Do I Need a Structural Engineer in Oregon?
You need a structural engineer in Oregon when your project changes how a building carries its loads, or when the building is large, tall, unusual or commercial enough that the building department expects engineered plans. If you’re asking “do I need a structural engineer?”, the list below covers the situations that most often trigger one.
We’re Johnson Broderick Engineering, consulting structural and civil engineers in Eugene. These are the triggers we see on projects across Oregon. Each one is phrased the way people ask it, with a plain answer underneath.
The common triggers
Will my alteration add 5% or more to the load on a gravity element?
If it does, you need an engineer. Gravity elements are the parts of the structure that carry weight down to the ground: beams, headers, joists, posts and footings. An engineer calculates whether your change crosses that line, and designs what’s needed if it does.
Will my alteration add 10% or more to the load on a lateral element?
If it does, you need an engineer. Lateral elements are the parts that keep a building standing up to wind and earthquakes, such as shear walls and their connections. Changes that affect them have to be checked, even when nothing looks different afterward.
Am I cutting an opening in a load-bearing wall?
Yes, an opening in a load-bearing wall needs an engineer. The load the wall was carrying has to go somewhere else. On one wall removal we did in Eugene, that meant new footings, new posts and securing the existing roof framing over the opening, all planned for before construction rather than decided in the field. More on our load-bearing wall removal page.
Is this an involved remodel or renovation?
Involved remodels and renovations usually need an engineer. Once walls, floors or roofs are being changed rather than refinished, the structure behind them is part of the project. See additions and remodels.
Am I restoring a building after a fire, flood, mold, rot or a vehicle strike?
Disaster restorations need an engineer. Damage changes what the existing structure can carry, and repairs need to be designed and permitted. We also help with immediate stabilization. See disaster and insurance restoration.
Is this a new commercial or industrial building?
Yes. New commercial and new industrial projects need an engineer. See commercial structural engineering and industrial engineering.
Is this a tenant improvement?
Tenant improvements (TIs) need an engineer. Reworking a commercial space for a new tenant often means new openings, new loads or a new use. See tenant improvements.
Is my retaining wall taller than 4 feet?
A retaining wall taller than 4 feet needs an engineer, and the height includes the thickness of the footing. That means a wall that shows less than 4 feet above ground can still count. See foundations and retaining walls.
Is the structure more than three stories tall?
Structures over three stories in height need an engineer.
Is the structure larger than 4,000 square feet?
Structures over 4,000 square feet need an engineer.
Does the design have anything irregular, custom or unusual about it?
If it does, you need an engineer. Irregular shapes, unique or custom floor plans, and anything out of the ordinary all count.
Am I putting together a bid set for contractors?
Bid sets for contractors need an engineer. Contractors need complete, engineered drawings so they’re all pricing the same building.
"It's never moved. Why does it need to change?"
Because the building code and common sense don’t always agree. This is the single biggest disconnect we see. A 2×6 header over a window may never have moved, cracked or caused any concern, and it can still fail under the provisions of the building code.
Our designs are code-compliant at a minimum. Sometimes a requirement won’t make sense to someone who has lived with a structure for years, but the building department reviewing your permit application will be looking for it, and they won’t let a design slide by without it.
Already built it without a permit?
That’s the other common situation we see. If the county or city has found work done without a permit, an engineer can usually help you get it permitted after the fact. Read got a county letter about unpermitted construction? or see our as-built permits service.
Common questions
Can a designer draw my plans instead of an engineer?
Not for work that needs engineering. Designers aren’t licensed design professionals, so they can’t stamp plans, and unstamped plans for engineered work get kicked out of permit review. Oregon law doesn’t allow us to stamp plans prepared by someone else. More in why designer plans get rejected at permit review.
How much does a structural engineer cost?
We bill time and materials against an initial deposit, generally $2,500 to $3,500 for a new project. Any unused balance is refunded. Details in what does a structural engineer cost in Oregon?
How long does it take?
Small projects can be turned around in two to three weeks. Larger or more complicated projects can take one to three months. Either way, we keep you updated with milestone dates as we go.
What should I have ready when I call?
Whatever you have: sketches, plans, drawings, measurements, photos, your goals, your schedule, and anyone else you’ve already talked to. Most of all, a willingness to let us ask questions.
Not sure? Call us.
If your project isn’t clearly on this list, call and describe it. We’ll tell you plainly whether you need an engineer, and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll try to point you to someone who is.
Call 541-338-9488 or email info@jbe.us.com, and attach any plans or photos you have. We return every new inquiry the same day if possible, and by the next business day at the latest. Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. If we can’t get to the phone, leave a message and we’ll call you back.