Wondering what a structural engineer will cost you in 2025? Most homeowners pay between $350 and $800, with $550 as the national average. For a basic inspection, you might pay as little as $350, but comprehensive plans for new construction can run upward of $5,000.
What drives the price tag? Size and complexity matter most. A foundation inspection for a modest ranch home might set you back $400–$600, while engineering plans for a 2,000-square-foot new build could hit $7,500 or more — typically 2.5% of your total construction budget.
Structural engineers aren’t just another expense — they’re the professionals who determine whether your house will remain standing when foundation cracks appear, walls start bowing, or you want to tear out that wall to create an open-concept kitchen. They’re essentially your home’s doctor, diagnosing problems and prescribing solutions that keep everything solid.
You’ll likely need one of these pros in three main situations: when buying a home with suspected issues (think sloping floors or cracked foundations), renovating areas with load-bearing elements, or building from scratch. We’ve seen countless homeowners save thousands by getting an engineer involved early— before small problems turn into disasters.
This guide breaks down what you’ll pay for various services, what affects these costs, and how to fit this non-negotiable professional into your project budget without breaking the bank.
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What Is A Structural Engineer?
A structural engineer is your home’s stability expert. They’re the professionals who determine whether your house can safely support itself and stand up to weather, time, and any changes you’re planning to make.
Unlike architects who focus on design and aesthetics or contractors who handle the actual building, structural engineers zero in on one thing: will it stand or will it fall? They spot problems that untrained eyes miss, recommending fixes before small issues become catastrophic failures.
These pros help homeowners with:
- Diagnosing foundation problems like cracks, settling, or water damage
- Determining if walls are load-bearing before you knock them down
- Creating structural plans for home additions
- Assessing storm or flood damage
- Providing documentation for home sales or insurance claims
- Making sure your renovations won’t compromise your home’s integrity
We’ve worked with many homeowners who nearly removed critical support walls during renovations — potentially $20,000+ mistakes if structural engineers hadn’t caught them first. In our experience, the consultation fee is always money well spent.
When you hire one of these experts, you’re buying peace of mind. They’re the difference between a successful project and one that ends with sagging floors or worse.
What Are Residential Structural Engineer Costs?
With the cost and scope of work of a residential project not being quite as involved as a commercial project, the fees are typically a bit different. Of course, your rates will vary depending on the number of site visits, extra consultations, and the reputation of the individual you choose. However, here are some of the average costs that you can expect.
| Fee Type | Cost or % |
| Hourly Rate | $70–$250 |
| Per Square Foot of Foundation | $2–$10 |
| Home Inspections (full-house, roof, foundation, etc.) | $350–$800 |
| Engineering design & plans | $250–$5,000 |
| Percentage of Construction Cost (new – residential) | 1%–5% |
| Percentage of Construction Cost (remodel – residential) | 7%–10% |
| Percentage of Construction Cost (commercial) | 0.5%–2.5% |
Average Cost To Hire a Structural Engineer
The typical homeowner shells out about $550 for structural engineering services, with most projects landing between $350 and $800. Your actual cost? That depends on your project’s complexity, your location, and the engineer’s experience level. A quick inspection might be relatively affordable, but detailed engineering plans for that dream home addition will require a bigger investment.
The good news is that most engineers offer free initial consultations and quotes. They typically split payments into thirds: around 25% to start, another chunk midway, and the final payment when everything’s wrapped up. This approach makes the cost more digestible while ensuring your engineer sticks with your project from start to finish.
Watch out, though — costs can spike if your project hits complications or needs extra site visits. We’ve seen many projects expand in scope when additional issues are discovered during the initial assessment. Always discuss potential additional costs before signing anything.
Structural Engineer Hourly Cost
Expect to pay between $70 and $250 per hour for a structural engineer’s time, with $150 as the going rate in most areas. Prices climb higher in expensive metro areas like San Francisco or New York and drop in rural regions.
You’ll rarely pay strictly by the hour, though. Most engineers provide a complete project quote, with a note that additional hours beyond the agreed scope will be billed at their hourly rate. This approach protects both of you — they get paid fairly for unexpected issues, and you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Cost per Square Foot for a Structural Engineer
Square-foot pricing primarily shows up in commercial projects, not residential work. For commercial buildings, engineers typically charge between $2 and $10 per square foot, depending on building complexity and use.
Home projects rarely use this pricing model, as they’re usually not large enough to make sense for square-foot pricing. You’ll mainly encounter this approach when building commercial properties, not when renovating your kitchen or adding a second bathroom.
Structural Engineering Fees as Percentage of Construction Cost
Whether you are putting a home addition on or building new, a common way for structural engineers to charge is a percentage of the construction costs. Expect this percentage to be considerably higher for a remodel than for a new build.
New build structural engineer inspection costs are between 1% and 5%. The average cost to build a $2,000-square-foot home in America is around $300,000. At 2.5% of the total construction cost, you would pay your structural engineer $7,500.
For a remodel, the costs are close to 10% for the structural engineer. As you well know, cost estimates for a remodel are considerably lower, and the engineer’s design may be a bit more complicated with previous issues with dry rot or joists that are out of place, so the fees here are higher because of the complexity of the project.
How Much Do Structural Engineer Inspection and Reports Cost?
A structural engineer inspection and a structural engineer report are different than a traditional home inspection and will therefore have unique costs. Here are some of the inspection and reporting costs that you can expect during your project.
| Inspection Type | Average Cost |
| Structural Inspection Costs | $400–$1,200 |
| Foundation Inspection | $400–$1,500 |
| Load Bearing Walls, and Beams Inspection | $500–$1,000 |
| Chimney Inspection | $200–$600 |
| Roof Inspection | $300–$700 |
Structural Inspection Cost
The average structural engineer inspection costs will be anywhere from $400 to $1,200. Some structural inspectors will charge a base fee for the report but then have an hourly rate should they run into any additional issues. The structural inspection is often used as part of a real estate closing to ensure that the findings from a home inspector are correct. The structural inspection costs will include looking for things like shifting foundations or erosion issues.
Foundation Inspection
Structural inspection costs are typically looked at as a complete fee for inspecting various structural elements. However, there are times when just a single area, like a foundation, needs inspection. For foundation inspections, you can expect between $400 and $1,500; this will change if there is severe damage.
Load Bearing Walls and Beam Inspection
The load-bearing wall inspection or beam inspection will be under $1,000 for most residential projects. However, if you are looking for plans to be drawn up with options for new structural supports, you will pay more than $4,000 in most situations. Building codes can significantly impact how much you pay for your project as they require a much more detail-oriented and knowledgeable structural engineer.
Chimney Inspection
Another unique skill of the structural engineer is chimney inspection. The chimney inspection will usually be one of the lowest priced, and it ranges from around $200 to close to $600.
Roof Inspection
A roof inspection will be between $300 and $700. The pitch of your roof and the location of your project are going to impact the overall costs of the roof inspection. It’s important to remember that a roof inspection looking for a potential leak or a missing shingle is much different than a structural engineer roof inspection. These engineers look to determine the structural integrity of your roof.
What Does a Structural Report Cost?
The structural report is needed to determine the next steps for all involved parties in your construction project. Structural report costs will vary depending on those who are involved in the process and the local guidelines and regulations in your area.
| Report Type | Average Cost |
| Structural Engineering Plan Costs | $400–$5,000 per drawing sheet |
| Draftsperson Costs | $800–$3,000 |
| PE Stamp | Varies, up to $500 |
| Project Manage Design Costs | 8%–20% of the project |
Structural Engineering Plan Costs
The engineering plans will be determined based on the number of sheets needed. The plan’s project and the structural components can impact this cost considerably. The structural engineering firm typically charges between $400 and $5,000 per drawing. The builder will need these plans in order to continue with the project, and they are typically the most expensive part of working with a structural engineer. Commercial pricing for engineering plans will be even higher.
Draftsperson Cost
The draftsperson who puts the plans for the project on paper will typically cost around $1,500 on an average residential project. However, these prices can range from $800 to $3,000. There are higher fees for those that make edits and changes to any drafts. With a draftsperson needing final approval and a PE Stamp from the structural engineer, there are typically added fees that go into this pricing structure.
PE Stamp Cost
The PE Stamp is a Professional Engineer Stamp. The stamp means that the structural engineer has their hands involved in the design, review, and even approval of the plans. Most states from New York to California require that the PE Stamp is on all work before it is approved. This helps ensure that there is a liability if there should be a significant issue with any of the projects. PE Stamps can be up to $500 depending on the engineer involved in the project.
Project Manager Design Costs
If you want to use a structural engineer as a project manager, you will need someone that specializes in civil engineering or mechanical engineering. This will cost you between 8% and 20% of the structural construction costs for the project. This is typically only done by a structural engineer that has been heavily involved in the design and buildout of the project.
How To Fit a Structural Engineer into Your Budget
Let’s face it, adding a structural engineer to your project isn’t cheap. But skipping this step can cost you exponentially more down the road. Here’s how to make it work financially:
- Get multiple quotes: Prices vary widely between engineers. We recommend getting at least three quotes for comparison.
- Ask about payment plans: Many engineers understand budget constraints and offer installment plans tied to project milestones.
- Time it right: Book engineering work during January or February when many firms have schedule gaps and might offer competitive rates.
- Be crystal clear about scope: “I need structural plans for my bathroom remodel” is too vague. Specify exactly what you need to avoid paying for unnecessary services.
- Bundle services when possible: Need both a foundation inspection and beam calculations? Many engineers offer package deals.
We’ve worked with many homeowners who saved hundreds by hiring their structural engineer during the winter slow season and bundling multiple services into one contract.
Your wallet might not thank you initially, but your future self certainly will. This chart shows what services typically fit different budget ranges:
Structural Engineer (What To Expect For Your Budget)
| Budget | Services You Can Expect |
| Less than $500 | • Basic inspections (foundation, roof, chimney, etc.) • Engineering reports for specific issues • Consultation for small repairs • Single-visit assessments |
| $500–$800 | • Comprehensive home structural inspection • Plans for small to midsized projects • Detailed reports with repair recommendations • Multiple site visits • Small remodel structural evaluations |
| $800–$2,000 | • Complete structural plans for home additions • Detailed engineering for major renovations • Structural solutions for complex problems • Customized design work • Ongoing project consultation |
| $2,000+ | • New home construction engineering • Full project management services • Commercial building assessment • Complex or large-scale engineering solutions • Extensive calculations and specialized designs |
What Are Factors that Affect the Cost of a Structural Engineer?
The cost of a structural engineer in your area will vary based on several features of your project. Here are a few of the things to keep in mind when estimating costs and comparing your quotes to cost guides like this one.
Difficulty of the Project
The more complex your project is, the more you can expect to pay. Think about the time that it will take a structural engineer to work on your project and realize that this is going to impact the total costs involved. Expect more difficult projects to be anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars more.
Services Offered
Some structural engineers simply offer inspections and reports. Others are willing to offer complete project management. Depending on what you are asking of the structural engineer, the costs will be significantly impacted.
Experience and Reputation
When a structural engineer is new to the industry, they have to build up a reputation and will often charge lower fees for their first clients. Once they are more established, the fees can change and get considerably higher. There are also structural engineers known for more luxury-type builds and projects, and their fees are considerably higher.
Location
Unfortunately, in areas like California, where the cost of living is higher, the costs for structural engineers will also be higher. This trend of a higher cost of living impacting costs will likely be seen throughout your entire construction process.
What Are Structural Engineering Costs by Home Types?
The type of home you have, and even the age can impact the costs of the structural engineer. In addition, in areas of the country where specific building codes are in place to account for weather or climate-related issues, structural engineering costs can increase. Older homes or historic homes can also have specific building codes and regulations that increase the total costs of a structural engineer.
DIY Vs. Hiring a Structural Engineer
Think you can skip the engineer and DIY your structural assessment? Think again.
While we’re all for rolling up your sleeves for many home projects — painting, tiling, even some basic carpentry — structural engineering falls firmly in the “don’t try this at home” category. Here’s why:
Training Gap
Structural engineers complete specialized engineering degrees, pass rigorous licensing exams, and accumulate years of field experience. They understand complex physics and mathematical calculations that determine whether your home will stand or collapse. This isn’t knowledge you can pick up from a weekend YouTube binge.
Permit Problems
Ever tried getting a building permit without properly stamped engineering plans? In most areas, it’s simply impossible. Building departments require that a Professional Engineer (PE) seal before they’ll approve structural work. No seal, no permit — it’s that straightforward.
Risk Vs. Reward
The consequences of mistakes are just too high. We’ve seen DIY wall removals lead to sagging ceilings within weeks and even complete collapses. The repair costs are typically 5-10 times what hiring an engineer would have cost initially.
Insurance Nightmares
If something goes wrong with unpermitted structural work, your homeowner’s insurance probably won’t cover it. Professional engineers carry liability insurance that protects you if problems arise from their recommendations.
Resale Roadblocks
Try selling a home with undocumented structural changes. Home inspectors flag these issues immediately, often leading to failed sales or price reductions far exceeding what you “saved” by skipping proper engineering.
We’ve worked with many homeowners who learned this lesson the hard way. Some removed what they thought were non-load-bearing walls during renovations without consulting an engineer, only to face expensive repairs months later when cracks appeared and floors began to sag. The repair costs often exceeded $20,000 — compared to the $600 an engineer would have charged initially.
Some costs aren’t worth cutting. This is definitely one of them.
So, Is a Structural Engineer Worth the Cost?
A structural engineer is not only worth the cost, but you’ll also likely need to pay a structural engineer at some point in your project. Whether you need an inspection, report, or management of an entire project, chances are the structural engineer will need to be involved in some capacity.
Make sure to account for these extra costs and fees when you are doing your planning. Most homeowners will need a structural engineer for large-scale projects, remodels, and of course, a new construction build.
FAQs About the Cost of Structural Engineers
A structural engineer spots problems others miss and ensures your home stays standing for decades. You’ll need one when you notice foundation cracks, plan to remove walls during renovations, build an addition, or buy a home with suspected structural issues. Many building departments also require their stamp of approval before issuing permits.
These pros are like financial insurance for your biggest investment. We’ve seen homeowners avoid $20,000 repair bills because a $500 structural inspection caught problems early. They’ll identify issues before they become emergencies and develop solutions that keep your home safe while meeting all building codes — potentially saving you thousands.
Most homeowners will pay between $350 and $800 for a structural engineer. The type of project and scope of work are going to have a significant impact on the total fees paid.
They’ll start by examining your home’s bones — foundations, support walls, roof structures — looking for damage or weakness that could spell trouble. Unlike home inspectors who spot surface issues, structural engineers dig deeper, creating detailed reports with photos and specific repair recommendations.
For building projects, they provide stamped drawings with precise specifications, run calculations to determine safe loads, and often coordinate with your contractors during construction. We’ve seen many cases where engineers caught critical mistakes in contractors’ plans to support new additions or second stories. Their expertise ensures your project won’t just look good but will remain structurally sound for years.
Absolutely. Most offer free initial consultations with estimates for standard services. For routine work like foundation evaluations or beam inspections, these quotes usually hold firm. For custom homes or major renovations, they’ll provide ballpark figures based on similar projects they’ve completed.
Want an accurate estimate? Come prepared with details. The more information you provide upfront — existing plans, project scope, timeline — the more precise your quote will be. Always get estimates in writing and ask what might change the final cost. In our experience, the biggest surprises come from unclear expectations, not the structural issues themselves. Clear communication prevents sticker shock when the final bill arrives.
It is often necessary to hire a structural engineer when stability is part of the project or build. Anytime you are looking at load-bearing walls or foundations, the structural engineer is almost always going to be part of your project costs.
