Many building jobs need a structural engineer, and some homeowners only find out halfway through. Knowing when one is needed saves time, money and approvals headaches.
When you need a structural engineer
- Removing or altering load-bearing walls, including opening up kitchens and living areas. See load-bearing wall removal.
- Extensions and second storeys: new footings, beams and checks on the existing structure.
- Cracking and movement: diagonal cracks, sloping floors and sticking doors.
- Retaining walls over about a metre, or supporting driveways, pools or buildings.
- Underpinning and footing repairs.
- Concrete cancer, corroded steel and remedial work on apartment and commercial buildings.
- New slabs, decks and pools in most cases.
What a structural engineer does
- Inspects the building or site and the problem.
- Assesses loads, soil conditions and existing structure, sometimes with a geotechnical report.
- Designs the solution: beam sizes, footings, reinforcement, connections.
- Documents it in drawings and a specification for approvals and the builder.
- Inspects and certifies critical stages, such as reinforcement before a pour.
What a structural report includes
For problems such as cracking, a report usually covers what was observed, the likely cause, how serious it is, and recommended repairs. Ask that it explains the cause, not just lists the cracks.
Registration in NSW
NSW now requires professional engineers carrying out certain work, including structural engineering, to be registered, and engineers designing regulated work on apartment buildings must be registered design practitioners. Ask for registration details.
Engineer first, or builder first?
Either works. Many owners call a builder first, because an experienced builder can tell you whether an engineer is needed, recommend one suited to the job, and coordinate the design with the build so it is practical and priced correctly.
Engineering coordination
METCON works with structural, civil and remedial engineers on every structural job. See our engineering coordination service or call 0415 840 500.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an engineer to remove a wall?
If the wall is load-bearing, yes. The engineer sizes the beam, posts and footings that replace it.
What does a structural engineer report include?
Observations, the likely cause, how serious the issue is, and recommended repairs or design.
Can my builder organise the structural engineer?
Yes. Many builders coordinate engineers so the design is practical and the build is priced correctly.
