How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer?
If you are planning a significant remodeling project for your business or commercial property in the Atlanta area, such as altering your building’s layout, removing a load-bearing wall, or building an addition, you will likely need to hire a structural engineer. Unlike typical contractors, structural engineers specialize in assessing the extent and type of alterations that can safely be made to a building without compromising its structural integrity. Most towns and municipalities require you to consult a structural engineer before making any major structural changes to a building. But how much is this going to cost you?
What Kind of Project Do You Have in Mind?
The cost of hiring a structural engineer depends on the scope of the project, the size of the property, and the terrain. For instance, consulting a structural engineer to have a 10-foot-by-10-foot addition added onto your building will probably be pretty straightforward. But if the ground where the addition will be built is sloped, then the project will probably cost a bit more. And a largescale project, such as adding an entire third floor to a two-story building, will require extensive planning and thus cost even more.
Let’s Talk Numbers
There’s no standard cost for hiring a structural engineer. Hourly rates can typically range from $100 to $150 per hour. If you live in a large metro area, or if the structural engineer you’re hiring works for a large construction firm, then you’ll probably be looking at the higher end of that cost spectrum. According to HomeAdvisor, as of 2020, the average cost of hiring a structural engineer is around $500. Many structural engineers offer three-part payment plans, requiring 25% of the cost to be paid upfront, 25%-50% to be paid midway through the project, and the remaining balance to be paid upon the project’s completion.
Turn to the Pros at Engineered Solutions of Georgia
If you are planning a renovation or construction project in the Atlanta area and need to hire a structural engineer, contact the experts at Engineered Solutions of Georgia today.
