Residential structural engineers evaluate and design the parts of a home that carry loads, such as foundations, beams, walls and roofs. They size beams for wall removals, assess cracks and damage and prepare stamped plans when required.
Common structural engineering services include:
Hire a structural engineer before removing walls, when you notice significant cracks or sagging, or when a permit office asks for engineered plans.
BD Engineer is an engineering firm that provides specialized engineering services, focusing on delivering innovative and efficient solutions to meet client needs. The company is committed to quality, precision, and technical excellence in its projects. BD Engineer serves a variety of industries, offering expertise in engineering design, consulting, and project management. The firm aims to build strong client relationships through professional service and tailored engineering solutions.
The City of Fremont is a municipal government organization serving the residents and businesses of Fremont, California. The city provides a wide range of public services including community development, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, parks and recreation, and environmental programs. Fremont's mission is to enhance the quality of life for its community through effective governance, sustainable growth, and responsive services. The city government is committed to fostering a safe, vibrant, and inclusive community while supporting economic development and environmental stewardship.
CTE Cal is a professional engineering firm providing a comprehensive range of services including geotechnical, geological, environmental, structural, and civil engineering. With over 25 years of experience, the company specializes in special inspections, quality control management, and materials testing for construction projects. Their fully accredited laboratories test soils, asphalt, concrete, masonry, steel, and other construction materials to ensure quality and compliance. CTE Cal serves multiple regions in California, including Sacramento, the Bay Area, and Central Valley, offering competitive rates and a strong portfolio of successful projects. The company is committed to meeting the inspection and engineering needs of diverse projects with professionalism and expertise.
Foundation Engineering Consultants, Inc. (F.EC.) is an international geotechnical engineering firm based in California that provides timely and practical geotechnical engineering services and recommendations. The company specializes in soils reports for all kinds of structures, retaining wall design, and excavation shoring systems. With registered professional engineers and a certified engineering geologist on staff, the company offers expertise in soils, foundations, excavation support systems design, and California geology. Foundation Engineering Consultants serves a wide range of projects including residential, commercial, industrial, worship buildings, and slope repair plans, offering services such as grading, foundation design, retaining wall parameters, and shoring/underpinning projects. The company emphasizes that no job is too small and residential projects are welcome, with typical report preparation times around three weeks and expedited services available when possible.
M.D. Ireland Engineering, Inc., operating as Ireland Engineering, is a structural engineering firm serving the greater Bay Area and surrounding regions since 1988. Founded by Michael Dean Ireland and currently led by Joseph M. Otto, P.E., the company provides quality structural engineering services for commercial, residential, and industrial projects. Joseph Otto, a licensed civil engineer in California, Washington, and Nevada, brings over 30 years of experience to the firm, ensuring innovative and reliable engineering solutions. The company emphasizes client communication and coordination, supported by experienced office management. Ireland Engineering is committed to delivering trusted, professional structural engineering services tailored to meet the needs of its diverse clientele.
LS Engineering is a manufacturers’ sales representative company serving the RF, microwave, and millimeter electronic design communities primarily in Northern California, Northern Nevada, and parts of Oregon and Washington. The company provides state-of-the-art components, subsystems, and custom assemblies to support electronic design needs. LS Engineering focuses on delivering competitive advantages to its clients through specialized product offerings and regional expertise. The company operates with a commitment to serving the technical and design requirements of its customers in the electronic components sector.
Lewis Bass International Engineering Services is a specialized engineering safety consulting firm based in Milpitas, California. The company offers a wide range of compliance evaluations including third-party electrical evaluations, SEMI S2/S8 evaluations, CE and UKCA marking evaluations, and thermographic inspections. With a professional team of engineers and technicians, Lewis Bass provides fast, efficient, and market-priced services to help clients close out equipment permits and meet regulatory requirements. The company serves a diverse client base across multiple industries and is known for its responsiveness, thorough reporting, and ability to handle emergency rush jobs. Lewis Bass is a certified California small business and a member of several industry organizations, emphasizing safety and quality in all its projects.
ORE Engineering is a firm specializing in design-build and structural engineering services. The company offers expertise in delivering comprehensive engineering solutions for residential and commercial projects. With a focus on quality and innovation, ORE Engineering aims to provide tailored services that meet the unique needs of each client. The firm showcases a portfolio of diverse projects and emphasizes a collaborative approach to design and construction, ensuring efficient and effective outcomes.
Osuna Engineering is a family-owned civil engineering and land surveying firm based in San Jose that delivers innovative, sustainable solutions for residential, commercial and land-development projects across San Jose, Santa Clara County and the greater Bay Area; Osuna Engineering provides services such as grading and drainage plans, boundary and topographic surveys, FEMA certifications, permit plan preparation, drone surveying services and free consultations, and the company emphasizes local expertise, regulatory compliance and precision to help projects move forward efficiently — see Osuna Engineering for more details.
Roy Associates, established in 1984, is a multi-disciplined design firm based in Fremont, California, offering a comprehensive range of architectural and engineering services including procurement and construction administration. The firm serves a diverse clientele ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies, providing solutions for public and private sector projects such as building complexes, clean rooms, educational and healthcare facilities, hotels, government buildings, laboratories, manufacturing industries, religious facilities, and shopping centers. Roy Associates is committed to client satisfaction, demonstrated by many repeat clients who trust the company’s ability to deliver exceptional services.
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A residential structural engineer inspects structural elements, calculates loads, designs beams, footings and framing, and prepares reports or stamped drawings that contractors and permit offices rely on.
If the wall is load-bearing, an engineer can size the beam and supports so loads are carried safely, and many jurisdictions require engineered plans for the permit. An engineer or experienced contractor can help determine whether a wall is load-bearing.
Look for a licensed professional engineer with residential experience, ask what the visit and report include and whether drawings are stamped for permits. Independent engineers do not sell the repair work.
Cost depends on the type of service, such as an inspection, letter or full design, the project's complexity, site visits, calculations and the number of drawings.
Clear access to the areas of concern, including the attic, basement or crawl space. Share photos, existing plans and a timeline of when you first noticed any cracks or changes.