Do I need an Engineer?
Do I need an Engineer?
Often times when we are working on a remodel, we get asked if we will need an engineer on the project. We thought it might be helpful to outline various scenarios that do or do not require enlisting a structural engineer! Let’s break it down!
1) Remodeling my home by just pulling items and replacing things where they are.
Do I need an engineer? NO!
If you are just pulling and replacing and nothing about the structure is impacted, you do not need an engineer to complete your project. No biggie there.
2) I want to make my window/door/opening wider in my space.
Do I need an engineer? yes!
Anytime you are touching a wall to make it bigger, you have to consult with a structural engineer. This is true for both interior and exterior walls. So if you wanted to just make a doorway wider within the interior of the house, you still need to consult an engineer for that.
3) I want to reduce the size of an opening/window/door in my space.
Do I need an engineer? NO!
When you reduce the size of an opening, you are actually adding strength to the wall. No need to consult on this since it only helps the home!
4) I want to remove a wall in my house.
Do I need an engineer? yes!
Anytime we have a project where we are opening up spaces, we always bring an engineer up front to evaluate the feasibility of the goal. They will help determine how wide we can open it up, what type of reinforcements would be required, and how we do it.
5) I want to add a cast iron tub on my second floor.
Do I need an engineer? yes!
If you are adding significant weight to a floor system, even for a main level with a crawlspace, we would still want an engineer to check it out and be sure that the floor system is rated for that much weight. We might have to reinforce it, in which case, the engineer would be able to assess and recommend how to do that.
Hope this helps as you consider who you need and who you don’t need on your project. Generally speaking, we work really well with our engineering friends and work collectively to try to make sure we can meet your goals in the most efficient and cost effective way. No one wants to pay for double the work. Our team really stays hands off on the things that best ought to be left with the more technical peeps. But, we surely know when to call for help and are happy to help evaluate that!
Cheers!
