Structural engineers play a crucial role in any home renovation or construction project, especially where structural work and weight calculations are involved. They use in-depth knowledge of different building materials’ properties and apply that to construction. Structural engineers plan out where beams, columns, and foundations are required to provide the right type of structural support, whether it’s for commercial properties or residential buildings. They also ensure that all safety and building regulations are met to guarantee a safe and durable structure for occupancy.

Knowing when to hire a structural engineer will depend on the unique needs of your residential construction project. Here are some of the tasks that the right engineer will help you accomplish.

Modify Building Structure

Perhaps you plan on relocating a load-bearing wall in your home. Structural engineers can do load calculations to determine if another support is needed to replace the wall to be moved. They can also help you determine which walls in your home are load-bearing and what the options are for your renovation plan.

Evaluate Structure Conditions

Before renovations start, structural engineers will evaluate the condition of your building. This includes checking whether the foundation is in stable condition or has cracks. If the cracks are small and won’t pose an issue to your structure in the immediate future, then the project may continue as planned. However, if they observe cracks that start from the top and other signs of damage sustained over time, engineers may have to reassess if the foundation’s reinforcement is worth it. Starting unnecessary work will just cost you more money, so it’s important to consult with a trained professional to prevent the condition of your house from worsening.

‍Load Calculations

Residential structural engineers are equipped with the skills to verify if your beams and columns are still effective in supporting your building. The same is done with load-bearing walls, the roof, partitions, framing, and the external envelope. Load calculations are especially necessary when renovations cause floors to be heavier than the underlying structure originally designed to support it.

Piers

Sometimes the foundation will have different levels that make slope stabilization piers necessary. After their load calculations, engineers can advise you whether your project will need the piers to support your structure, especially when doing expansions.

Balconies and Decks

When planning to add a balcony, deck or making modifications to an already existing structure, it’s best to seek the advice of a qualified house engineer. They will determine what type of structure can be added and the details of carrying out the work. Expert opinion may not be required for simple repairs, but any changes and additions to your building’s structure will.

House Lifting

Lifting a house is something that requires the expert advice of a structural engineer to ensure that it is legally and structurally feasible. The engineer you hire should be able to assess the current state of your home, create a new plan, and decide whether it’s possible to raise the house without damaging the foundation and overall integrity of the structure.

Conclusion

Whether you’re working on modifications or additions to your commercial or residential building structure, the expertise of a structural engineer is essential. The first priority in any building should always be its structural integrity to ensure that it stays upright and sturdy for years to come. Only a professional can guarantee that all regulations, calculations, and standards are being followed for a successful renovation project.

At ASR Engineers, we are licensed for structural, civil, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical engineering to provide homeowners and developers with plans and build structures. For residential contractors near you that can provide engineering solutions to ensure your project’s success, get in touch with us today