Where can I find an Structural engineer and do i even need one?

Question

Hey BP family!

I am a new to RE investing and to BP, however I am learning a lot about investing from listening to BP podcast, books and internet.

My question is:

Recently purchased my first single family home and doing remodeling. There is a wall to the patio from a living room which has 2 windows and french door to the patio. We are planing to remove all those windows and the double door and put a sliding doors across a whole wall, we talked to a window guy and he said we should consult a structural engineer to make sure we can even do that.

Does anybody done a project like that where the wall was replaced with the glass and sliding doors? if so how did you know you could do that and if consulted an Structural Engineer who did you use?

I am in a Dallas Fort Worth area.

Would appreciate any suggestions.

Parker Eberhard · Answer

@Sant Li you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about and giving advice that could potentially get someone killed. As a GC myself, I am required by law to consult a structural engineer when removing walls that are load bearing, which the exterior wall in this situation is.

Only a licensed engineer has the proper training and authority to properly design a structural solution that will perform in a safe manner.

Account Closed · Answer

@Parker Eberhard In your municipality you may be required to consult with a structural engineer. In my municipality and many others you do not have to. You would however be required to submit plans and show how you would support the wall.

I am guessing Washington must be a union state .

Account Closed · Answer

You don't need a structural engineer any decent GC will be able to tell you what you need to do/how to support the existing load once the walls have been stripped to the studs. Im surprised how many people here are recommending a structural engineer for something this simple.

Vilena G. · Answer

Hi Jennifer (Jenn) Ryan,

Thank you for responding to my question. I will look into the meetings and will try to find them.

As far as structural engineer, are you an engineer yourself or you know one?

and does an engineer only works in S Arlington or they can travel to Plano or in other DFW areas?

Thank you!

Jennifer Ryan · Answer

There are many great, free or close to free (you might have to buy breakfast) REI Groups in DFW. Go to meetup.com and search, "Real Estate Investors". You'll find dozens of links with the membership count. Click on any to get information about that group.  You should be able to locate a group that meets near you. (You may have to join "Meetup" I don't remember...)

BTW I searched thru BP and they don't seem to have a list of REI Groups anymore... Maybe I'm missing where?

If you need a good engineer near S Arl. Reach out to me.

Happy Investing!

Jennifer (Jenn) Ryan

Vilena G. · Answer

Thank you for your response! I would consult with one.

Also I am not a part of DFW Real Estate Investor groups, I believe you have to pay a big fee to be a part of it, maybe I am wrong about that.

Patricia Steiner · Answer

You need a structural engineer.  And, in your market - like mine, there are several good ones.  Call the window company back and ask for a recommendation - or call a builder, realtor, just about anyone in the business.  Sounds like a great project...and one worth doing right.

Andrew Postell · Answer

@Vilena Gilyaeva if your contractor is suggesting to use one I would ABSOLUTELY do it.  I usually go through either google or a foundation company to find my structural engineers.  If you are on any of the DFW Real Estate Investor groups (and there are several) you can usually ask there and get TONS of suggestions.  Hope that  helps.  Thanks!

Where can I find an Structural engineer and do i even need one?

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