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 Glenvar, VA

Q: How do professionals ensure durability in wall construction?

• <div><p>Through proper drainage solutions and compacting the foundation soil.</p></div>

Q: Are dormers load-bearing?

• <div><p>Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.</p></div>

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: 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: 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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Glenvar, VA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Glenvar, 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 Glenvar, 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 August 04, 2023

Reviewed in August 2023
This company was the only one that responded to my request for the new roof for my storage building!!! Mr. Matt Wright was very professional from the beginning to the end, communications was excellent . Very satisfied with the work!! Thank you for your time
Modular Pro Solutions, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2020
We hired Mighty Dad in late spring/early summer of 2020 to do the construction part of a deck remodeling job (plus the last not-insignificant demolition step that we didn't finish). He replaced the old weathered wood planking with composite material and railing, and worked around some...
Mighty Dad Flooring & Home Repair
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Reviewed in February 2018
Jeff and his crew arrived on time. Jeff quickly assessed the job and gave me an estimate. This was a very small job and more cosmetic than structural. They repaired 2 bricks and motor that had fallen out under the threshold of the back door. I was very pleased with their work and the end result....
J & D Masonry LLC
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Reviewed in March 2017
We had heard of Rey's work from friends who loved the work he did for them. We contacted him and he came by soon after and showed us options of what we could do. We were having flooring replaced in our great room and hallway. We ended up going with white oak flooring that we had finished with...
Rey Hardwood Floor
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Reviewed in July 2015
.Randy presented several options we hadn't considered and a detailed quotation of what they would do. His work crew showed up exactly as scheduled. They were very polite and very hard workers. They respected our property and were careful not to damage nearby plantings. They resolved quickly...
Roanoke Landscapes
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Reviewed in June 2015
I contacted Sure Dri after receiving devastating news regarding the structural integrity of my basement wall. Keith Martin made an undesirable job much more pleasent. He called the structual engineer while onsite in my basement and proposed an alternative plan which could save me money. He also...
SURE DRI
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Reviewed in November 2014
There were a lot of hurdles due to the original builders. Mike and lou moved all of the plumbing. That involved moving the pressure tank and water heater. They had to cut up the concrete floor to move drains for tub, shower, toilet and vanity. They had to reframe the entire area 1500sf., then...
Appalachian Building Concepts
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Reviewed in June 2014
They had to rebuild structural areas due to water damage and got all the work done before a major storm hit. The team was professional and hard working. The quality of the work is good and I'm very pleased. <br />
All-In-One Home Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in January 2014
If you don’t know by now then let me tell you that Roanoke and Roanoke County have a set of approved guidelines that they have adopted when it comes to the construction of a “New” deck where there is an existing deck. If your deck was built more than 5 years ago and you have a band board...
Ronnie LaBrie General Contracting
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Reviewed in December 2013
I have managed numerous construction projects over the years and was concerned about getting a contractor for such a small project. I did contact one contractor, however, when he failed to state that he would get a building permit, I refused to deal with him. When I called Dollman Construction,...
Dollman Construction, Inc
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Find Structural engineers in Glenvar

McKinley Lewis Associates, PLLC

3.5(

)

Serving Glenvar, 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

Through proper drainage solutions and compacting the foundation soil.

Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.

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.

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 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.

The Glenvar, 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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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
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