What Does a Structural Engineer Do?
A Complete Guide for Homeowners, Contractors, and Developers
If you've ever asked yourself, "What does a structural engineer do?" you're not alone. Whether you're building a new home, renovating a commercial property, repairing foundation damage, or trying to obtain a building permit, a structural engineer plays a critical role in ensuring your project is safe, code-compliant, and built to last.
At Levi Jay & Associates Inc., we help homeowners, contractors, architects, developers, business owners, municipalities, and real estate professionals throughout Texas solve structural challenges every day. Our goal isn't simply to produce engineering drawings—we provide practical engineering solutions that keep projects moving forward.
What Is a Structural Engineer?
A structural engineer is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) who analyzes, designs, evaluates, and certifies structures to ensure they can safely resist the loads they will experience throughout their lifespan.
These loads include:
Gravity loads
Wind loads
Occupancy loads
Snow and rain loads (where applicable)
Foundation movement
Seismic forces
Equipment loads
Vehicle loads
Structural engineers use engineering principles, building codes, and years of experience to determine how buildings and structures should be designed, repaired, or modified safely.
What Does a Structural Engineer Actually Do?
Many people think structural engineers only design large skyscrapers. In reality, structural engineers work on projects of every size—from residential homes to commercial developments and public infrastructure.
Structural Design
One of the primary responsibilities of a structural engineer is designing structural systems for new construction.
This includes:
Residential homes
Commercial buildings
Industrial facilities
Multi-family developments
Additions and remodels
Steel framing
Concrete structures
Wood framing
Masonry structures
Retaining walls
Foundations
The engineer determines member sizes, connection details, load paths, and foundation requirements while ensuring compliance with applicable building codes.
Foundation Design
Every structure begins with a properly designed foundation.
Structural engineers evaluate:
Soil conditions
Building loads
Foundation type
Differential settlement potential
Drainage impacts
Depending on the project, this may include:
Slab-on-grade foundations
Pier and beam foundations
Drilled piers
Spread footings
Grade beams
Reinforced concrete slabs
A properly engineered foundation helps minimize future structural movement and costly repairs.
Structural Inspections
Many clients contact us because they have concerns about an existing structure.
Common inspections include:
Foundation inspections
Framing inspections
Roof framing evaluations
Retaining wall inspections
Structural damage assessments
Storm damage evaluations
Fire damage inspections
Construction progress inspections
Final structural certifications
Our inspections provide an unbiased engineering opinion based on observed conditions and applicable building codes.
Engineering Certification Letters
Cities, lenders, contractors, and property owners frequently require engineering certification letters before a project can move forward.
Examples include:
Foundation certification letters
Structural integrity certifications
Framing certification letters
Retaining wall certifications
Permanent foundation certifications
Permit close-out letters
Code compliance letters
Structural adequacy letters
These documents help satisfy permitting agencies, lenders, insurance companies, and municipal requirements.
Structural Repairs
Not every structural problem requires demolition.
A structural engineer develops repair solutions that address the underlying cause of the issue.
Repair designs may include:
Beam reinforcement
Steel retrofits
Foundation stabilization
Wall bracing
Framing modifications
Structural strengthening
Connection improvements
Retaining wall repairs
The objective is to restore structural performance while minimizing unnecessary construction costs.
Permit Support
Many construction projects require engineering before permits can be approved.
We regularly assist clients with:
City plan review comments
Engineering revisions
Structural calculations
Signed and sealed drawings
Construction details
Engineering letters
Contractor coordination
Working with an experienced structural engineer early in the permitting process often reduces delays and costly revisions.
When Should You Hire a Structural Engineer?
Many people wait until a problem develops before contacting an engineer.
However, involving a structural engineer early often saves both time and money.
You should consider hiring a structural engineer if you're:
Purchasing a home with structural concerns
Selling a property with foundation issues
Removing a load-bearing wall
Adding a second story
Building an addition
Constructing a retaining wall
Repairing storm or fire damage
Installing rooftop HVAC equipment
Modifying structural framing
Applying for building permits
Responding to city correction notices
Designing commercial buildings
Constructing industrial facilities
Why Structural Engineering Matters
Structural failures are expensive.
Improper construction can lead to:
Foundation settlement
Cracked walls
Roof sagging
Structural instability
Water intrusion
Building code violations
Permit delays
Safety hazards
Professional engineering helps identify these issues before they become major problems.
Why Choose Levi Jay & Associates Inc.?
At Levi Jay & Associates Inc., we believe engineering should be practical, responsive, and solution-oriented.
Our clients appreciate that we stay involved from the initial consultation through project completion. We communicate clearly, work closely with contractors and owners, and focus on providing engineering solutions that satisfy building codes while supporting construction efficiency.
Our structural engineering services include:
Structural design
Foundation engineering
Structural inspections
Engineering certification letters
Structural evaluations
Framing design
Retaining wall engineering
Construction inspections
Permit support
Structural repair design
Forensic engineering
Expert engineering reports
We proudly serve residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, and land development clients throughout Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a structural engineer tell if a wall is load-bearing?
Yes. A structural engineer evaluates framing systems, load paths, roof framing, floor framing, and construction details to determine whether a wall is structural and what modifications can safely be made.
Do I need a structural engineer for a home remodel?
If your remodel affects structural framing, foundations, roof systems, or load-bearing walls, the answer is usually yes.
Can a structural engineer inspect foundation cracks?
Absolutely. We evaluate foundation performance, identify potential causes of movement, and recommend appropriate repairs when necessary.
Can a structural engineer help with permits?
Yes. We regularly prepare engineering plans, structural calculations, certification letters, and responses to municipal review comments.
Do structural engineers work with contractors?
Yes. We frequently coordinate with contractors, architects, developers, surveyors, geotechnical engineers, municipalities, and property owners throughout the construction process.
Need a Structural Engineer in Texas?
Whether you're building a new structure, modifying an existing building, dealing with foundation movement, responding to city comments, or simply need professional engineering guidance, Levi Jay & Associates Inc. is here to help.
Our team provides responsive, practical, and code-compliant structural engineering services designed to keep your project moving from concept through construction.
Contact Levi Jay & Associates Inc. today to discuss your project and discover how our structural engineering expertise can help you build with confidence.