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 Montross, VA

Q: What types of projects require a structural engineer’s expertise?

• <div><p>Structural engineers are necessary for projects involving alterations to load-bearing structures, foundation work, and compliance with safety standards. This includes home expansions, retaining walls, and significant repairs that impact a property's integrity.</p></div>

Q: Will a bank finance a house with foundation problems?

• <div><p>It depends on the bank and the extent of the issue. Some banks will lend against homes with minor foundation damage, but most won&rsquo;t if the issue is structural since the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. Banks that offer renovation loans might still finance a home with structural problems. More minor issues like settling cracks and intermittent problems with humidity are unlikely to stop a bank from financing. </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: 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>

Q: Where are most load-bearing walls located?

• <div><p>Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Montross, VA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Montross, 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 Montross, 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 June 06, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
I needed my kitchen to be more efficient and effective and wanted to convert part of my 1,200 sq. ft. garage into a detached dwelling (DADU). During the entire design process, communication was excellent and held via phone, virtual meetings, and in person. While I had some ideas, the ideas and...
Pro Home Renovations
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Reviewed in May 2025
Seth Ballard designed a beautiful home for us. He’s great to work with and very talented. He puts his heart into his projects and is very responsible.
Ballard+Mensua Architecture
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Reviewed in November 2023
HB CONSTRUCTION was very well organized and systematic in how they approached the work of regrading my backyard, start t to finish. It was a big job , but they did it well and expeditiously. Very professional.
HB Construction
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Reviewed in September 2023
Cristian and his team did an excellent job, renovating our master bedroom and bath. I highly recommend him for any of your interior renovation projects.
Criss Professional Painting
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Reviewed in November 2022
Dave did an excellent job with design and communication. Dave informed me each step of the way what was going to be done. He followed up once completion was done. I would recommend this company to anyone looking to get a patio and landscaping done. The patio team, Tito and his brothers were...
The Guidance Center
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Reviewed in September 2022
Overall this is a great company There is a lot of moving pieces with adding our All season room. Hoping that this will be complete within the month so that we can have our Halloween party in our new room. plumbing insulation drywall paint are the last things that need to be done. And then final...
John Krause Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2020
We highly recommend S4 Woodworks! The owner/carpenter was amazing to work with. He is a highly skilled carpenter and works very hard to make sure the customer is happy. We just finished a project and are already working with him on our next project.
Smithbuilt, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2020
The job was not engineered to fully correct the bowed-inward condition of the basement walls. I later learned that I was not given the option to do the work necessary to fully straighten the walls by digging a relief trench along the outer walls. The construction crew did a good job in...
JES Foundation Repair
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Reviewed in March 2019
We have been working with Todd Willoughby since early in 2018. We had purchased a piece of land along the Chesapeake Bay and wanted to build a small but thoughtfully designed contemporary garden cottage for our retirement. After speaking with a number of architects we chose Todd and we have been...
Willoughby Design, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2014
Never buy from Bill Britt! They are scam artists who will say anything to sell a car. Even their 30 day check is a joke. Just after my car was guaranteed in great running condition, the engine and starter have to be replaced. Don't get scammed! <br />
Rosner Mazda & Volkswagen of Fredericksburg
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Find Structural engineers in Montross

Systematic Engineering LLC

4.7(

)

Serving Montross, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"I was highly impressed with Systematic Engineering. Jennifer from their main office was very cordial and friendly in setting up my appointment. The company's President, Frank, arrived promptly and gave me a professional and thorough assessment of what I needed to know about my property. I will definitely call on them again!"

Response time8 hrs

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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Rock-River Engineering

4.6(

)

Serving Montross, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"

David was on time and very professional. He spent an appropriate amount of time evaluating the 2 areas we had requested. He documented the inspection w/ photos, measurements, and sketches. He provided a verbal preliminary report and is to provide a written final report w/ specifications for the mods we are proposing. (Removing a wall upstairs and a post downstairs.) We were happy to hear that our mods were going to be less complicated than originally thought and consequently less expensive. We have the peace of mind that the proposed changes are structurally sound and will be done correctly.

"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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CM&A Engineering, PLC

5.0(

)

Serving Montross, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very professional and thorough. Completed the job and generated a professional report I can use to get appropriate repairs completed."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Wildest inc LLC

New to Angi

Serving Montross, VA and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

Been with my partner for 17 yrs we have done everything from dirt to roof tops on houses hotels motel apartments when I say everything i mean everything you name we can do it ni job to small no job too big free estimates if contract is made no hassle guaranteed professional services, a 100%. We're class A contractors with a great team to get the job done in a timely manner. No need to worry we're here to save the day just one call away.

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Structural engineers are necessary for projects involving alterations to load-bearing structures, foundation work, and compliance with safety standards. This includes home expansions, retaining walls, and significant repairs that impact a property's integrity.

It depends on the bank and the extent of the issue. Some banks will lend against homes with minor foundation damage, but most won’t if the issue is structural since the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. Banks that offer renovation loans might still finance a home with structural problems. More minor issues like settling cracks and intermittent problems with humidity are unlikely to stop a bank from financing.

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.

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.

Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.

The Montross, VA 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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