You need a structural engineer to make sure your building is safe and won’t collapse. While many contractors have decades of experience and have a general understanding of how to size beams or identify load-bearing walls, they are not licensed to do so.
You will need a structural engineer’s seal to get approval from your local council, removing liability for the safety of the building from you.

Cracking is commonplace in most properties, but cracking can get worse over time and this deterioration can be difficult to predict. Large cracks or faults should be inspected by an engineer where damage is detected. If the cracking or structural damage is beyond what one would reasonably expect to see in a property of that type and age, or if the damage poses a potential safety hazard then a structural report is considered essential.
If you are considering the removal of a load bearing wall, carrying out structural modifications or building a retaining wall over 1m high a structural engineer is considered essential.

We believe that you should gain council approval for any wall removal as you are structurally altering the property.

In addition to the cost and time commitment of improvement projects, there may be many structural concerns. For example, before removing a wall, you need to know if it is load bearing. You might also want to correct sloped floors or bowed walls in basements.
Prior to any significant retrofitting or remodeling project, it’s important to consult a structural engineer. They can make recommendations, conduct a review and keep your newly redesigned structure from falling down around you.

A structural engineer will also be vital when building a new home. In new home construction, a structural engineer will work closely with you and the architect to make sure the home you’ve envisioned can actually be constructed safely. The engineer will produce detailed calculations and plans. If you are working with an architect on a project, it will likely be up to them to work directly with a structural engineer of their choice to make communication easier.

You will need a structural engineer if you are making substantial changes to the layout of your house like removing walls to create an open floor plan or adding an extension to the back of your house. It also makes sense to engage a structural engineer if you notice rapid development of cracks or shifting in your home. These could be cause by drainage issues or shifting soil under the foundation.
Do you have additional questions in mind that weren’t covered above? Contact one of our structural engineers at IA, today!