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>

Is LVL more affordable than steel I-beams?

• <div><p>Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-steel-i-beam-cost.htm">cost of a steel I-beam</a>, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists. </p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Germantown, WI

Q: How does an engineer assess a building’s structural integrity?

• <div><p>Through detailed analysis of load paths, materials, and existing damages.</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: Why do retaining walls lean?

• <div><p>Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Germantown, WI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Germantown, WI 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 Germantown, WI 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 May 05, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
The work process they did for our home renovation was great and was done professionally. The team was efficient and performed excellent service. With remarkable design sense and meticulous attention to detail, we transformed mainly our bathroom and kitchen and promptly took care of the necessary...
Emally's Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2022
I’m a realtor and I had a client selling their house who needed a structural engineer to evaluate something. I called Jendusa because they are so well respected that I knew their report would answer and questions the buyer’s had. I called and Venu met me at the home. He was extremely...
Splendid Engineering Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2019
Miguel and his team at Dr. Home did a fantastic job on our drywall and paint project. He quoted the work within 24 hours of my initial phone call and he was able to schedule the work 3 days after his quote. The team showed up on time (on a Saturday morning) and worked 12 hours to complete the...
Dr. Home
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Reviewed in October 2018
Bob and his team did a great job of hand chopping several structural cracks along the cinder block joints on 3 walls, then re-tuckpointing and sealing them. Work was done as quoted and on time.
QUALITY RESTORATION SERVICES INC
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Reviewed in October 2018
I had an old one car garage that was structurally failing and needed to be replaced. John and his crew couldn't be more helpful with the process. Their input on design was extraordinary. They made my vision and idea come to life. They listened to my ideas and would give input on what would or...
EXACT EXTERIOR & INTERIOR REMODELING INC
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Reviewed in April 2017
We had to improve our crawl space structure and after several visits and inspections from the City, Foundations Pros of Wisconsin and his team were so flexibile and came over to knock out the project in evenings to make sure we met the deadlines by the new home owners. I highly recommend Sean...
Foundation Pros of Wisconsin, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2015
We hired a structural engineer even after our home inspector said he didn't notice anything about the wall. Due to FHA financing, the under writer wanted to see a report about the structural report, due to us writing that in as a contingency on a home offer. <br /> It went well. It was...
Jendusa Design & Engineering, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2015
I was hoping he'd come to our home and give us ideas but instead told us to compare prices of the materials, decide the shape and then call back. Having no idea what would be best for our patio situation, I was frustrated as how to begin. ie-best weathering wood, shape of pergola, best way...
Mr. Bilder
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Reviewed in April 2015
We were relieved that our basement problems are not structural. We were thankful for his helpful expertise and advice! <br />
BASEMENT SPECIALISTS INC
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Reviewed in January 2014
I had a bad situation this summer after I bought my home. A structural beam was rotten and it needed to be replaced before winter. It was a tough tricky job, and Steve from Always Building Custom got the job done for me. He gave me a very competitive estimate, put my mind at ease, and got the...
Always Building Custom
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Find Structural engineers in Germantown

Splendid Engineering Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Germantown, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

"Nothing Better could happen to this project. the Engineers were very knowledgeable and gave me a design that was elegant look wise plus value engineered."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Germantown, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1977

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"I have used Gaidish company in few project now , Jeff the owner is very professional and honest men. They did take care the problem in my basement and did excellent job. I will not hesitate to hire this company for my future project ."

Recommended by97%of homeowners

Serving Germantown, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Construct Boss was easy to work with and turned out an excellent product for a fair price! Dan was very easy to talk to and he understands the details of construction describing what surprises we might see in construction so we won't be surprised if they come up!"

+25

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Splendid Engineering, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Germantown, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Timely response and turn around time. Very Professional. I highly recommend"

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Civil Fox Engineering, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Germantown, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Through detailed analysis of load paths, materials, and existing damages.

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.

Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the cost of a steel I-beam, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists.

Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.

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.

The Germantown, WI 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

Timothy Moore
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2026 Data]
Looking to remove load-bearing walls and vertical supports to open up your living space? Learn about what affects the cost to install an LVL beam.
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•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
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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•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
Kyle Schurman
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
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.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?
Structural steel and wood beams ensure your house is structurally sound. Learn the difference between steel and wood beams and how to choose the right one.
Rachel Hoffman
•
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.