Importance of Hiring Structural Engineers in House Renovation Project

A structural engineer is a licensed expert who can play an important role in any upcoming house renovation project. But many house owners do not realize when they need to hire a professional and how to find one. You may find yourself confronted with a list of specialists that leaves you scratching your head.

Finding the right expert to renovate your house project at the right time in OKC can be a daunting job. Here, we have discussed what exactly they do and why we should hire them.

Who is a Structural Engineer?

A structural engineer is a licensed expert who can create the design configurations. It is used to build the form and shape of man-made structures. They can do structural analysis and engineering designs.

They have to assess the elements that force the building and decide whether the structure is strong enough to prevent the forces or not. The experts can also calculate and understand the strength, and stability and rigidity of any given structure. They are well trained to detect the structural integrity of buildings.

The working capacity of structural engineers is not limited to the foundation but also roof, earthquake, fire, structures, and walls and wind. In general, they have expertise in the design and construction process.

When Do I Have to Hire a Structural Engineer?

You may hire the expert if you do the following works including:

  • Removing a chimney breast

  • Building an extension

  • Underpinning floors

  • Converting a loft

  • Fitting solar panels

  • Adding doors and windows

  • Underpinning floors

  • Reinforced concrete columns

  • Roofs in a cyclone-prone area.

Keep in mind that regulation may vary from state to state. For instance, in a few states, only a structural engineer can build a design retaining wall over a meter in height. But in other states, the purpose and the location are also important to decide which expert we have to hire.

What Does the Expert Provide?

In the beginning, the structural engineer needs to analyze the initial brief on your project. As a customer or contractor, you need to gather all the background information such as measured surveys. After that, the expert will visit your house and ensure that the measurements are up to scratch. Next, the structural engineer may discuss with your architect if you have one and submit a plan to your local building control.

Why Choose Us?

If you notice any major foundation problem in your house, consulting with a structural engineer would be a wise decision. Only the expert can make sure that your house is safe and lasts for many upcoming years. To renovate or inspect your home foundation, call us at Ram Jack, by American Leveling in OKC.