When planning a new home or renovation, homeowners often wonder, ‘What do structural engineers do?’ While many focus on architectural style and layout, structural engineering is crucial for every project. Common misconceptions about residential engineering can lead to costly mistakes and safety concerns. Let’s set the record straight by addressing five common myths.
Misconception: An Architect Can Handle Everything—You Don’t Need a Structural Engineer
Reality: While architects design the aesthetics and functionality of a home, an engineer ensures it stands firm and meets safety standards.
Architects focus on layouts, and design flow, while engineering services analyze load-bearing walls, foundation integrity, and structural support. If your project involves removing a wall, expanding a home, or modifying a foundation, you’ll need a licensed structural engineer to prevent structural failures.
Misconception: Engineers Only Deal with Large, Commercial Buildings
Reality: Structural engineers are essential for residential projects, too.
Homeowners often assume that only skyscrapers and commercial buildings require structural expertise, but even small-scale residential projects need careful building solutions. Whether you’re adding a second story, remodeling an older home, or designing a custom home, an engineer ensures your home remains structurally sound for years to come.
Misconception: You Only Need a Structural Engineer When Something Goes Wrong
Reality: Preventative structural engineering inspections save time, money, and stress.
Many homeowners only consider hiring an engineer after discovering foundation cracks, sagging floors, or framing issues. However, involving an engineer early in the design process prevents these problems from coming up in the first place. Proactive inspections can help you avoid expensive repairs and ensure your home’s long-term structural integrity..
Misconception: Engineering Is Just About Foundations and Load-Bearing Walls
Reality: Structural engineers play a role in nearly every aspect of a home’s stability.
Beyond foundations and framing, they also assess wind loads, seismic activity, drainage impact, and even the longevity of materials. Their work is especially important for coastal home design, where homes in hurricane-prone areas—like Charleston—must withstand high winds, flooding, and soil shifts while maintaining structural integrity.
Misconception: Any Contractor Can Determine If a Wall Is Load-Bearing
Reality: Only a residential structural engineer can accurately assess and design safe modifications.
Many homeowners assume a contractor or home inspector can determine whether a wall is load-bearing simply by knocking on it or reviewing blueprints. However, the safest approach is to have an engineer analyze the entire load path of the house. Incorrectly removing a load-bearing wall without proper reinforcement can cause serious damage, including floor sagging, ceiling cracks, and structural failure.
The Bottom Line
Getting the engineering right is a key part of any successful home project. With a clear understanding of what structural engineers actually do, you can make better choices about your renovation, addition, or new build.
We provide integrated architectural and engineering services to create beautiful, functional homes with superior stability. Call us today to learn more and set up a consultation!
