Get matched with top structural engineers in Saint Francis, WI

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>

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: What factors affect building costs?

• <div><p>The costs depend on the type of wood, labor, roofing material, permits, and whether additional storage or enclosed walls are included.</p></div>

Q: How high can you build a single brick wall?

• <div><p>A freestanding brick wall that's only one brick thick can usually stand six to eight feet high. If you need a higher wall, it should be at least two bricks thick for adequate stability, and it might require a footing to support the added weight. Additionally, some areas have regulations and codes dictating how high a brick wall can be, so check with local code enforcers to ensure your proposed wall complies with any regulations.</p></div>

Q: Do I need a structural engineer or an architect?

• <div><p>Whether you&rsquo;re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Saint Francis, WI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Saint Francis, 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 Saint Francis, 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 October 28, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Michael Perez of Cloudland Reflections LLC was excellent to work with. We hired him to build a railing and stairs to our front door and sunporch and stain them to match our fence. We had concerns about the structure of our interior sunporch which Michael agreed to give an estimate separately...
Cloudland Reflections LLC
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Reviewed in July 2025
I contacted them due to needing engineer for structure above my door. They did not hear to the timeline, did NOT communicate any updates, delays, etc. Terrible company to work with. Also, did not have an engineer involved in the plans and found out it would cost me more money. DO NOT use...
Evolution Drafting
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Reviewed in March 2021
They were prompt efficient friendly and knowledgeable. Besides hauling away a structure they also cut down 5 shrubs and a complicated tree in preparation for a fence to be installed. Very happy with the cost, also. We will be using them again in the future.
G3 Contractors, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2019
Recommended a contractor that worked out really well they were able to coordinate the finishing of the structure with the roof replacement and addition roofing. crew made an effort to cleanup everything and owner came out to review the work being done. was able to get done in one day. Only issue...
Energy Masters LLC
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Reviewed in June 2017
James Morris came to my house on time and was very professional. He took his time evaluating my foundation and explained everything he was doing. He was very patient with all my questions and was able to complete my foundation report onsite. I would highly recommend Jendusa Design & Engineering,...
Jendusa Design & Engineering, Inc.
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Reviewed in December 2016
1/04/2017 Update: Our legal counsel advised us that Carmel was in breach of contract and that we would not likely see any money or additional work from them. So, even though Carmel had offered in writing to reimburse us $1,600 to close the contract, the legal counsel advised us to walk away...
CARMEL BUILDERS INC
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Reviewed in March 2016
Wally did a very good job with the masonry around the garage. The structure is set on an incline and we were concerned about rainwater flow. The garage looks great and continues to be solid and completely waterproof. We also had him do the retaining wall after we saw another one that he did,...
WALLY KING MASONRY
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Reviewed in October 2015
We had a major siding project that included removing the entire exterior of the house, repair to the underlying structure and re-siding with Hardie products, We also replaced three windows with Marvin Infinity and installed insulaion where needed prior to wrapping the house. They did excellent...
Elite Exteriors, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2015
Accurate made a number of visits to answer my questions and explain the process. They suggested and I hired an independent structural engineer to look over the project before we settled the details which, though it also cost money, was a good thing to have done. It reinforced their assessment...
Accurate Basement Repair
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Reviewed in September 2014
The owner John and his crew are excellent workers. They are on time precise and neat .John was the lowest bidder on this but also the most informative in regard to material and design options. John is very a patient listener and was able to adapt our concerns on a few things into the project. I...
Kirch Improvements LLC
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Find Structural engineers in Saint Francis

Splendid Engineering Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Saint Francis, 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 Saint Francis, 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

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Splendid Engineering, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Saint Francis, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"They reviewed blue prints and made necessary structural changes. Approved and stamped prints after visiting site. They were prompt and saved me money with the changes they suggested."

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Civil Fox Engineering, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Saint Francis, 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

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.

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.

The costs depend on the type of wood, labor, roofing material, permits, and whether additional storage or enclosed walls are included.

A freestanding brick wall that's only one brick thick can usually stand six to eight feet high. If you need a higher wall, it should be at least two bricks thick for adequate stability, and it might require a footing to support the added weight. Additionally, some areas have regulations and codes dictating how high a brick wall can be, so check with local code enforcers to ensure your proposed wall complies with any regulations.

Whether you’re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.

The Saint Francis, 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

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