Get matched with top structural engineers in Bedford, VA

Q: Are walls on the top floor load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor&rsquo;s foundation.</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>

Q: Do structural engineers do free quotes?

• <div><p>Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home&rsquo;s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.</p></div>

Q: How do you know if a wall is load-bearing?

• <div><p>The easiest way to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/load-bearing-wall.htm">tell if a wall is load bearing</a> is to check if it&rsquo;s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don&rsquo;t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you&rsquo;re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Bedford, VA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Bedford, VA 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 Bedford, VA 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 November 05, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
They did very good job, fixed up cracks, holes, and painted the whole room, including ceiling and closet. Very satisfied result.
J&V Painting LLC
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Reviewed in June 2025
A&Romero built an arbor and picket fence for me. My experience was was excellent from start to the completed work. I knew I wanted to work with Jefrin from our first meeting. His presentation was professional and respectful. He listened and took time to understand exactly what I wanted and...
A & Romero Constructions, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
Logan and Jeremy are exactly who you should contact for exemplary customer service and phenomenal construction work. After our initial quote, my husband and I felt like we’ve known Logan for years. He was honest and straightforward. We could tell his interest wasn’t in “making a buck”, it was...
TCG Construction LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
They took out three large oak trees, two of which were leaning toward structures. They did it expertly. After-work clean-up was good. I will hire them again if needed.
Almond Arboriculture, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
Excellent company that worked hard and got my fence installed in the amount of time they promised. Excellent pricing and great communication throughout the process.
Snell Fence Company
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Reviewed in July 2021
David Newman worked with me on the design of my office/bookcase unit. I was very pleased with the custom built unit, the workmanship, and the excellent installation service.
Home Maintance Plus
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Reviewed in June 2016
John was very easy to reach by phone, discussed what I needed, he offered to pick up the mower and deliver back to me. He picked up the mower within a few days and delivered back within a week! I also had asked John if he could give me a "brief" refresher course on using my Zero Turn as my son...
JOHN'S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR
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Reviewed in February 2016
Bradley contracted to replace a set of French doors on the back of my house. Actually, they sub contracted the work out to Eric Wade, American Custom Building, who did the installation. We had some problems with the doors going in, when Bradley measured the opening, they cut it too close, and...
Sunburst Vinyl Supply
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Reviewed in September 2015
Installation of gutter guards were satisfactory. The gutter installation was marginally executed due to: installation of the pop outlets without attaching them to the gutter or caulking to prevent leaking; the gutter leaked when raining; and the manner in which the drip edges were cut and roof...
The Brothers That Just Do Gutters
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Reviewed in May 2015
Victor was a pleasure to work with. He responded to my inquiry quickly and explained all my options. Our deck is pretty old and was on its last legs. It is structurally sound but the boards were cracked and a few dry rotted. Deco pro used a deck over stain. They came and performed the work...
Deck Pro
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Find Structural engineers in Bedford

McKinley Lewis Associates, PLLC

3.5(

)

Serving Bedford, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

"Mr Michael Easley, Very Professionalâ ¦â ¦ Responded Very Quickly Came Out And Did A Very Nice Jobâ ¦â ¦"

Recommended by78%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor’s foundation.

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

Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home’s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.

The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.

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 Bedford, VA 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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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.
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Who Can Check if a Wall Is Load-Bearing?
Before removing a wall, make sure it’s not load-bearing. Learn the benefits of hiring a structural engineer to check if a wall is load-bearing.
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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.
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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.