Top-rated engineer structural pros.

Get matched with top engineer structural pros in Durand, IL

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 3 pros

Matching on HomeAdvisor

Share some details icon
Share some details about your home project.
Match with local pros icon
Within moments, match with highly-rated local pros.
Compare quotes icon
Compare quotes and choose the best pro for the job.

Find Engineer structural pros in Durand

Structural Dynamics Inc
4.8(
34
)

Serving Durand, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1986

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Dishonest and poor workmanship. Hired to remove and replace deteriorated framing. Contract was signed to be billed on a time and material basis. Hours billed was to include only travel time from their base in Sycamore to my property (20-30 min), pick-up of project materials, and work performed. I purchased all required project materials, per provided list. I was assured that all of my calls and questions would be answered before, during, and after work is completed, however owner, Theodore C., has been refusing contact since I signed the contract. Work took them 5 weeks, yet they worked only 14 days during that period, putting work on hold multiple times to start work for other customers. I complained multiple times about the crew not working, instead spending ~30 min every hour smoking in their truck or north side of house. A large section of wall, 10-15 feet in length, was left open for an extended period of time (roughly a week). This left my crawlspace exposed to the elements (this was during a period of frequent rain), as well as animals. Despite my crawlspace being encapsulated, I am still working to combat the moisture present from their negligence. The completed work is unsatisfactory, as it is out of level with large open gaps (you can see light comming thru), and I cannot be sure if it is even safe. SD representative, Denny S., was supposed to have filed a permit with the City of Elgin (signed by me same day as I signed contract) and had stated that he had the permit on hand at the start of work. He provided date of final inspection and I waited all day for the inspector to arrive—they never did. After that, I called the city multiple times regarding the permit for the now completed work, however they had no record of a permit application being approved, or even filed. Crew was present on my property for an average of 5-6 hours a day; I reported end times to SD rep every day via text message. Total hours present on property equaled 80.25 hours. SD is billing for 108.25 HR + some trips to Lowe’s, and is not willing, nor able to explain difference in hours worked or the added shopping charges (I had purchased all materials). At first, the invoice billed for dates when no work was performed, an “adjusted” invoice showed the same hours worked, only changing dates. I requested an explanation of the charges multiple times, however SD reps refused to provide an answer. The only explanation I was able to receive from SD’s secretary after I expressed that I do not understand how there can be such a difference between the billed hours and the hours actually worked, given that I had recorded start/end times, was that “customers are usually not present while they are working” (based on this statement, I assume I am not the first to be overcharged). After SD failed to provide explanation of charges and refused to adjust invoice, payment was submitted for 96 HR (less deposit) = 80.25 HR + 14 HR travel (14 days) + 1.75 HR for materials pick up (store pick up prepaid by me). This leaves an overcharge of 12.25 hours + Lowe’s charges that aren’t related to work performed on my property (I purchased and paid for all materials from Menards). The crew was also disrespectful to me and my property. One worker referred to my house as “three pigs home,” referring to myself, my daughter, and our dog. They also took things from my garage without permission. I have cameras in my garage, as well as the front and back of my house, and was present for much of the work, allowing me to experience their behavior. I submitted a complaint to the BBB on 09/19/21, however they closed the complaint after they failed to receive a response from SD. Shortly after, SD reps contacted me stating that I need to pay an additional $350 for them to finalize the permit with the city (~3 weeks after jobs end), and have since received an updated balance statement charging interest for the still unexplained charges."
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Avatar for Peak Exteriors
Peak Exteriors
5.0(
4
)

Serving Durand, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Insurance Restoration Specialists, Hail damage restoration, Wind damage restoration, Fire and Water Restoration, Entire home interior and exterior remodeling, Asbestos removal, General construction

Recommended by100%of homeowners
FAQs for engineer structural projects in Durand, IL

To determine if a wall is load-bearing, start by checking your home’s original plans or asking a structural engineer. Exterior walls always carry weight, but interior ones only do if they sit over a beam or run perpendicular to floor joists. If a wall lines up with posts in the basement or falls directly under the roof ridge, assume it’s load-bearing and call a professional before attempting to remove it with a sledgehammer.

Calculating the wall load and sizing the beam must be performed by experts to ensure structural safety. You need a structural engineer to evaluate all load aspects and determine the proper beam dimensions. A professional engineer performs precise calculations and advises on any necessary enhancements, such as larger footings for support. An inspector then verifies that the revised structure meets all safety and code regulations before the finishing work begins.

Hiring a structural engineer is essential for ensuring your home remains structurally sound during any major renovation. Their responsibility is to deliver expert assessments and design recommendations for load-bearing modifications. The average cost to hire a structural engineer is $500, with rates ranging from $350 to $800. Consulting a licensed, experienced engineer guarantees that every structural project, whether constructing a new home or remodeling an existing one, is completed safely and efficiently.

Almost all load-bearing wall removals require a permit as they support everything above it, and building departments want proof that the new beam can handle the weight. Pulling a permit triggers plan review and inspections that confirm the work meets local code and safety standards. Skipping this step can lead to fines or being forced to rebuild later, so have your contractor pull the permit before work starts.

Removing a load-bearing wall to create an entrance for a carport or covered patio is a task that comes with defined cost implications. This modification requires extra structural adjustments to ensure safety and proper integration with the adjoining space. When you convert a wall into an entryway, you can expect to pay between $3,200 and $9,500, with an average cost of $6,400. The additional work required for this conversion reinforces the home’s integrity and ensures compliance with applicable building codes.

The Durand, IL homeowners’ guide to engineer structurals

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.