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In most cases, yes. You’ll get a complimentary assessment based on your home’s size and the project scope. Simple inspections come with a flat fee tied to your foundation type and square footage, while larger jobs call for an on-site evaluation before the formal estimate. Either way, an up-front quote gives you a clear budget before work begins.

The engineer reviews every load‑bearing part of the home—floors, foundation, walls, roof, and major beams—along with insulation and the soil around the structure. They also factor in local weather risks and nearby water sources. The goal is to confirm that the materials and construction can handle day‑to‑day loads and extreme events alike, and to flag any spots that need reinforcement.

Who you hire depends on the task. Hire an architect to shape the look and layout of your home. Call a structural engineer to verify that load‑bearing elements—walls, beams, foundation—can handle the plan or to diagnose structural issues. Bring in a home inspector for a broad health check during a sale, after a storm, or for an appraisal. Matching the pro to the job keeps costs down and problems in check.

Civil engineering is the broad field that covers roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Structural engineers focus on the loads and forces inside a building or bridge—foundations, beams, and walls—while mechanical engineers design and keep power systems running, from elevators and turbines to HVAC equipment. In short, civil handles the big picture, structural makes sure it stands up, and mechanical keeps everything moving.

Most structural engineers offer free quotes. They’ll look at your home’s size and the scope of work to decide whether a flat fee or hourly rate makes sense. Simple inspections are often priced by square footage—bigger, more complex jobs require a site visit and a detailed written estimate. Getting that number up front lets you nail down a budget before any drawings or inspections begin.