riveras tree service
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Reviewed in November 2025
Drew is super professional, a awesome guy, he did really good work for us created a pad for our shed and widened the driveway, put in a culvert with a bridge and covered up some low spots in our property Will definitely use them again!
Oaks Excavating LLC
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Reviewed in October 2025
Lovely and very professional stuff. Moving Solutions is the best in this area. Thanks
Moving Solutions
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Reviewed in February 2025
Highly recommend. Very neat and clean install.
J&H Electric
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Reviewed in February 2024
Explained everything that needed to be done. Very nice and polite. Overall Very good experience.
Johnston Plumbing Company
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Reviewed in September 2023
We are very satisfied not only with the work completed, but also with the interactions with everyone at M2I. We have had them do several projects for us. They have poured a foundation for a steel standalone garage, a walkway, an extension to an existing concrete front porch and a pool pad. In...
M2I Concrete, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
I was very pleased with Hudsonâ s work!! I had very hard time finding someone to take on this project . Three different contractors turned me down. The project was on very steep slopes and seemed to me hard to access. Hudson immediately accepted the project and had it done less than a week....
H & H Excavating, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
We had them come out and brick 3 sides of our garage to match the front & they did an excellent job! This was a big job & they did excellent work! Would recommend them to anyone & I would hire them again.
Monkeys Construction
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Reviewed in May 2023
Very professional, job was bid then construction started soon after. Started and finished in a timely matter. Follow up was next day. Did good job and cleaned up the mess.
Three Boys Consulting
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Reviewed in February 2023
His work was quick and perfection! Canâ t even tell where the issue was. My repaired ceiling is flawless
M.E. Drywall Services
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Find Structural engineers in Alexandria

R4 Engineering, PLLC

4.9(

)

Serving Alexandria, TN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

"great to work with would recommend to anyone in need of structural engineer"

Response time6 hrs

Response rate97%

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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Infinity Engineering LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Alexandria, TN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Mark was great! He was very thorough and helped us identify what most critically needed to be addressed in our home. Having him offer a neutral 3rd party opinion helped ease our minds regarding the various projects that need to be completed. Highly recommend."

After Showing Added Second Floor and New Porch

Before with One Story Section Extended Vertically

Response time2 days

Response rate88%

11 neighbors recently requested a quote

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JM Structural Consulting LLC

New to Angi

Serving Alexandria, TN and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

JM Structural Consulting LLC is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria.

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.

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

Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing.

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.

The Alexandria, TN homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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