"ESG Design was great to work with. I contacted them through Home Advisor for an impartial assessment of the cause of cracks in my ceiling, plus a few other issues. Eli, the engineer, did a thorough inspection and developed a solid plan for repairs. ESG also offered two levels of fees, which was extremely helpful for my budget. Thank you ESG for the service and peace of mind!"
Kim Eui (Elliot), recently worked as Structural Engineer for the City of LA for over 10 years and working at various structural firms in California and Washington \nState with licensed Civil and Structural Engineer in State of Washington and California, extra architect license of S Korea. Worked in Los Angeles, Sacramento in California, and Seattle, Lacey in Washington. Specializes in residential addition, new construction of residence to get Building permit by Civil and Structural Engineering. Can take on residential projects to large commercial projects. Call Kim Eui, today with any questions or projects you have.
"I used Triple V as the Project Engineer for a garage conversion to single family residence for my son’s family. Vic not only did the engineering for us, he also did the structural drawings we submitted to the county as part of our permit package. He delivered the plans promptly, and worked collaboratively with us to resolve issues we identified and revise the drawings accordingly. The county building department approved the plans and issued the permit. During the project construction Vic patiently responded to questions from us (we’re DIY’ers, not professional builders) and offered/provided certifications to revisions we jointly agreed to. Overall, Triple V provided what was promised at an outstanding value."
"Hazim was very thorough and professional. He really listened to my concerns and was easy to communicate with. The cost of my project was fair. I recommend him to anyone needing a structural engineer."
"GS engineering, and Sim Singh in particular have been fantastic to work with. I am a general contractor and have had to hire a number of structural firms over time. Sim offers a very rare combination of a high level of skill in a highly technical field (specifically engineering) a high level of professionalism, and an overall pleasant personality/demeanor. As long as he has the time to take my calls, it is doubtful that I would ever call a different structural engineer than Sim."
Kim Eui (Elliot), recently worked as Structural Engineer for the City of LA for over 10 years and working at various structural firms in California and Washington \nState with licensed Civil and Structural Engineer in State of Washington and California, extra architect license of S Korea. Worked in Los Angeles, Sacramento in California, and Seattle, Lacey in Washington. Specializes in residential addition, new construction of residence to get Building permit by Civil and Structural Engineering. Can take on residential projects to large commercial projects. Call Kim Eui, today with any questions or projects you have.
"It was a very in depth view or snapshot of what the structure conditions currently were and a extra recommended opinion for DYI or hire a professional for any deficiencies. The only reason I didn’t rate 5/5 on professionalism was due to the fact that it was not a “commercial chain” business. This is a local small business owner I try to support local businesses. Do not be mistaken, the quality of services provided was far better than what you would expect for corporate businesses. The report provided was easy to read and I had no questions however, he did tell me that if I had any he would answer my questions so I could understand. To give you an idea of my situation was, I needed a home inspection for a house that I wanted to buy here in Washington but I was in Afghanistan at the time. The report was clear with pictures and added graphics so even not being local at the time I was able to have confidence enough in the service provided to move forward on the sale. Great job."
"The owner of the company is working really hard. He tried his best to help me figure out the problem and he did a hands-on inspection of the job that needs to be done."
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
The best way to determine if ceiling cracks are structural is to hire a ceiling contractor to inspect the cracks and provide a professional opinion. That said, you might be able to make an educated guess based on the size and appearance of the crack. Larger cracks, cracks accompanied by sagging or discoloration, and cracks that travel from the ceiling down the walls are all signs of structural issues.
Costs depend on desk size, labor, included features like drawers or motorized height adjustments, and required wall anchoring.
In many areas, advice from a structural engineer or an architect will be required by your building department before you can remove a wall, but even if it’s not necessary, it’s a good idea. Accidentally removing a load-bearing wall—even if a general contractor advises that it’s safe—can cause major structural damage, putting you and your family at risk and potentially costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.
A structural engineer’s report is almost always worth it, as it can help you avoid buying or overpaying for a home with structural issues. The most important thing the report does for you is provide peace of mind that you won’t have to pay thousands of dollars for structural repairs right after closing on a property.
It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.
The Vashon, WA homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total in Seattle, WA.
