Are you planning a home renovation project? If so, you may be wondering if you need to hire a residential structural engineer. Sometimes, you may not need one, but at other times, you may find them incredibly helpful. But of course, they will cost you money, so you want to make sure you only hire them when you need them!
So, when should you hire a residential structural engineer to help with your home renovation project? Here are five circumstances when it may be a good idea to do so:
1. You’re Planning Major Structural Changes
If you’re planning on making any major changes to the structure of your home, it’s a good idea to hire a structural engineer to make sure that the changes are safe and sound. Structural engineers are experts in analyzing and designing structures, so they can help you make sure that your proposed changes will be safe and won’t cause any problems down the road.
2. You’re Unsure About the Safety of Your Proposed Changes
Even if you’re not planning major structural changes but you’re still unsure about the safety of your proposed changes, hiring a structural engineer can give you peace of mind. They can review your plans and let you know if they see any potential safety concerns that you may not have considered.
3. You’re Having Trouble Getting Your Plans Approved
If you’re having trouble getting your plans approved by your local building department, a structural engineer can often help. They can work with the building department to make sure that your plans meet all of the necessary requirements. Sure, you can do it yourself, but they know exactly what to do to speed up the process and get everything you need to be approved.
4. You’re Having Trouble Finding a Contractor
If you’re having trouble finding a contractor who is willing to do the work that you need, a structural engineer may be able to help. They can often provide a list of contractors who are familiar with the type of work that you need to have done. In other words, they have the connections you need to find the right talent for the job.
5. You Want To Make Sure That Your Project Is Done Right
If you’re worried that your project may not be done correctly, or you want to make sure that it’s done to the highest standards, hiring a structural engineer can give you the peace of mind you need. They can review your plans and make sure that everything is up to code. This can ensure safety for you and your family, which is of utmost importance.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a home renovation project, hiring a residential structural engineer can be a great way to ensure that your project is done safely and correctly. They’ll help you do so many things, from ensuring your home’s up to code to ensuring that your papers and plans are approved before the task. In other words, they’ll make your life easier, so if that’s what you want out of your renovation project, hire one today!
AEI Inspections offer over 30 years of experience when it comes to home inspections and structural engineering. If you are looking for a structural engineer in Tulsa to help with your home renovation project, work with us today!