7 Things to Look for When Hiring a Structural Engineer
Hiring a structural engineer is an important step when your home project involves structural changes, safety concerns, permit requirements, or modifications to the way loads are supported throughout the building.
A qualified structural engineer can help determine whether a wall is load bearing, design a replacement beam, assess foundation problems, review structural damage, prepare permit drawings, or verify that a renovation can be completed safely.
However, not every engineer will be the right fit for every project.
Some engineers focus primarily on commercial buildings, industrial facilities, or large developments, while others specialize in residential renovations and existing homes. The right engineer for your project should have the appropriate credentials, relevant experience, and the ability to provide practical solutions that work for your home, contractor, and municipality.
Here are seven of the most important things to look for when hiring a structural engineer.
1. Proper Licensing and Professional Credentials
The first thing to verify is whether the engineer is properly licensed to practise engineering in your jurisdiction.
Structural engineering involves decisions that can affect the safety and stability of a building. Engineering drawings, calculations, reports, and recommendations may also need to be signed or sealed by a licensed professional engineer.
Licensing requirements vary depending on where you live, but homeowners should always confirm that the person providing structural engineering services has the appropriate professional qualifications.
You should also confirm whether the engineer can provide signed or stamped documentation if your project requires a building permit.
This becomes particularly important for projects such as:
- Load-bearing wall removal
- Structural beam installation
- Home additions
- Foundation repairs
- Roof modifications
- Structural openings
- Deck construction
- Major renovations
- Structural damage repairs
If engineering documents are going to be submitted to a municipality, confirm that the engineer can prepare documentation that meets local requirements.
2. Experience With Residential Projects
Structural engineering covers many different types of buildings and infrastructure.
An engineer who designs commercial towers or industrial facilities may be highly qualified, but that does not necessarily mean they are the best choice for a small residential renovation.
Homes present their own challenges.
An engineer working on an existing house may need to evaluate:
- Wood framing
- Existing foundations
- Previous renovations
- Hidden beams
- Floor joist directions
- Roof framing
- Basement columns
- Unusual additions
- Older construction methods
- Structural changes made by previous owners
Residential projects often require an engineer to work with incomplete information because much of the structure may be hidden behind drywall, ceilings, flooring, or finished basements.
An engineer who regularly works on residential properties is more likely to understand these conditions and know how to develop practical solutions.
When speaking with an engineer, ask how much of their work involves residential construction and renovations.
3. Experience With Your Specific Type of Project
Residential experience is important, but experience with your particular type of project is even better.
Structural engineering needs can vary considerably from one project to another.
For example, someone planning to remove a load-bearing wall has different requirements than someone investigating foundation movement.
Common residential structural engineering projects include:
- Load-bearing wall removal
- Beam and column design
- Foundation inspections
- Foundation crack assessments
- Basement renovations
- Floor reinforcement
- Home additions
- Second-storey additions
- Deck engineering
- Garage modifications
- Roof modifications
- Structural damage assessments
- Retaining walls
- Structural openings
- Permit drawings
Ask the engineer whether they regularly complete projects similar to yours.
If you are removing a load-bearing wall, ask about their experience designing flush beams, dropped beams, LVLs, steel beams, columns, and supporting footings.
If you are concerned about foundation movement, ask whether they frequently inspect residential foundations and diagnose settlement, cracking, or structural movement.
Relevant experience can make the engineering process more efficient and help identify potential complications earlier.
4. Clear Scope of Work and Deliverables
Before hiring a structural engineer, make sure you understand exactly what is included in their proposal.
Structural engineering services can vary significantly between firms.
A basic service may involve a site inspection and verbal recommendations.
A more comprehensive service could include:
- Site measurements
- Structural inspection
- Engineering calculations
- Structural drawings
- Beam sizing
- Column sizing
- Connection details
- Foundation details
- Permit documentation
- Engineering letters
- Signed or sealed drawings
- Revisions
- Contractor coordination
- Responses to municipal comments
- Construction inspections
Do not assume that every engineering quote includes the same services.
Ask the engineer to explain what you will receive at the end of the project.
For example, if you need a structural engineer for a load-bearing wall removal, determine whether the quote includes only the beam design or also includes columns, footings, connections, drawings, and permit-related revisions.
The more clearly the scope is defined at the beginning, the less likely you are to encounter unexpected costs or missing documentation later.
5. Strong Communication and Responsiveness
Structural engineering can become technical quickly, but homeowners should still be able to understand what is happening.
A good engineer should be able to explain structural concerns and proposed solutions clearly.
They should be willing to answer questions such as:
- Why is this beam required?
- Why does a post need to go in this location?
- Does the foundation need to be reinforced?
- Can the wall be removed completely?
- Are there alternative designs?
- Can the beam be hidden inside the ceiling?
- Will the work require a permit?
- What happens if something unexpected is discovered?
Communication also matters during construction.
Once walls or ceilings are opened, contractors sometimes discover conditions that were impossible to see during the original inspection.
There may be:
- Plumbing in the proposed beam location
- Electrical wiring
- HVAC ductwork
- Unexpected framing
- Damaged joists
- Previous structural modifications
- Different foundation conditions
- Hidden columns or beams
If the contractor needs clarification or an engineering revision, a responsive engineer can help keep the project moving.
Pay attention to communication before hiring.
If it takes several attempts just to get a basic response or quote, communication may become even more difficult once construction begins.
6. Practical Solutions, Not Just Engineering Calculations
A structural design needs to be safe, but it should also be practical to build.
Good residential structural engineering involves more than simply performing calculations.
The engineer should consider:
- Available space
- Ceiling height
- Construction access
- Material availability
- Contractor installation methods
- Existing framing
- Foundation conditions
- Architectural goals
- Cost
- Load paths
For example, there may be several possible ways to replace a load-bearing wall.
The options might include:
- A dropped LVL beam
- A flush LVL beam
- A steel beam
- Multiple engineered wood beams
- Additional columns
- Changes to joist framing
Each solution may be structurally acceptable, but they can have very different effects on the appearance, cost, and complexity of the renovation.
An engineer who understands residential construction should be able to consider these trade-offs.
Practical engineering can help reduce construction costs and prevent designs that are unnecessarily difficult to build.
7. Transparent Pricing and a Clear Fee Structure
Price should be considered, but it should not be the only factor when choosing an engineer.
Structural engineering quotes can vary because the scope of work varies.
One engineer may provide a lower quote that includes only a site inspection.
Another engineer may include:
- Site visit
- Measurements
- Calculations
- Permit-ready drawings
- Engineering stamp
- Revisions
- Contractor support
Comparing those prices directly would not provide an accurate picture.
Ask whether the fee includes:
- Site visits
- Drawings
- Calculations
- Permit documentation
- Revisions
- Additional inspections
- Municipal responses
- Contractor questions
- Travel
- Taxes
You should also ask what could cause additional charges.
For example, a project may require additional engineering if previously hidden structural conditions are discovered during demolition.
A professional engineering proposal should clearly explain both the cost and the scope included for that cost.
Why the Cheapest Structural Engineer Is Not Always the Best Choice
It can be tempting to choose the lowest quote, especially when engineering is only one part of a larger renovation budget.
However, structural engineering affects many other parts of the project.
An incomplete or incorrect design can lead to:
- Permit delays
- Failed inspections
- Construction delays
- Change orders
- Additional materials
- Contractor downtime
- Unexpected foundation work
- Structural movement
- Cracking
- Reconstruction
Saving a small amount on engineering can become expensive if the design does not properly account for the structure.
Instead of choosing based purely on cost, consider the overall value being provided.
Ask Whether the Engineer Understands the Entire Load Path
One of the most important principles in structural engineering is understanding how loads travel through the building.
For example, removing a load-bearing wall usually requires more than simply installing a beam.
The beam transfers loads to posts.
The posts transfer loads downward.
Those loads may eventually reach:
- Basement beams
- Foundation walls
- Concrete slabs
- Footings
- Columns
- Foundation pads
Every part of that load path needs adequate support.
An engineer should evaluate what supports the new structural members, not just the beam itself.
If an engineer proposes a major new beam without considering the structure underneath it, that should be a concern.
Local Permit Experience Can Be Helpful
When a project requires a building permit, familiarity with the local municipality can be useful.
Municipalities may have different submission procedures and documentation expectations.
An engineer who regularly works in your area may already be familiar with common requirements for projects such as:
- Load-bearing wall removal
- Additions
- Decks
- Structural renovations
- Foundation repairs
- Basement modifications
This does not mean that an engineer must be located in your municipality, but local experience can help make the permitting process smoother.
Ask About Revisions Before Hiring
Engineering designs sometimes need to change.
A municipality may request additional details, or a contractor may discover unexpected conditions after demolition begins.
Before hiring an engineer, ask how revisions are handled.
Questions may include:
- Are permit revisions included?
- How many revisions are included?
- Are contractor-requested changes extra?
- What happens if hidden conditions are discovered?
- How quickly can revisions usually be completed?
Understanding this before construction starts can prevent delays later.
Make Sure the Engineer Can Work With Your Contractor
Structural engineers and contractors often need to work closely together.
A contractor may need clarification about:
- Beam installation
- Connections
- Fasteners
- Post locations
- Footing sizes
- Temporary shoring
- Framing details
An engineer who is willing to communicate with the contractor can make the project much easier.
For larger renovations, the engineer may also need to coordinate with:
- Architects
- Designers
- General contractors
- Building officials
- Geotechnical engineers
- Mechanical contractors
Good coordination helps ensure that all parts of the design work together.
Warning Signs When Hiring a Structural Engineer
Homeowners should be cautious if an engineer or engineering company:
- Cannot verify professional credentials
- Has little or no residential experience
- Does not clearly define the scope of work
- Cannot provide written deliverables
- Will not provide stamped drawings when required
- Does not ask questions about supporting structures
- Provides a beam size without understanding the loads
- Does not consider columns or foundations
- Is consistently difficult to contact
- Provides an unusually low quote without explaining what is included
Engineering should be approached carefully and professionally.
Questions to Ask a Structural Engineer Before Hiring
Before choosing an engineer, ask several questions about their services and experience.
Good questions include:
- Are you licensed to practise engineering in this area?
- How much residential structural engineering work do you do?
- Have you completed projects similar to mine?
- Will you need to inspect the property?
- What is included in your fee?
- What documents will I receive?
- Will the drawings be suitable for permit submission?
- Are calculations included?
- Are revisions included?
- Do you respond to municipal review comments?
- Can you communicate directly with my contractor?
- How are unexpected site conditions handled?
- Will additional construction inspections be required?
- What is your typical turnaround time?
- Are there any additional costs I should know about?
These questions can make it much easier to compare engineering firms.
When Should You Contact a Structural Engineer?
Ideally, structural engineers should be involved before construction begins.
You may want to contact an engineer if you are planning to:
- Remove a wall
- Modify structural framing
- Install a beam
- Build an addition
- Add another storey
- Reinforce a floor
- Modify a roof
- Construct a deck
- Create a large opening
- Repair a foundation
- Address structural cracks
- Investigate sagging or movement
Getting engineering input early gives you a better understanding of the structural requirements before committing to a construction budget.
Choosing the Right Structural Engineer for Your Home
The right structural engineer should combine professional qualifications with practical residential experience.
Look for someone who understands your type of project, communicates clearly, provides a detailed scope of work, and considers how their structural design will actually be constructed.
The seven key things to look for are:
- Proper licensing and credentials
- Residential engineering experience
- Experience with your specific project
- Clear scope and deliverables
- Strong communication
- Practical engineering solutions
- Transparent pricing
Taking the time to evaluate these factors before hiring can help your renovation move more smoothly from design through permitting and construction.
Need a Structural Engineer?
If your home project involves load-bearing walls, structural framing, foundations, additions, beams, columns, decks, or other structural modifications, consulting a qualified residential structural engineer early can help identify potential issues before construction begins.
A professional structural engineer can assess the existing structure, design the required changes, prepare engineering documentation, and help ensure your renovation is completed safely and in accordance with applicable building requirements.
