Is it worth getting a structural engineer?

• <div><p>If you’re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it’s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren’t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It’s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you’re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Shenandoah Junction, WV

Q: Is it worth getting a structural engineer?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it&rsquo;s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren&rsquo;t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It&rsquo;s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you&rsquo;re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.</p></div>

Q: Are ceiling joists load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they&rsquo;re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them. </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: Do structural engineers do free quotes?

• <div><p>Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home&rsquo;s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.</p></div>

Q: How much weight can 6 inches of concrete hold?

• <div><p>On average, 6 inches of concrete can hold around 150 pounds per square foot, but the exact weight that 6 inches of concrete can hold depends on factors such as the type of concrete, the reinforcement method, soil conditions below, and structural design. If you&rsquo;re concerned about the longevity of your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway, hire a professional to help you choose an appropriate concrete thickness and reinforcement method for your needs. </p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Shenandoah Junction, WV?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Shenandoah Junction, WV

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Shenandoah Junction, 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 Shenandoah Junction, 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 January 15, 2026

Reviewed in June 2024
"Mark was AMAZING! I know so much about my new home. He paid attention to detail and answered every question I had with no problem. I would call him for help again with no hesitation."
LBI Home & Building Inspection
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2024
We had several large trees on our property that were in a very difficult position with risk of damaging the house and other structures. Paul showed us exactly where he would lay the trees and executed as promised. Will definitely use again!
Asay Construction and Tree Service
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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®
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2022
Abjectly poor customer service, in general, though not for my family's experience specifically. Good products and people, mostly reasonable pricing. Mostly reliable work. Too transactional, not enough warmth. ... I would grudgingly recommend them as an employer for certain types of sales...
Nations Choice Exteriors
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2018
Rep showed up at least 1 hour late. Wasted another hour looking at the project then left and never gave me an estimate. Would not return my calls.
DE Turner and Sons General Contracting LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2015
My experience with Rick and Up in Smoke Chimney Services was stellar! Rick is very responsive, friendly, thorough, and knowledgeable. He first came to my house to assess my if my fireplace and chimney could accept a wood-burning insert. He was generous with his time and super laid back;...
Up In Smoke Chimney Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2013
I was driving home from work on Tuesday and it felt like the front end of my Jeep was going to fall off. I stopped at a gas station and some gentleman told me sounded like a spark plug. I called my local Jeep dealer and they couldn't see it right away and wanted to charge $119 just to look at...
Martinsburg Service Center
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in Shenandoah Junction

At Hatfield Building and Excavating we offer a multitude of services to fit your contracting needs. From pressure washing job sites to constructing a new home or office location from start to finish. We offer warranties on all services provided with on-call technical support following completion of the job. **Free Estimates!** it doesn't cost you anything to dream, and we can turn your dreams into realities!

American Amish Co

1.00(

)

American Amish Co

1.00(

)

28 years of experience

Additional DBA - American Amish Company LLC, American Amish Company's Corp.

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

No reviews yet

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

No reviews yet

44 years of experience

Transportation/Utility Design, Traffic, Land Development and Planning, Surveying, Right-of-way Acquisition, Environmental, Construction Engineering and Inspection, Structural, Litigation Support

MT Engineering Services

No reviews yet

MT Engineering Services

No reviews yet

Our engineering firm specializes in providing professional Civil Engineering services in both the public and private sectors for construction and development projects including Geotechnical Eng., Pavement Eng., and Construction Materials Testing and Inspection. MTES provides tailored geotechnical exploration and investigation services to our clients designed to fit the need and scope Our services include: Geotechnical Investigations Foundation inspection and repair Deep Foundation Design for Bridges, High-Rises, and other Structures Slope Stability Analyses Geotechnical Instrumentation Structural design and inspection Observation and Testing of Compacted Fill and (Site) Earthworks Observation and Logging of Drilled Shaft Excavations and Construction Coordination and Implementation of Full-Scale Shaft Load Testing Observation of Pile Foundation Systems Vibration Monitoring Peer Reviews

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

If you’re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it’s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren’t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It’s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you’re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.

Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they’re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them.

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.

Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home’s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.

On average, 6 inches of concrete can hold around 150 pounds per square foot, but the exact weight that 6 inches of concrete can hold depends on factors such as the type of concrete, the reinforcement method, soil conditions below, and structural design. If you’re concerned about the longevity of your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway, hire a professional to help you choose an appropriate concrete thickness and reinforcement method for your needs.

The Shenandoah Junction, 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

Mackenzie Sanford
•
Nov 28, 2025Nov 28, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Indianapolis? [2026 Data]
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 Indianapolis, IN.
Jeanine Gordon
•
Nov 25, 2025Nov 25, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Kansas City? [2026 Data]
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 Kansas City, MO.
Jeanine Gordon
•
Nov 25, 2025Nov 25, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Dallas? [2026 Data]
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 Dallas, TX.
Nick P. Cellucci
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
7 Ways to Tell if a Column Is Load-Bearing or Decorative
Removing columns can open up a space, but you’ll need to exercise caution to avoid damaging your home’s structure. Use these steps to find out if your column is load-bearing.
Dan Simms
•
Oct 24, 2024Oct 24, 2024
Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection
Learn why it might be a good idea to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection in addition to a general home inspector when you’re purchasing a home.
Em Norton
•
Oct 23, 2025Oct 23, 2025
How to Tell if a Wall Is Load-Bearing Before Remodeling
Before you can start a major remodel, you need to know how to tell if a wall is load-bearing. Learn what a load-bearing wall is and how to identify one.

What do you need done? We’ll find top pros.

🌱 "Mow a small front yard"
🛠 "Fix a leaking pipe under the sink"
🏠 "Repair shingles on an asphalt roof"

Get matched with top structural engineers in Shenandoah Junction, WV

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Shenandoah Junction, WV?

Engineer Structural

Architectural Service

Addition to Existing Structure Building Service

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Shenandoah Junction, WV

Find Structural engineers in Shenandoah Junction

BK Services

BK Services

Hatfield Building & Excavating

Hatfield Building & Excavating

American Amish Co

American Amish Co

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

MT Engineering Services

MT Engineering Services

The Shenandoah Junction, WV homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Indianapolis? [2026 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Kansas City? [2026 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Dallas? [2026 Data]

7 Ways to Tell if a Column Is Load-Bearing or Decorative

Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection

How to Tell if a Wall Is Load-Bearing Before Remodeling

Get our Angi-powered app

Get matched with top structural engineers in Shenandoah Junction, WV

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Shenandoah Junction, WV?

Engineer Structural

Architectural Service

Addition to Existing Structure Building Service

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Shenandoah Junction, WV

Find Structural engineers in Shenandoah Junction

BK Services

BK Services

Hatfield Building & Excavating

Hatfield Building & Excavating

American Amish Co

American Amish Co

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

MT Engineering Services

MT Engineering Services

The Shenandoah Junction, WV homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Indianapolis? [2026 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Kansas City? [2026 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Dallas? [2026 Data]

7 Ways to Tell if a Column Is Load-Bearing or Decorative

Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection

How to Tell if a Wall Is Load-Bearing Before Remodeling

Find Structural engineering Pros in other cities near youNot finding what you are looking for in Shenandoah Junction? Check surrounding areas for Structural engineers.

Related services for your Structural engineering projectFind pros in Shenandoah Junction who can help with other services related to Structural engineering

Find Pros for other jobs in Shenandoah JunctionIf your Structural engineering services job is complete, use Angi to find quality Pros in Shenandoah Junction for any number of jobs.