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>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Erwin, TN

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: Why should I add structural support for my house after I raise it?

• <div><p>If your home's foundation was damaged due to shifting soil, the same problem will reoccur unless you stabilize the structure by adding posts in the bedrock.</p></div>

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 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: For which type of foundation cracking should a structural engineer be recommended?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.nahb.org/">National Association of Home Builders</a> requires repair of any foundation crack of more than one quarter of an inch, although local regulations may vary. In general, any visible crack that is growing in size, allowing water through, or that you have just noticed, is a good reason to call a structural engineer. Cracks can be a sign of a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/sinking-foundation.htm">sinking foundation</a>, so an inspection is a good idea for your peace of mind.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Erwin, TN

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Erwin, 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 Erwin, 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 February 27, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
I would give a zero if possible. By using a funds collecting company [Buildertrend] much like a construction-oriented PayPal, Tricities Remodeling Co overcharged me for a service that they didn't even perform. A structural engineering company that did an inspection for us, charged $385 for...
Tri-Cities Remodeling Co
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Reviewed in December 2024
Excellent work on multiple projects. The deck was the biggest job and it turned out great! They also help me to match the existing old siding to do some major repair work on the exterior of my 1950’s home and framed out a screen porch. Highly recommend.
Skytop Timberworks
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Reviewed in March 2024
We are very pleased with Concretewrks ! The communication with David from the beginning estimate til the completion of our job was great! Very impressed with the crew and the quality of work done on the job. Highly recommend Concretewrks for any concrete job !
Concretewrks
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Reviewed in July 2023
Excellent job done on our handrail up our front steps. Great communication throughout the entire project! We are going to use Solid Build Construction for our future remodel. If you want a company that will get the job done correctly and timely; I highly recommend SBC!! Reasonably priced and...
Solid Build Construction
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Reviewed in June 2022
They took down some trees that were closed to structures.
Grid
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Reviewed in February 2022
David Gibson provided us with an independent assessment of structural problems in a crawl space due to extensive previous moisture damage. He was extremely knowledgeable about the problems observed during the home inspection and was able to assess the quality of prior attempts to correct these...
Gibson's Grading And Construction
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Reviewed in November 2021
Clay and Josh finished the job on time and did excellent work on replacing the sheetrock and studs in garage walls that were damaged by termites. I strongly recommend Eagle Contracting for any work that you need done.
Eagle Contracting
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Reviewed in September 2021
Excellent Workers installing my porch handrail. Great to work with and kept searching until they found exactly the product I wanted installed. They were only one of three contractors I contacted who seemed interested in the job and went out of their way to find the materials I wanted for the...
Melton Construction Services
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Reviewed in September 2021
Excellent! Greg was a huge help in determining type of brackets as well as tools needed to drill on a brick wall. Safety and attention to detail were important to him. Very professional but with a friendly nature. I plan to hire him again for future jobs. Oh yes, and he managed to lift a 9...
AAA Handyman & Home Improvement
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Reviewed in January 2018
If we could give this company an A+, we would! David Little has been one of the most honest, fair, and knowledgeable contractors we've worked with in over 20 years. He truly works by the Golden Rule. After 8 years of wrestling with a Carrier that turned out to be a lemon, we hired his company to...
Little's Heating & Air
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Find Structural engineers in Erwin

R4 Engineering, PLLC

4.9(

)

Serving Erwin, 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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JM Structural Consulting LLC

New to Angi

Serving Erwin, 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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G&O Waterproofing and Home Solutions

5.0(

)

Serving Erwin, TN and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The installation was completed within the scheduled time and done to excellent standards. Contractor asked for no money upfront and went over all completed work performed in detail prior to billing. Customer satisfaction was front and center with Chris. Definitely use this company again and again!"

Recommended by100%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.

If your home's foundation was damaged due to shifting soil, the same problem will reoccur unless you stabilize the structure by adding posts in the bedrock.

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.

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

The National Association of Home Builders requires repair of any foundation crack of more than one quarter of an inch, although local regulations may vary. In general, any visible crack that is growing in size, allowing water through, or that you have just noticed, is a good reason to call a structural engineer. Cracks can be a sign of a sinking foundation, so an inspection is a good idea for your peace of mind.

The Erwin, 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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