Follow this structure to hire someone to design your structure
Structural engineers can be hired for a handful of things. Of course, there’s the obvious designing of buildings, but they can also assist in building demolition and inspections. When hiring a structural engineer, it’s important to review their qualifications, years of experience, and work history, especially in relation to the specific project at hand.
If you’re nervous about hiring the right structural engineer for your project, or just want to know that you checked every box before hiring someone, read this guide for the best approach on how to hire a structural engineer.
So, what is a structural engineer? Structural engineers focus on materials and parts of a building that keep the structure secure, ensuring they can withstand pressure and any stresses to the building.
Under this umbrella, structural engineers offer a wide range of services including structural inspections and assessments, permits, project management, repairs, and more.
You might be inspired to fix up your home yourself if you see signs of structural damage, but it’s not advised to DIY structural engineer projects unless you are properly trained and have the right materials to do so safely. Even then, you should at least consult a structural engineer if you DIY to ensure best practice.
Some warning signs of structural damage in your home include curving interior walls, horizontal cracks in the foundation, and sagging floors or roofs. Calling in a structural engineer to take a look as soon as you notice these signs can save you from a bigger problem later on.
It’s important to do your due diligence before you hire any professional service. When it comes to a structural engineer, they’re responsible for an important job—your home’s safety—so we recommend you follow these steps before you make a decision.
Knowing the scope of your project is key to managing expectations for the structural engineer you ultimately hire. It also helps you determine if this is the pro you should hire since there is often overlap between structural engineers and architects. Before you reach out to a structural engineer, you want to have these factors of your project organized:
Whether you need a home inspection by a structural engineer
Type of project (i.e., new construction, renovation, engineering designs)
Square footage of your project
Your desired project timeline
Check out past projects that the structural engineer has completed, read their reviews, and ask for references, along with proof of their licenses, certifications, and insurance, so you know they’re reputable.
Have either a face-to-face or phone consultation to help you get a better sense of what they do–and give you a chance to get to know one another. You may want to meet with multiple structural engineers to see who you click with, and who has the skills to complete your project.
You want the person you work with to have the proper credentials and licensing. Typically, a structural engineer must have an undergraduate degree in a related field, plus a passing grade on an engineering exam, to be considered eligible for their official license. Specific requirements may vary by state.
The overall cost for hiring a structural engineer will vary depending on the specific person or firm you hire. Before you sign any agreement or contract, make sure you agree on the following:
Down payment amount
Payment structure (i.e., by hour, square foot, or project)
Final payment date
To ensure your project is moving in the agreed-upon direction, it’s important to keep track of your project’s progress. Make sure you can easily access any signed agreements or contracts.
If you’re paying your structural engineer by the hour, be sure to keep track of the hours. If payment is by square foot, then you need to keep track of the physical amount of work that’s been done—and so on. If you and your structural engineer have determined a project timeline, you should keep track of the schedule to ensure it’s being followed.
Before you sign on the dotted line to hire a structural engineer, you should ask these crucial questions to vet their expertise, ensure safety, and make sure they’re simply the right fit for your project:
What is your experience with this type of project?
Are you insured?
Are you familiar with the relevant building codes for this type of project?
Do you have a license?
What are your fees?
Do you have any concerns with my proposed timeline?
Choosing the right structural engineer is no small feat, but by following the steps we’ve provided above, you can ensure you’ve thoroughly examined the options. When you’re ready to hire someone for your project, check out structural engineers in your area and begin contacting them for further details.
So, now what?
Once your structural engineer has finished the project, complete the final payment per their billing requirements and keep all files in a safe place for future reference.
If you’re happy with the work they did you might consider leaving an online review or being a reference for them. Additionally, you might want to ask them if any follow-up inspections or assessments are needed and book those accordingly.
