Do I need a structural engineer to knock down a wall?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Union Grove, WI

Q: Can I do my own structural calculations?

• <div><p>No, it&rsquo;s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.</p></div>

Q: Are beams and joists the same?

• <div><p>No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.</p></div>

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: Why should I add structural support for my house after I raise it?

• <div><p>If your home's foundation was damaged due to shifting soil, the same problem will reoccur unless you stabilize the structure by adding posts in the bedrock.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Union Grove, WI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Union Grove, 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 Union Grove, 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 February 08, 2026

Reviewed in February 2026
contacted T&K Builders after discovering mold in my exterior wall, and their response was immediate and professional. The team quickly demolished the affected area and installed the necessary structural supports to safely hold the roof. Everyone on site worked efficiently, communicated clearly,...
T&K Builders LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
I hired MH Renovations this summer to add a bedroom over a two-story foyer. The job required significant framing work, adding a window, external brickwork, drywall installation, and an electric circuit. Matt provided me with a detailed proposal, which was the least invasive in the existing...
MH Renovations LLC
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Reviewed in December 2021
The attention and care these guys put into their work is impressive. The first project we had them do was repair some severe, structural water damage on a wall. They rooted out every rotted bit that spanned three floors and the interior finish work was seamless – you’d never know there had been...
Accurate Contracting Service
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Reviewed in August 2021
After a 3 month wait, the installation was halted when the metal trim for the shower doors turned out to be the wrong finish. This resulted in another 6 week wait for the correction. Currently waiting to contact them to schedule the door installation and mostly playing phone tag. I signed up...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in October 2017
Horrible nothing was done to contract the way we wanted driveway was not done to code they smashed the side of our garage with there heavy equipment broke sill and other structural boards and ruined 5 siding panels. When we tried to work with them on fixing all the problems they verbally...
Cusatis Construction
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Reviewed in July 2017
During the scheduling process, Jenn was respectful our time. Appointments that were made were kept. During the design process, Jim was readily available to respond to our questions and concerns. He also initiated the contact when he had updates to provide. As for value, the design was not a...
Polished Concrete & Retaining Walls Inc
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Reviewed in May 2017
Out of three estimates, Vesel's was the lowest. Eric was sensitive to my need to keep costs low; he made suggestions about ways I could save money as well as areas where it would be best not to cut corners (e.g., flooring). He also was the only contractor who made sure my existing structural...
Vesel Services
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Reviewed in August 2014
<p> </p> <p>We signed the Brookwater Group (or Construction) contract on 9/9/13 for them to manage the construction of our additions. It was their job to hire and supervise the subcontractors. Completion of renovation in its entirety was supposed to take 73 days to be completed by 11/22/13. The...
BROOKWATER CONSTRUCTION INC
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Reviewed in June 2014
Tolga was very professional and far exceeded our expectations. He drew up our structural plans very quickly and was easy to reach whenever we had questions. I would highly recommend TY Engineering to anyone looking for a structural engineer, and if I need one in the future they will be the first...
TY Engineering and Design, Inc.
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Reviewed in December 2013
This was a tricky project in a summer home that had not been well taken care of by the previous owner. Several joists on the south side of the house had significant water damage. The floor of the house had settled significantly under the kitchen and in the living room below a patio door. The...
The Craftsmen Group
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Find Structural engineers in Union Grove

Splendid Engineering Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Union Grove, 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 Union Grove, 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

Request Quote

Splendid Engineering, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Union Grove, 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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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

No, it’s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.

No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.

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.

If your home's foundation was damaged due to shifting soil, the same problem will reoccur unless you stabilize the structure by adding posts in the bedrock.

The Union Grove, WI 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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