Knowing how to hire a structural engineer is essential to keeping your construction project safe, compliant, and on schedule. Whether you’re building from the ground up or retrofitting an existing structure, a qualified structural engineer ensures every beam, load path, and foundation detail is structurally sound. Here’s how to get it right from the start.
Define Your Scope and Budget
Start with a detailed overview of your project: what’s being built, renovated, or evaluated. This clarity helps identify the experience level and specialization your structural engineer should have. At this stage, begin estimating your structural engineer costs so you can set a realistic budget early on.
Verify Licensing and Relevant Experience
Only hire a structural engineer who is licensed in your state, holds current insurance, and has a portfolio that matches your project’s type and complexity. Ask for references and examples of similar projects to assess their technical skill and reliability.
Compare Quotes and Understand Structural Engineer Costs
Fee structures can vary. Some engineers bill hourly, while others offer flat-rate packages based on project milestones. Always request detailed estimates that break down deliverables, timelines, and payment terms. Remember: lowest cost doesn’t always mean best value.
Don’t Overlook Communication and Problem-Solving
Interview candidates to understand how they communicate with project managers, adapt to challenges, and handle field surprises. Structural integrity isn’t just about calculations, it’s about collaboration and foresight.
Need Specialized Structural Engineering Talent?
When the project requires niche expertise, such as seismic retrofitting or forensic analysis, STSI helps you find the right structural engineer quickly. We combine 25+ years of recruiting experience with deep industry networks to deliver talent who’s ready to contribute from day one.