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>

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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: For which type of foundation cracking should a structural engineer be recommended?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.nahb.org/">National Association of Home Builders</a> 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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/sinking-foundation.htm">sinking foundation</a>, so an inspection is a good idea for your peace of mind.</p></div>

Q: What’s the difference between an architect and an engineer?

• <div><p>The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you&rsquo;re designing and building a new home.</p></div>

Q: Are walls on the top floor load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor&rsquo;s foundation.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Inwood, WV

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Inwood, WV 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 Inwood, WV 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 August 01, 2023

Reviewed in August 2023
Their climber Justin was amazing to watch! A real professional; he told the ground crew just what to do to keep them and my surrounding structures safe when taking down some tall trees overhanging my roof.
Agile Tree Services
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Reviewed in May 2023
Rhonda & NextDay was excellent! I had called about five inspectors for our 1300 sq ft townhouse ; all the other inspectors gave quotes for $400-500 - they said they'll spend an hour at the house so hence the higher price. Well Rhonda was there for over two hours and the report we got back was...
NextDay Inspect®
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Reviewed in June 2021
Scott Arnold did a great job building my deck. The project was done quickly and professionally. I highly reccomend this contractor. Great price, great quality.
All American Deck & Porch
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Reviewed in August 2020
It went well! He was knowledgeable of the inspections process and notices things that I had overlooked. And I have been in engineering/ maintenance and repair for over 40 years. He had all of the appropriate meters and gauges. Great knowledge of the state regulations and requirements And was...
Absolute Home Inspections LLC
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Reviewed in August 2019
Responsive, attentive, and overall very professional. Trees were removed without damage to the nearby structure. Great job!
BBB Tree & Landscaping Service, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2019
A true professional. A licensed PE (Professional Engineer) everyone should get a quote from.
Class A Designer Concrete & Hardscapes, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2019
Very professional throughout the entire process. Focused on quality and customer expectations. Final outcome is a product built with exceptional structural integrity and design. This was accomplished in five days. His crew did not come and go. They arrived every day at 8am and departed at...
Great American Log Homes
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Reviewed in April 2015
Hired this man to build our Dream house. He promised <br /> to complete it in approximately 4 to 6 months. We broke ground in August <br /> of 2005. A couple of months into the build all work came to a screeching <br /> halt because Ed Grey (owner of Mill Creek Builders) took on a job...
Mill Creek Builders
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Reviewed in April 2015
Simply put, Brian Miller is the best contractor we have ever worked with--either in West Virginia or any other state we have lived in. It actually took a year to find Brian while we went through six other contractors who were less than satisfactory for different reasons. During our year long...
Miller's Residential Creations LLC
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Reviewed in October 2014
Mr. Turner was (and I believe still is) in high demand so call ahead! He expanded our deck, added another set of stairs, and had to repair as well as bring our 7 year old deck up to code. This involved new railing surround and all new hand rails. We also wanted a small gate at the top of each...
DE Turner and Sons General Contracting LLC
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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

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 essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you’re designing and building a new home.

Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor’s foundation.

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.

The Inwood, WV 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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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost to Hire? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
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Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
Who Can Check if a Wall Is Load-Bearing?
Before removing a wall, make sure it’s not load-bearing. Learn the benefits of hiring a structural engineer to check if a wall is load-bearing.
Kyle Schurman
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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.
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•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.