HCSE, Inc. provides a unique "one-stop-shop" located in the Bay Area of California. Founded in 2008, HCSE, Inc. has a diverse team; from licensed designers, structural engineers and general contractors. Our projects range from small residential remodels/additions to commercial tenant improvements and large commercial structures. HCSE, Inc. understands how valuable your time is and we are committed to providing our industry leading expertise, onto your next project. Our team welcomes all challenges; on how we can make the process easier for all our clients and everyone involved. Your journey with us is important, and we take pride in making it memorable.
"Professional review of my damages"
Thomas D on April 2023
HCSE, Inc. provides a unique "one-stop-shop" located in the Bay Area of California. Founded in 2008, HCSE, Inc. has a diverse team; from licensed designers, structural engineers and general contractors. Our projects range from small residential remodels/additions to commercial tenant improvements and large commercial structures. HCSE, Inc. understands how valuable your time is and we are committed to providing our industry leading expertise, onto your next project. Our team welcomes all challenges; on how we can make the process easier for all our clients and everyone involved. Your journey with us is important, and we take pride in making it memorable.
"Professional review of my damages"
Thomas D on April 2023
At LEVEL, we are committed to common sense, real-world solutions. We pioneered LEVEL because, after years spent exploring all disciplines of civil and structural engineering in the building industry, we continually encountered the missing fundamentals in our own trade. These lost elements of service culture & exceptional business practice inevitably cost owners & entities untold stress and frustration; contractors lost time & money, realtors & lenders were left unable to satisfy their client's needs. We concluded that our capacity for A&E services could function at a higher level, thus, LEVEL Engineering & Inspections was founded. We serve your interests & provide knowledgeable, expert design, inspections, analysis, forensics, recommendations, and reporting. Whether your need is for permitting, forensics; new, remodel, or repair engineering designs; foundation problems; civil or architecture - let us help you navigate your Civil, Commercial, Residential Structural Engineering needs.
"Gang is super. He’s very knowledgeable and personable. He talking through all my questions and concerns and helped me sort through all the details to arrive at a well reasoned conclusion for what needs to be done next."
Matthew Q on September 2023
At LEVEL, we are committed to common sense, real-world solutions. We pioneered LEVEL because, after years spent exploring all disciplines of civil and structural engineering in the building industry, we continually encountered the missing fundamentals in our own trade. These lost elements of service culture & exceptional business practice inevitably cost owners & entities untold stress and frustration; contractors lost time & money, realtors & lenders were left unable to satisfy their client's needs. We concluded that our capacity for A&E services could function at a higher level, thus, LEVEL Engineering & Inspections was founded. We serve your interests & provide knowledgeable, expert design, inspections, analysis, forensics, recommendations, and reporting. Whether your need is for permitting, forensics; new, remodel, or repair engineering designs; foundation problems; civil or architecture - let us help you navigate your Civil, Commercial, Residential Structural Engineering needs.
"Gang is super. He’s very knowledgeable and personable. He talking through all my questions and concerns and helped me sort through all the details to arrive at a well reasoned conclusion for what needs to be done next."
Matthew Q on September 2023
Padir Consulting Engineers, is committed to excellence and continues to be an outstanding business in California. The company is in San Jose. Padir Consulting Engineers offers a full range of Architectural and structural services to the construction and building industry to the owners and contractors. Our services are guided by a fundamental principle of quality and innovation which dictates the development of effective solutions that satisfy the unique needs of owners, and developers. Our values and design philosophies are based on: Research on the new technologies, Innovation, Imagination, Experience, Hard work, and Teamwork. Please contact for any of your architectural or structural engineering needs, especially if you are looking for the good deals, cost-benefit project, and an innovative and unique design. Senior citizens, veterans, academics at school or universities, churches, and non-profit organizations are welcome for the discount. We accept all Credit Cards.
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Karan M on February 2025
Padir Consulting Engineers, is committed to excellence and continues to be an outstanding business in California. The company is in San Jose. Padir Consulting Engineers offers a full range of Architectural and structural services to the construction and building industry to the owners and contractors. Our services are guided by a fundamental principle of quality and innovation which dictates the development of effective solutions that satisfy the unique needs of owners, and developers. Our values and design philosophies are based on: Research on the new technologies, Innovation, Imagination, Experience, Hard work, and Teamwork. Please contact for any of your architectural or structural engineering needs, especially if you are looking for the good deals, cost-benefit project, and an innovative and unique design. Senior citizens, veterans, academics at school or universities, churches, and non-profit organizations are welcome for the discount. We accept all Credit Cards.
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Karan M on February 2025
We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in landscaping services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today! 23 years of experience.
"Excellent! Professional, responsive- From site review through testing the installation. Jose kept me informed of progress and explained how the system would work. I would highly recommend Jose and his team."
Marsha G on December 2024
We have the experience and dedication to get the job done right! Specializing in landscaping services; We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won't leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Call or click for your FREE estimate today! 23 years of experience.
"Excellent! Professional, responsive- From site review through testing the installation. Jose kept me informed of progress and explained how the system would work. I would highly recommend Jose and his team."
Marsha G on December 2024
We are a family owned business that offers solutions for landscaping, paving, hardscaping and more. We offer the best work at the best price. We take our profession seriously and are fully licensed and insured.
"Great! Great job, stayed on task, design and install, kept in constant communication. Highly recommend using V&M!!"
David M on March 2024
We are a family owned business that offers solutions for landscaping, paving, hardscaping and more. We offer the best work at the best price. We take our profession seriously and are fully licensed and insured.
"Great! Great job, stayed on task, design and install, kept in constant communication. Highly recommend using V&M!!"
David M on March 2024
Enjoy a beautiful looking yard with our professional services that everyone will admire! We do it all, from Paver, synthetic lawn, fencing, irrigation, concrete, lighting, maintenance, and so much more!
"Built and installed two 8x4x18” redwood raised bed gardens. Also included gopher mesh bottoms, fabric lining inside walls, drip irrigation, soil, wood stain, and gravel on ground surface surrounding garden beds. Total cost $2690. Two days to complete work. Both Alejandro and Ignacio did exactly as requested, are hard workers, and did an excellent job. I highly recommend their service. You will be pleased."
Bill T on July 2022
Enjoy a beautiful looking yard with our professional services that everyone will admire! We do it all, from Paver, synthetic lawn, fencing, irrigation, concrete, lighting, maintenance, and so much more!
"Built and installed two 8x4x18” redwood raised bed gardens. Also included gopher mesh bottoms, fabric lining inside walls, drip irrigation, soil, wood stain, and gravel on ground surface surrounding garden beds. Total cost $2690. Two days to complete work. Both Alejandro and Ignacio did exactly as requested, are hard workers, and did an excellent job. I highly recommend their service. You will be pleased."
Bill T on July 2022
Owner operated for 15 years.In full operation on tree service industry and landscaping field and renovations , Residential and Commercial driveways walls patios pergolas fences ,and forest care .We are known for paying attention to details and our 5 start customer satisfaction. Give us a call 831 277 7854 for a free quote! Silverstone landscaping and tree service team are here waiting to hear from you to provide the best possible service you deserve!
"It went well. They consulted me to assure I was happy with the trimming. The clean-up was acceptable. The city of San Jose picks up all the green waste, but is a little fussy about the debris piles. I had to restack some of the piles to meet waste company's requirements."
Patrick B on November 2024
Owner operated for 15 years.In full operation on tree service industry and landscaping field and renovations , Residential and Commercial driveways walls patios pergolas fences ,and forest care .We are known for paying attention to details and our 5 start customer satisfaction. Give us a call 831 277 7854 for a free quote! Silverstone landscaping and tree service team are here waiting to hear from you to provide the best possible service you deserve!
"It went well. They consulted me to assure I was happy with the trimming. The clean-up was acceptable. The city of San Jose picks up all the green waste, but is a little fussy about the debris piles. I had to restack some of the piles to meet waste company's requirements."
Patrick B on November 2024
We are a small, local company and our main goal is to make sure our customers are happy. We cannot send a quote, but we can come out to your property for a free estimate to look at the job and what work is needed and then give you a quote based on exactly what you need and want to be done. Estimate is completely free! Price is given at the end of the estimate and we go from there. We have a huge portfolio of pictures and references and can take you to many previous jobs that have been completed. We am currently doing quite a few projects if you would like to see our process. We can take you to the job sites and show you. We also have many completed ones if you would like to see the finished product. We have architects and engineers on our team that are amazing and we take care of everything from pulling permits and anything else required by the city. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
"job went well but behind schedule as there were unforeseen issues that had to be updated/repaired. in addition to the delays crews were not on site daily as they were also working on other jobs at the same time. staff was very pleasant and courteous yet there were a few who spoke very little English. Overall i would most likely hire them for further jobs."
Mary O on July 2024
We are a small, local company and our main goal is to make sure our customers are happy. We cannot send a quote, but we can come out to your property for a free estimate to look at the job and what work is needed and then give you a quote based on exactly what you need and want to be done. Estimate is completely free! Price is given at the end of the estimate and we go from there. We have a huge portfolio of pictures and references and can take you to many previous jobs that have been completed. We am currently doing quite a few projects if you would like to see our process. We can take you to the job sites and show you. We also have many completed ones if you would like to see the finished product. We have architects and engineers on our team that are amazing and we take care of everything from pulling permits and anything else required by the city. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
"job went well but behind schedule as there were unforeseen issues that had to be updated/repaired. in addition to the delays crews were not on site daily as they were also working on other jobs at the same time. staff was very pleasant and courteous yet there were a few who spoke very little English. Overall i would most likely hire them for further jobs."
Mary O on July 2024
Landscape design and installation. All phases (softscape/hardscape). Owner operated. Multi -year Angie's List Super Service Award winner. Cal-poly trained landscape architecture designers. Free design consultations. Free written estimates and proposals. All sized projects. Sprinkler and other landscape repairs. New sod lawns. Hand selected guaranteed nursery stock planting, drought tolerant landscaping, synthetic turf. Serving the entire Silicon Valley. Fast turn-around. Friendly service. Fully insured. Accepting all major credit cards and online payment apps. State of California licensed landscape contractor (C-27) since 1993 (CSLB #682755). Quality-Value-Service "Great landscaping designed to budget!" "The art and science of great landscaping!" Composite and wood decking. Arbors and pergolas. Drought friendly landscaping, Automatic drip and spray irrigation systems. Irrigation timer clocks/controllers. Redwood and composite decking. Interlocking pavers. Retainer walls. Concrete. L.E.D. low volt landscape lighting. Drainage. Flagstone. Brickwork. Outdoor kitchens. Firepits. Gravel. Mulch. Tile. Water features. Boulders, River rock. Pool decks. Pool Removal. Pergolas. Arbors Irrigation and landscape lighting repairs, fences and gates. ...and more! ask about our new "Express Build" "Complete landscaping in record time!"
"In September 2024, I contracted with Scott C. McIntyre, the owner of Landscape Solutions to do landscaping work at my residence in Los Altos, Ca. The work consisted of replacing existing retaining walls and steps in my back yard and installing a new patio on an already flattened area on the hill in my back yard. Mr. McIntyre declared the work completed on November 4, 2024 although there remained issues with incomplete and substandard work and failure to adhere to rules imposed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). I have filed a complaint (currently not resolved) with the CSLB. I paid Landscape Solutions $56,385.41 of a Total Contract Estimate cost of $58,790.00 (with a not to exceed clause of $60,000) with final payment to be made when the project was completed to my satisfaction. The project was never completed to my satisfaction with some (not all) of the outstanding issues described in this review. ISSUES WITH WORK QUALITY - NON-CODE COMPLIANT, SUBSTANDARD, NOT COMPLETE 1. The Guard Rail over the lower retaining wall is not building code compliant. The most serious issue with the work that Landscape Solutions did was that the guard rail built over a retaining wall does not meet building code and is not child safe. A picture of the guard rail is shown in the review I posted on Yelp (posted with a one star rating on January 20, 2025), but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The guard rail is made up of vertical posts spaced approximately 45 inches apart and two horizontal rails between the vertical posts. The upper horizontal rail above the surface of the newly built patio forms the top of the guard rail. A second horizontal rail below it is halfway between surface of the patio and the top of the guard rail, leaving two large gaps between the horizontal rails, each gap approximately 19 inches wide. Code dictates the maximum gap in the guard rail is 4 inches. A child could easily fall through the large gap in the guard rail to the level below. A baby crawling on the patio could plunge head first off the patio to the lower level and be seriously injured. I emailed a picture of the completed retaining wall and guard rail to my city's Building Code Enforcement Division and inquired if it was building code compliant. A Code Enforcement Division representative replied with an email message (Client can provide the actual email message). Following text is from the email message: "The rail needs to be 42" high and there needs to be a maximum of 4" between the horizontal rails. The fence as shown does not meet the standards and intermediate rails need to be added." -----End of quote from email message sent by city's Code Enforcement Division------- NOTE: ALLOWING A CONTRACTOR WHO DOES NOT KNOW THE BUILDING CODES TO BE LICENSED PUTS THE PUBLIC IN DANGER. 2. Incomplete and substandard work i. There are areas with no pavers, just dirt, adjacent to the lower retaining wall. Contractor fixed some but not all areas along the newly built lower retaining wall. A picture showing an example of this issue is shown on my Yelp review but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The picture shows where paving stones should have been installed next to the retaining wall. ii. Gate not installed in lower retaining wall. The retaining wall that was being replaced had a gate. I called this to Mr. McIntyre's attention in a reply message to his message that the project was complete. He replied in an email message that he would replace the gate. iii. In doing the work, Landscape Solutions workers moved items (e.g., wooden glider bench, other patio benches, chairs, patio table, an umbrella stand) from the flattened hill area to other parts of the back yard. I requested that the items be returned to their original locations. Mr. McIntyre, in an email message, agreed to do so. This was not done. Returning items moved to their original location should be a standard part of Landscape Solutions clean-up work upon completion of a project. ISSUES WITH NON-ADHERENCE TO CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD REGULATIONS In items 3 and 4 below, quoted text is from Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Contracting for Success", which was downloaded from the CSLB website. 3. Contractor did not give buyer a copy of the signed contract as CSLB requires. "Before any work is started, the contractor must give the buyer a copy of the contract signed and dated by both the contractor and the buyer." 4. On the day work began, Contractor asked for payment of $15,000 along with the signed contract. "Except for a down payment, a contractor can't demand or accept payment for work or materials until the work is actually done or the materials are delivered. The down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract amount, whichever is less." Contractor gave following reason why he asked for $15000 at start of project. Quote is directly from an email message he sent client. Client can provide the actual email message. Text of email message from Mr. McIntyre, in quotes: "My son is out of state at college and it is very expensive. My cash flow and bank account funds do not allow me to pay for your materials before delivery and pay my payroll in advance of getting paid by you if this is what the CSLB requires." --------End of quote from email message sent by Mr. McIntyre-------------- 5. Contractor made additional changes not in contract without a change order being added to the contract. Contractor's office manager then billed client for the unauthorized work. The Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Terms of Agreement A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts" (downloaded from the CSLB website) states the following: "Extra Work and Change Orders become part of the contract once the order is prepared in writing and signed by the parties prior to the commencement of any work covered by the new change order.""
Terry E on February 2025
Landscape design and installation. All phases (softscape/hardscape). Owner operated. Multi -year Angie's List Super Service Award winner. Cal-poly trained landscape architecture designers. Free design consultations. Free written estimates and proposals. All sized projects. Sprinkler and other landscape repairs. New sod lawns. Hand selected guaranteed nursery stock planting, drought tolerant landscaping, synthetic turf. Serving the entire Silicon Valley. Fast turn-around. Friendly service. Fully insured. Accepting all major credit cards and online payment apps. State of California licensed landscape contractor (C-27) since 1993 (CSLB #682755). Quality-Value-Service "Great landscaping designed to budget!" "The art and science of great landscaping!" Composite and wood decking. Arbors and pergolas. Drought friendly landscaping, Automatic drip and spray irrigation systems. Irrigation timer clocks/controllers. Redwood and composite decking. Interlocking pavers. Retainer walls. Concrete. L.E.D. low volt landscape lighting. Drainage. Flagstone. Brickwork. Outdoor kitchens. Firepits. Gravel. Mulch. Tile. Water features. Boulders, River rock. Pool decks. Pool Removal. Pergolas. Arbors Irrigation and landscape lighting repairs, fences and gates. ...and more! ask about our new "Express Build" "Complete landscaping in record time!"
"In September 2024, I contracted with Scott C. McIntyre, the owner of Landscape Solutions to do landscaping work at my residence in Los Altos, Ca. The work consisted of replacing existing retaining walls and steps in my back yard and installing a new patio on an already flattened area on the hill in my back yard. Mr. McIntyre declared the work completed on November 4, 2024 although there remained issues with incomplete and substandard work and failure to adhere to rules imposed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). I have filed a complaint (currently not resolved) with the CSLB. I paid Landscape Solutions $56,385.41 of a Total Contract Estimate cost of $58,790.00 (with a not to exceed clause of $60,000) with final payment to be made when the project was completed to my satisfaction. The project was never completed to my satisfaction with some (not all) of the outstanding issues described in this review. ISSUES WITH WORK QUALITY - NON-CODE COMPLIANT, SUBSTANDARD, NOT COMPLETE 1. The Guard Rail over the lower retaining wall is not building code compliant. The most serious issue with the work that Landscape Solutions did was that the guard rail built over a retaining wall does not meet building code and is not child safe. A picture of the guard rail is shown in the review I posted on Yelp (posted with a one star rating on January 20, 2025), but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The guard rail is made up of vertical posts spaced approximately 45 inches apart and two horizontal rails between the vertical posts. The upper horizontal rail above the surface of the newly built patio forms the top of the guard rail. A second horizontal rail below it is halfway between surface of the patio and the top of the guard rail, leaving two large gaps between the horizontal rails, each gap approximately 19 inches wide. Code dictates the maximum gap in the guard rail is 4 inches. A child could easily fall through the large gap in the guard rail to the level below. A baby crawling on the patio could plunge head first off the patio to the lower level and be seriously injured. I emailed a picture of the completed retaining wall and guard rail to my city's Building Code Enforcement Division and inquired if it was building code compliant. A Code Enforcement Division representative replied with an email message (Client can provide the actual email message). Following text is from the email message: "The rail needs to be 42" high and there needs to be a maximum of 4" between the horizontal rails. The fence as shown does not meet the standards and intermediate rails need to be added." -----End of quote from email message sent by city's Code Enforcement Division------- NOTE: ALLOWING A CONTRACTOR WHO DOES NOT KNOW THE BUILDING CODES TO BE LICENSED PUTS THE PUBLIC IN DANGER. 2. Incomplete and substandard work i. There are areas with no pavers, just dirt, adjacent to the lower retaining wall. Contractor fixed some but not all areas along the newly built lower retaining wall. A picture showing an example of this issue is shown on my Yelp review but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The picture shows where paving stones should have been installed next to the retaining wall. ii. Gate not installed in lower retaining wall. The retaining wall that was being replaced had a gate. I called this to Mr. McIntyre's attention in a reply message to his message that the project was complete. He replied in an email message that he would replace the gate. iii. In doing the work, Landscape Solutions workers moved items (e.g., wooden glider bench, other patio benches, chairs, patio table, an umbrella stand) from the flattened hill area to other parts of the back yard. I requested that the items be returned to their original locations. Mr. McIntyre, in an email message, agreed to do so. This was not done. Returning items moved to their original location should be a standard part of Landscape Solutions clean-up work upon completion of a project. ISSUES WITH NON-ADHERENCE TO CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD REGULATIONS In items 3 and 4 below, quoted text is from Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Contracting for Success", which was downloaded from the CSLB website. 3. Contractor did not give buyer a copy of the signed contract as CSLB requires. "Before any work is started, the contractor must give the buyer a copy of the contract signed and dated by both the contractor and the buyer." 4. On the day work began, Contractor asked for payment of $15,000 along with the signed contract. "Except for a down payment, a contractor can't demand or accept payment for work or materials until the work is actually done or the materials are delivered. The down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract amount, whichever is less." Contractor gave following reason why he asked for $15000 at start of project. Quote is directly from an email message he sent client. Client can provide the actual email message. Text of email message from Mr. McIntyre, in quotes: "My son is out of state at college and it is very expensive. My cash flow and bank account funds do not allow me to pay for your materials before delivery and pay my payroll in advance of getting paid by you if this is what the CSLB requires." --------End of quote from email message sent by Mr. McIntyre-------------- 5. Contractor made additional changes not in contract without a change order being added to the contract. Contractor's office manager then billed client for the unauthorized work. The Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Terms of Agreement A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts" (downloaded from the CSLB website) states the following: "Extra Work and Change Orders become part of the contract once the order is prepared in writing and signed by the parties prior to the commencement of any work covered by the new change order.""
Terry E on February 2025
Our main goal in LeCut Construction is to make our clients happy and satisfied from all the stages of the project! We believe in good workmanship that's why our guys are very dedicated and diligent that's what makes our job much easier. LeCut Construction is a family-owned and operated contracting company serving the Bay Area. We pride ourselves in our detailed workmanship and exceptional customer service. When you choose LeCut to carry out your vision, you become part of the LeCut family. We treat every project with diligence and care, and we stand by our values of quality, integrity, accountability, and respect. Our business is almost solely built on referrals which speaks volumes of our client satisfaction and consistency. We hope you choose LeCut for your next project.
"We recently renovated both of our bathrooms and had an amazing experience with the crew. They were incredibly humble, clean, and professional throughout the entire process. They showed great attention to detail and were always responsive to any questions or requests we had. The team worked diligently every day until the job was done, and the results are fantastic. Recommendation: Make sure to order all materials and fixtures in advance—this really helps the crew work more efficiently and avoid delays. I highly recommend them for any job you’re considering, big or small. Their work ethic and professionalism truly stand out."
Liat L on April 2025
Our main goal in LeCut Construction is to make our clients happy and satisfied from all the stages of the project! We believe in good workmanship that's why our guys are very dedicated and diligent that's what makes our job much easier. LeCut Construction is a family-owned and operated contracting company serving the Bay Area. We pride ourselves in our detailed workmanship and exceptional customer service. When you choose LeCut to carry out your vision, you become part of the LeCut family. We treat every project with diligence and care, and we stand by our values of quality, integrity, accountability, and respect. Our business is almost solely built on referrals which speaks volumes of our client satisfaction and consistency. We hope you choose LeCut for your next project.
"We recently renovated both of our bathrooms and had an amazing experience with the crew. They were incredibly humble, clean, and professional throughout the entire process. They showed great attention to detail and were always responsive to any questions or requests we had. The team worked diligently every day until the job was done, and the results are fantastic. Recommendation: Make sure to order all materials and fixtures in advance—this really helps the crew work more efficiently and avoid delays. I highly recommend them for any job you’re considering, big or small. Their work ethic and professionalism truly stand out."
Liat L on April 2025
You should bring in a structural engineer any time you’re adding or removing something that carries weight—think new construction, a major remodel, or moving a load‑bearing wall. Call one during a real‑estate deal, after storm damage, or when you spot cracks in the foundation, beams, or chimney. An engineer’s report confirms that the structure is sound and tells your contractor exactly what fixes—or reinforcements—are needed to keep the home safe long‑term.
Who you hire depends on the task. Hire an architect to shape the look and layout of your home. Call a structural engineer to verify that load‑bearing elements—walls, beams, foundation—can handle the plan or to diagnose structural issues. Bring in a home inspector for a broad health check during a sale, after a storm, or for an appraisal. Matching the pro to the job keeps costs down and problems in check.
During the visit, the engineer checks your foundation, framing, walls, roof, and insulation, then compares what they see to any existing plans. If the structure matches the specs, you get the all‑clear; if not, the engineer outlines the fixes. Their sign‑off is what lets the next phase of work move forward, so expect clear notes on what’s solid and what needs attention.
Civil engineering is the broad field that covers roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Structural engineers focus on the loads and forces inside a building or bridge—foundations, beams, and walls—while mechanical engineers design and keep power systems running, from elevators and turbines to HVAC equipment. In short, civil handles the big picture, structural makes sure it stands up, and mechanical keeps everything moving.
Most structural engineers offer free quotes. They’ll look at your home’s size and the scope of work to decide whether a flat fee or hourly rate makes sense. Simple inspections are usually priced by square footage; bigger, more complex jobs require a site visit and a detailed written estimate. Getting that number up front lets you nail down a budget before any drawings or inspections begin.
The engineer reviews every load‑bearing part of the home—floors, foundation, walls, roof, and major beams—along with insulation and the soil around the structure. They also factor in local weather risks and nearby water sources. The goal is to confirm that the materials and construction can handle day‑to‑day loads and extreme events alike, and to flag any spots that need reinforcement.