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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Buena, WA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Buena, WA 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 Buena, WA 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 24, 2025

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Meier Architecture • Engineering

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Meier Architecture • Engineering

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1982 years of experience

Meier Architecture & Engineering, an Employee Owned company, is a full-service architectural and engineering consulting firm with Registered Architects and licensed Professional Engineers in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Structural Engineering. Formed in 1982, has successfully completed more than 6,600 projects in the past 29 years. Meier Architecture & Engineering, an award winning company providing services from coast to coast, as well as worldwide, we are licensed in 28 states and serve as members of many professional, discipline-specific associations. Mindful of our future, members of our staff are also accredited in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Meier Architecture & Engineering, an Employee Owned company, is a full-service architectural and engineering consulting firm with Registered Architects and licensed Professional Engineers in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Structural Engineering. Formed in 1982, has successfully completed more than 6,600 projects in the past 29 years. Meier Architecture & Engineering, an award winning company providing services from coast to coast, as well as worldwide, we are licensed in 28 states and serve as members of many professional, discipline-specific associations. Mindful of our future, members of our staff are also accredited in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Douglas A Hatfield

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Douglas A Hatfield

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1995 years of experience

I work with my clients to provide a management buffer between them and their needs. I'm available 24 hours a day as needed for emergencies and consultation. All requests are quoted an estimate and work is started asap. I am able to get about anything done and have the most knowledgable and competant associates to bring you quality solutions. I work with you to make sure you have coverd all of your options and are making an educated decision to minimize any adverse repercushions. I do all work myself except when necessary professional assistance is required. I am associated with the finest craftsmen available representing all trades. My goal and soul ambition is to provide the highest quality craftsmenship and materials to satisfy all of your expectations without disapointment at a fair price without surprizes at the end. Thank you for your time and consideration. References available.

I work with my clients to provide a management buffer between them and their needs. I'm available 24 hours a day as needed for emergencies and consultation. All requests are quoted an estimate and work is started asap. I am able to get about anything done and have the most knowledgable and competant associates to bring you quality solutions. I work with you to make sure you have coverd all of your options and are making an educated decision to minimize any adverse repercushions. I do all work myself except when necessary professional assistance is required. I am associated with the finest craftsmen available representing all trades. My goal and soul ambition is to provide the highest quality craftsmenship and materials to satisfy all of your expectations without disapointment at a fair price without surprizes at the end. Thank you for your time and consideration. References available.

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.

Water can seep into porous materials like wood beams, floor joists, and roof rafters within minutes, but they’ll need to see prolonged exposure before you have structural damage. Mold can start growing within 24 hours, and mold can eat away at the structural components over time. Wood rot is more of a concern, though. Wet and dry rot are fungal infections that set in in moist conditions and rapidly deteriorate wood, causing major structural damage within just a few months in some cases.

A structural engineer’s report includes a professional assessment of a property’s foundation condition, structural elements like roof trusses and floor joists, and the skeleton of the home, including studs, beams, and rafters. It will also usually include an assessment of drainage on the property and any potential issues that could arise from environmental conditions, like extreme weather in the area and even tree placement.

Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren’t uneven across the gap, and don’t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don’t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.

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 Buena, WA homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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