A structural engineer is a trained person who is skilled at analyzing how elemental variables exert force upon a house and any attached components (additions, garages, retaining walls, etc) and determining whether or not the structure can hold up against these forces. Wind, gravity, and pressure from the surrounding earth can all take a toll and if a house is not built to withstand these forces then serious consequences will ensue.

You should hire the assistance of a structural engineer whenever you are planning to buy a house, build an addition, or significantly alter your home layout. He or she can assess the situation of the house you want to buy and let you know if there will be major structural repairs in its future. This engineer can look at your addition blueprints and see if it meets local codes, is adequately reinforced, and won't comprise the integrity of the original structure. When doing significant home remodeling a structural engineer can help you figure out which walls are safe to take out and how the renovations will affect total integrity of the home.

When looking for a quality construction planning the first thing you should do is check to make sure the engineer is licensed. Each of the fifty states requires professional engineers to hold a license. You should also check to see if the engineer is licensed to work in your specific state, as state regulations can vary. Along with this you should look into the experience of the professional. Make sure you are getting someone who has years of experience behind them and who is also specialized in dealing with residential projects.

Another thing to look for is what you will be charged for the service. Some structural engineers work with an engineering firm while others work as independent contractors. Engineers commonly charge either a percentage of the total expense of the project or a fixed fee. Before signing a contract make sure the payment amount and timeframe have been decided and agreed upon by both parties.

Asking for their portfolio or references is another good way to separate good structural engineers from poor ones. All structural engineering projects require extensive documentation in the form of photos, drawings, and other documents. You can ask to see some of their recently completed projects to get an idea of how professional they are.

Most professionals will also be happy to supply you with a list of past clients whom you may call to confirm the person's skill and expertise. You can also look at reviews and customer testimonials online and with the Better Business Bureau. Structural engineers are licensed professionals well equipped to assess the structural integrity of your home. Legitimate ones have to obtain a degree and training in their specialized field, complete a state licensing exam, and take classes for continuing education every year.

You should never do large renovation or additions to your home without consulting someone first. Construction companies may not provide adequate structural review either. In both cases hiring a structural engineer's expertise is the safest and most cost-effective approach in the long run.