Structural engineer vs. Architect
I’m getting ready to remodel the middle apt. on my three family house. It’sballon wood-frame construction. It’s not going to be a high end type job. My question is this, I want to remove a couple of internal walls, but want to make sure they are not load-bearing. Two contractors have told me they are…
I’m getting ready to remodel the middle apt. on my three family house. It’sballon wood-frame construction. It’s not going to be a high end type job. My question is this, I want to remove a couple of internal walls, but want to make sure they are not load-bearing. Two contractors have told me they are not load bearing, but still have my doubts because there is a bathroom above one of the walls I want to remove. Anyhow, who is more productive to speak to about this– a structural engineer or an architect? Can anyone recommend someone?
I used H. Chen of Chen engineering services. They were good, not sure if they were cheap or pricey. Architects generally are not “qualified” in the eyes of the DOB to answer these questions.
Can someone recommend a good structural engineer?
Hiring a decent structural engineer to take a look and give his opinion might cost you $250.00 and you’ll sleep better. Obviously if you hire him to do any work other than just give his opinion, it’ll cost you. . .
You can use either an architect or a structural engineer, but since this is ultimately a structural question, I would put more faith in the structural engineers recommendation (and I’m an architect).