Structural Integrity and Your Home Remodel
A homeowner or flipper should hire a structural engineer when doing work in a home that could affect the structural integrity of the building. This includes work such as:
- Removing or adding walls
- Adding a deck or patio
- Installing a new roof or adding cement tile to your existing roof
- Renovating a kitchen or bathroom
- Adding a second story
- Repairing foundation damage
A structural engineer can assess the home’s current condition and design the necessary modifications to ensure that the structure is safe and sound. They can also provide guidance on how to best complete the work without damaging the home’s structural integrity.
Here are some specific examples of when it is important to hire a structural engineer:
- If you are planning to remove or add walls, a structural engineer can determine if load-bearing walls are involved. Removing a load-bearing wall without proper support can cause the roof or second floor to collapse.
- If you are planning to add a deck or patio, a structural engineer can design the deck or patio to ensure that it can safely support the weight of people and furniture.
- If you are planning to install a new roof and/or changing from a lighter weight roof material to a tile roof, a structural engineer can assess the condition of the roof trusses and joists to determine if they are strong enough to support the weight of the new roof.
- If you are planning to renovate a kitchen or bathroom, a structural engineer can assess the condition of the floor joists and framing to determine if they can support the weight of new cabinets, appliances, and countertops.
- If you are planning to add a second story or basement, a structural engineer can design the foundation and framing to ensure that they can support the added weight of the new construction.
- If you are repairing foundation damage, a structural engineer can design a repair plan to ensure that the foundation is stable and can support the weight of the building.
In general, it is always better to err on the side of caution and hire a structural engineer when doing work in a home that could affect the structural integrity of the building. A structural engineer can help you to avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your home is safe and structurally sound.