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A structural engineer inspection costs an average of $900, but the price can range anywhere from $300 to $2,000 depending on the extent of the related reports and drawings. When we include the cost of home design plans, project management and complex revisions, structural engineer costs can reach into the tens of thousands.
Whether your home is 100 years old or still a blueprint, one expert will make sure you keep a roof over your head and a foundation under your feet. Structural engineers are the keystone to ensuring that all load-bearing parts of your home—we’re talking walls, roofs, porches, chimneys and foundations—are safe and sturdy.
Key Takeaways
- A structural engineer assesses a building’s weight-bearing integrity, providing inspections and recommendations for safety and necessary repairs.
- Structural engineers mainly offer inspections ranging from $100 to $600 for specific areas of the home and up to $2,000 for your whole home.
- To estimate residential structural engineer costs, consider whether your project will be charged by project, by hour or calculated based on square footage.
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost?
Structural engineers offer a range of services, though inspections are by far the most common. You may need a stamped report from a licensed engineer before buying a new construction house, starting a home renovation or buying a new home that didn’t quite pass inspection. Inspections by a structural engineer range from $100 to $600 for individual parts of a home or up to $2,000 for the whole house.
If you’re also hiring a structural engineer for project management or design projects, you could tap into larger per-project and hourly costs. Designs for new construction can top $5,000 per drawing sheet and project management can account for as much as 20% of the project cost, or as much as $20,000.
What Is a Structural Engineer?
A structural engineer is a licensed civil engineer specializing in the weight-bearing integrity of a building. Through inspections, reports and design recommendations, a structural engineer can determine whether a structure in your home is safe to build or whether it requires repairs.
Among countless other scenarios, these specialists are key when adding a new addition on a home, removing a wall, inspecting a roof or chimney or investigating a crack in the ceiling.
Structural Engineer Cost Calculator
The best way to estimate residential structural engineer costs is to determine if your project calls for a flat fee, hourly rate or percentage of the total cost.
By Project
Predictable and straightforward projects allow a structural engineer to charge a flat fee. You’ll receive a contract ahead of time, often with a clause about an hourly fee if the task goes beyond the original scope. Here are some common structural engineer report, inspection, design, and renovation-specific costs.
Inspection
Whether you’re concerned about an off-kilter chimney or looking to knock down a wall, you’ll need a pro to take a look. Structural engineer inspection costs vary by the area of your home and the extent of the report drawn up afterward.
- Chimney: $150 to $550
- Roof: $200 to $650
- Load-bearing walls: $200 to $700
- Foundation: $350 to $1,000
- Whole house: $400 to $1,400
Engineering Design and Plans
Depending on the needs of the project, a structural engineer’s costs can also encompass design plans going forward. All types of fee structures come into play here, but flat fees are common. While most designs cost between $300 and $600, project plans can run up to $5,000 or more, depending on the size of the design.
New Construction
A structural engineer plays a large role in the total cost to build a new house. They can both provide design plans for your new home as well as act as a project manager. Flat fees often come down to a percentage of the total project cost—which we’ll touch on more below. On average, assume the flat fee for structural engineers on new home designs ranges from $5,000 to $8,000.
Renovations
You’ll likely pay a larger project percentage to the structural engineer for renovations, but the price widely varies depending on the extent of the job. As we mentioned earlier, the average cost of an inspection, report and design for a renovation is $900.
By Hour
Many home project timelines are not as easy to predict. Investigating a failing foundation, rebuilding a roof or monitoring ongoing issues may call for an hourly fee. Structural engineers will charge an average of $100 to $350 an hour for additional services or jobs without a clear-cut beginning and end.
By Square Foot
Structural engineer costs range from $0.25 to $2.25 per square foot depending on the extent of the job. Particularly large projects, such as massic renovations or new construction, can be calculated by square foot. A structural engineer will use the size of the home to offer a basic fee for their inspection, design and project plan. For example, square-foot rates are common for large foundation jobs.
By Percentage of Construction Costs
The team that builds or renovates your home commonly breaks their fee down by the percentage of the total project. Everyone from the general contractor to the architect uses this method. Structural engineers will charge between 1% and 5% of the project cost for new construction and 8% to 20% for renovations.
Other Factors That Impact the Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer
As is the case with all contractors, where you live, their level of expertise and the nuances of the project can alter the price.
Location
Both the cost of living and local structural challenges of your region can affect your structural engineer inspection cost. Living in an earthquake-prone zone such as San Francisco can push prices to an average of $1,300 whereas newer homes in rural areas will cost closer to an average of $500.
Project Scope
In addition to their structural expertise, many professionals have experience managing large-scale builds and renovations. When the scope of their work extends beyond reports and drawings, you’ll pay either a percentage or up to $20,000 for project management services. In this case, the structural engineer may manage budgets, timelines, hiring and team management in addition to the design.
PE Stamp
The price of a professional engineer stamp—or PE stamp—will come as a part of the cost of an inspection or plan. If you’re working with a draftsperson, they will often legally need to collaborate with a structural engineer in order to receive the stamp.
Experience
Structural engineers with many years of experience or with specialized licenses may charge more than new professionals. For example, structural engineers with experience renovating old homes or familiarity with older foundations may increase their costs.
When to Hire a Structural Engineer
Structural engineers play a role in nearly all major changes to your home’s foundation and framing. They are also a key part of your home inspection checklist when considering a new property. In short—whenever the stability of a structure in your home is in question, call a structural engineer.
Popular projects include:
- Building an addition
- Adding a porch or patio
- Adding a balcony
- Inspecting your chimney
- Rebuilding your roof
- Fortifying your foundation
- Removing a load-bearing wall
DIY vs. Hiring a Structural Engineer
Hiring a licensed structural engineer may be the key to meeting building codes, and for good reason. Their expertise will ensure that your home is safe to inhabit, particularly against your local climate.
In other words, if the project legally calls for a structural engineer—or you simply want the extra peace of mind—there is no DIY alternative for their experience.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed five cost guides on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if I need a structural engineer?
Any project that alters or builds a structurally integral part of your home requires an engineer’s inspection. Engineers also inspect roofs, foundations, chimneys and walls affected by damage. Always check with your local building codes if a structural engineer must sign off on the project before you break ground.
What exactly does a structural engineer do?
Structural engineers analyze the strength and stability of weight-bearing structures. In addition to inspecting the structure, they will write a report or make design recommendations for repairs. In some cases, they will also collaborate with general contractors on new construction or act as a project manager on the entire design.
Is a structural engineer liable?
A client can sue a structural engineer or their agency if they believe the engineer was negligible in their duties. However, most structural engineers carry professional liability insurance to protect against lawsuits, though this depends on the professional and state laws.
Do I need a structural engineer to remove a load-bearing wall?
Yes, you will almost always need a structural engineer to remove a load-bearing wall in your home. In some cases, a general contractor will be able to determine the integrity of the wall removal, but will often call in an engineer during the process.
What is the difference between a civil engineer and a structural engineer?
A structural engineer is just one of the specialized types of civil engineers in the industry. They can determine the integrity of a structure and determine proper construction, repairs and a structure’s reaction to damage. A civil engineer is a broader category of professionals who can focus on everything from city planning to repairing roads and bridges.
