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Who to Hire to Check Load-Bearing Walls
You should hire a structural engineer to check if your wall is load-bearing
John Keeble/Moment via Getty Images
John Keeble/Moment via Getty Images
Highlights
Removing or altering walls without proper assessment can cause serious structural damage.
Hire a structural engineer to check if a wall is load-bearing before starting any renovation.
Structural engineers charge between $70 and $250 per hour for this service.
The complexity of your home’s structure and the number of walls checked can impact the total cost.
Professional assessment helps protect your home’s stability and ensures work meets building codes.
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This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
When determining who checks load-bearing walls, it is essential to consult a structural engineer. These professionals have the training to evaluate if a wall supports your home’s structure and can provide advice on safe removal or modification. Relying on a structural engineer ensures your renovation meets safety and code requirements, minimizing the risk of damage.
Benefits of Hiring a Structural Engineer for Checking Load-Bearing Walls
Hiring a structural engineer to inspect load-bearing walls provides peace of mind and helps prevent costly errors. With their specialized knowledge, structural engineers can accurately assess your home’s stability and recommend the right reinforcements or changes. Their guidance is vital for maintaining your home’s safety and value.
Here are some of the top benefits you’ll experience when working with an experienced structural engineer:
Specialized structural assessment training
Can identify hidden load-bearing elements
Develops safe removal or alteration plans
Minimizes risk of structural damage
Ensures compliance with building codes
Offers objective, professional recommendations
Helps prevent costly future repairs
Can review architectural drawings or blueprints
Advises on necessary reinforcements or alterations
Can I Hire a General Contractor to Check Load-Bearing Walls?
General contractors may be able to identify and remove load-bearing walls, but they do not have the same advanced structural training as a structural engineer. For the safest results, a structural engineer should evaluate the wall and prepare a plan for removal or modification. The general contractor can then follow these recommendations.
Relying solely on a contractor risks overlooking less visible structural elements, which could lead to future issues. If you’re unsure where to start or need help with the process, you might want to consider a structural engineer near you to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
How Do Pros Get It Done
Structural engineers use a systematic approach to check load-bearing walls. First, they review your home’s architectural drawings or blueprints, if available. Next, they inspect the wall’s location, materials, and bracing. They also examine joists and beams in relation to the wall. After assessing these details, they identify any required reinforcements or alterations and develop a safe plan for removal or modification.
How Much Does Checking Load-Bearing Walls Cost?
Hiring a structural engineer to check if a wall is load-bearing costs between $70 and $250 per hour. Some engineers may charge a minimum fee for small assessment jobs.
The total cost depends on your home’s complexity, the number of walls that need to be checked, and the rates in your area. Always confirm rates and minimum charges before starting your project.
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