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Residential Structural Engineering Services
It’s important to know what a structural engineer does and how to find one when it becomes necessary. If you own a home, you eventually may need the services of a structural engineer. What is a structural engineer? These types of engineers specialize in analyzing and designing load bearing structures. They are part of the group known as civil engineers but many only handle structural problems in construction and renovation projects.
What does a Structural Engineer Do?
The job of a structural engineer is to design or help repair a building with safety in mind. Naturally, tall buildings, like skyscrapers, need to be structurally sound to support heavy weight but an engineer must apply the same skills to a single-story house. Every home is designed to hold up the load of the floors, the roof, and everything held within. Not only is the structure expected to hold up a static load, it must also be able to resist any additional loads brought on my extreme weather, earthquakes, and external damage.
Construction Engineering Service
In construction, an architect or design build firm may hire a structural engineer to design the roof system of a new house. The engineer will determine the proper placement of trusses, joists, or rafters in the roof. They may review the designs of a second or third floor to ensure the structure and frame will withstand the weight. They might have to sign off on foundation and floor framing, and may analyze the materials being used in a particular project to make sure they are safe and durable. If you are building your own house, you may hire a structural engineer to draw up plans for your entire support structure.
Home Addition Engineers
During an addition or alterations to a home, a structural engineer may be hired to analyze your house and design plans to make sure the structure is sound. Adding a whole new second story to a house that was framed to hold one story can cause problems. Even adding on an addition room can cause structural concerns. A structural engineer will review your house and designs to give you proper analysis and construction documents to meet safety and code requirements.
Is that a Load-Bearing Wall?
Even when a room is expanded, it’s important to consult a structural engineer to help properly determine if a wall to be removed is a load-bearing wall or not. Removal of a load bearing wall can cause major structural damage if not done correctly.
A residential structural engineer provides new home construction consulting, designs for alterations and home additions, plans for removing load bearing walls, and even consulting after a problem has occurred. In case of fire or water damage, a structural engineer will evaluate the concerns to evaluate whether or not a remedy is possible. Engineers can evaluate a house, barn, garage, or even a retaining wall after an earthquake to make sure the structure is safe. Structural engineers can even provide expert forensic testimony in court for a homeowner after a problem has come up.
How to Find Structural Engineers
Structural engineers do more than design bridges and skyscrapers. They can help make sure a homeowner will be safe to knock out a wall in their kitchen to expand a living space. If you need to find a local structural engineering firm, submit your request to ConstructionDeal.com. You will get matched to four different engineers to compare quotes at no cost. There’s no obligation to hire anyone and it’s a fast and easy process to describe your needs. Multiple quotes will save you money, because you choose the service right for you. Quotes can come within minutes and structural engineers will call you, which saves you time.