Are foundation walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.</p></div>

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Q: Why are studs 16 inches apart?

• <div><p>In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called &quot;on-center&quot; and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called &quot;advanced framing&quot;. This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity. </p></div>

Q: How do contractors cut a doorway in a concrete block wall?

• <div><p>First, most contractors will have a structural engineer create a report and plan for your project to ensure it&rsquo;s safe to cut into the load-bearing wall. The contractor will then excavate around the wall, if necessary, measure the opening&mdash;allowing for additional space to fit and level the door, and then cut the doorway out. They will likely install a steel lintel as a header over the door for support. Once the doorway is cut out, they&rsquo;ll demolish the concrete using sledge hammers and masonry chisels, clean up the surrounding concrete, and seal around the door with masonry mortar. </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>

Q: What types of projects require a structural engineer’s expertise?

• <div><p>Structural engineers are necessary for projects involving alterations to load-bearing structures, foundation work, and compliance with safety standards. This includes home expansions, retaining walls, and significant repairs that impact a property's integrity.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Shepherdstown, WV

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Shepherdstown, 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 Shepherdstown, 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 December 27, 2025

Reviewed in September 2023
I cannot think of enough good things to say about Tim, the quality of his work, and his willingness to work with you to address and economically correct any excavating issues you may have. I will say it is an honor and pleasure to deal with such an intelligent and honest man.
GAP Excavating
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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 October 2021
I honestly could not more highly recommend Bob. We hired him for our 1st home inspection and he found it had structural damage; which completely saved me from buying a home I would never get my money out of. After the 1st house, I started hiring Bob to do visual inspections. He would preview...
Inspect-It First, 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 August 2016
Called for help with loose siding near the top of 3 story townhouse. Kept me updated throughout the process and was able to fix in a timely manner. Would recommend and use again.
Mr. Handyman of Martinsburg and Charles Town
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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
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Find Structural engineers in Shepherdstown

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(

)

27 years of experience

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

MT Engineering Services

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MT Engineering Services

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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

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

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Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

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43 years of experience

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

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity.

First, most contractors will have a structural engineer create a report and plan for your project to ensure it’s safe to cut into the load-bearing wall. The contractor will then excavate around the wall, if necessary, measure the opening—allowing for additional space to fit and level the door, and then cut the doorway out. They will likely install a steel lintel as a header over the door for support. Once the doorway is cut out, they’ll demolish the concrete using sledge hammers and masonry chisels, clean up the surrounding concrete, and seal around the door with masonry mortar.

Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.

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.

Structural engineers are necessary for projects involving alterations to load-bearing structures, foundation work, and compliance with safety standards. This includes home expansions, retaining walls, and significant repairs that impact a property's integrity.

The Shepherdstown, WV 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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Engineer Structural

Architectural Service

Addition to Existing Structure Building Service

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BK Services

BK Services

Hatfield Building & Excavating

Hatfield Building & Excavating

American Amish Co

American Amish Co

MT Engineering Services

MT Engineering Services

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

The Shepherdstown, WV homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Boston? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Dallas? [2025 Data]

Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?

How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2025 Data]

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

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Get matched with top structural engineers in Shepherdstown, WV

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

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

Engineer Structural

Architectural Service

Addition to Existing Structure Building Service

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Shepherdstown, WV

Find Structural engineers in Shepherdstown

BK Services

BK Services

Hatfield Building & Excavating

Hatfield Building & Excavating

American Amish Co

American Amish Co

MT Engineering Services

MT Engineering Services

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

Rinker Design Associates, P.C.

The Shepherdstown, WV homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Boston? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Dallas? [2025 Data]

Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?

How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2025 Data]

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

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