Structural Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions
Straightforward answers about how we work, what we charge, and what to expect from a structural engineering project.
When do I need a structural engineer?
If your project involves structural changes or permit drawings, most cities and towns will require stamped plans. A structural engineer confirms that your home or building is safe, stable, and built to last.
At Third Rock Engineering, we translate complex structural challenges into clear, practical solutions your contractor can use immediately. From assessing framing and foundations to designing beams, footings, and load paths, we help your project move forward with confidence.
You’ll benefit from a structural engineer when:
- You’re opening up floors or removing walls
- You see cracking, settlement, or sagging floors
- You’re planning an addition, deck, or major renovation
- A building department requests engineered drawings or letters
- You want peace of mind before purchasing a home
- Your commercial or industrial project needs platforms, foundations, or equipment support
How do you charge for engineering services?
We bill at $195/hour, as defined in a written Engineering Services Agreement. That rate is inclusive of drafting, engineering, and travel time. Any additional work outside the agreed scope, such as redesigns due to project changes or unforeseen site conditions, is billed hourly at the same rate.
For projects that require an initial site visit, we offer a focused, one-hour on-site consultation for a flat fee of $295, paid in advance. That fee secures dedicated time on site to evaluate your project thoroughly.
Our on-site visits are structured to deliver real value, not just a walk-through:
- Project conversation. We start by understanding your goals, concerns, scope, and timeline so our guidance is tailored to what actually matters on your project.
- On-site evaluation. We review existing conditions, framing, foundations, and any other structural elements relevant to the work, both what’s visible and what may need further investigation.
- Professional engineering insight. You get practical, experience-based guidance on feasibility, structural considerations, potential challenges, and recommended solutions.
- Defined next steps and deliverables. If engineering documents are required, we outline the path forward. Deliverables may include P.E.-stamped drawings, structural reports, calculations, or written recommendations, all permit-ready and prepared for contractor use.
The goal is simple: leave the meeting with clarity, confidence, and a solid plan to move forward. See our detailed pricing page.
Why don't you post all your fees online?
A window, door, or roofing contractor works within a fairly predictable framework. Material costs are known, installation timelines are consistent, and the scope is typically repeatable from project to project.
Engineering projects are different. Every property has its own constraints. Structural systems vary. Design complexity, permitting requirements, existing conditions, coordination with architects or contractors, and project schedule all influence the level of effort required. No two projects are truly identical.
Publishing flat fees online would oversimplify that reality and mislead clients. After we understand your scope and goals, we provide a customized proposal outlining the anticipated services and an estimate of the hours required. You get a fair, project-specific fee that reflects the actual work involved, with no guesswork and no generic pricing.
Need expert engineering for your home or building project?
We design safe, buildable structural solutions backed by over 20 years of field and design experience.
When should I bring an engineer into the project?
Earlier than you think. One of the most common and expensive mistakes property owners make is waiting until plans are finalized or construction has already started. By that point, changes often mean redesign fees, permit revisions, material waste, or contractor change orders.
Bringing an engineer in during the planning or conceptual phase provides clarity before money is committed elsewhere. Early involvement matters because:
- Feasibility upfront. We can quickly determine whether a wall is load-bearing, whether a foundation can support an addition, or whether your site can accommodate drainage or grading changes.
- Budget alignment. Structural systems directly impact cost. Early engineering input helps avoid designs that are structurally possible but financially impractical.
- Permit readiness. Many building departments require stamped drawings. Planning for that requirement early prevents last-minute scrambling.
- Coordination with architect and contractor. When engineering is integrated early, the final design is more cohesive and efficient.
- Fewer surprises during construction. Identifying constraints in advance reduces the likelihood of mid-project changes that disrupt schedule and budget.
Engineering decisions influence everything that follows: materials, cost, schedule, and permitting. The earlier those decisions are informed by professional analysis, the smoother your project will move from idea to completion.
What is a P.E. and why does it matter?
A P.E. is a Professional Engineer licensed by the state to provide engineering services and issue stamped drawings. That stamp tells the building department your plans meet applicable codes and safety standards. Andrew J. Hruby is a licensed P.E. in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Can you help with permits?
Yes. We prepare permit-ready drawings and, if needed, assist your contractor in applying for building permits. If the building department issues review comments after submission, we handle the responses as part of the engagement, with scope and fees defined upfront in the Engineering Services Agreement.
Do you work directly with my architect or contractor?
Absolutely. Collaboration is key. We coordinate with your architect and contractor so structural and site elements integrate smoothly with the overall design and construction plan.
What if the building department has comments on my plans?
That’s completely normal. Nearly every permitted project receives review comments; it’s simply part of the process.
We don’t disappear once the drawings are delivered. If the building department issues comments or requests clarification, we review them carefully and provide the necessary responses, revisions, or supplemental information to keep your project moving forward. Our goal is not just to produce drawings, but to help you get through permitting efficiently and with as little friction as possible.
Will I get a written agreement that spells out the scope and fees?
Every project is covered by a written Engineering Services Agreement. The contract clearly defines the scope, deliverables, fees, and timelines. It protects both the client and the engineer by setting expectations upfront.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept check, ACH transfer, Credit / Debit cards, Cash App, Direct Debit, and Found to Found. A deposit may be required to begin work, with the balance due prior to delivery of stamped drawings or reports.
Do you carry insurance?
Yes. We maintain professional liability insurance, sometimes called Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects our clients and their investment.
How long does a typical project take?
Most residential projects are completed within two to three weeks. Larger or more complex projects can take several weeks depending on scope, coordination, and review timelines.
Project-Specific Questions
Do I need an engineer to remove a load-bearing wall?
Yes, and this is one of the most common residential projects we’re brought in on. Any time a load-bearing wall is being removed or modified, the building department will require engineered drawings showing how the load will be redistributed, typically with a properly sized beam and adequate support at each end.
Our role is to evaluate the existing framing, calculate the loads, and provide P.E.-stamped drawings your contractor can build from and your town will accept for the permit. The actual removal and construction is handled by your contractor. If you’re not sure whether the wall is load-bearing, we can determine that during our on-site visit.
My contractor said I need an "engineer's letter." What is that?
An engineer’s letter is a signed, P.E.-stamped document that confirms a structural condition or recommendation in writing. Common examples include letters verifying that an existing structure can support a new load, documenting field observations for the building department, or confirming that a specific structural detail meets code.
The scope varies by project, so the first step is a quick conversation about what your contractor or town is asking for. From there we can determine whether a letter alone is enough or if drawings and calculations are also needed.
Can you evaluate a house before I buy it?
Yes. A pre-purchase structural evaluation gives you a clear picture of what you’re walking into before closing. We assess foundations, framing, load paths, and any visible signs of movement, settlement, or past repairs, then provide a written report with our findings and recommendations.
This is different from a general home inspection. A home inspector flags concerns across the whole house. A structural engineer focuses on the structure itself and tells you what’s actually going on and what it means for the property.
Do you handle foundation cracks, settlement, or sagging floors?
Yes. These are some of the most common reasons homeowners reach out to us. Not every crack or sagging floor signals a serious problem, but some do, and the only way to know is a proper evaluation.
We assess the condition, identify the underlying cause (settlement, water intrusion, framing issues, original construction defects), and provide a written report with recommendations. If repairs are needed, we can specify what’s required so your contractor knows exactly what to build. If the situation is stable and doesn’t need intervention, we’ll tell you that too.
Do you provide field observations or construction administration?
Yes, when the project calls for it. Field observations are site visits during construction to confirm that the structural work is being executed in accordance with the engineered drawings. This is sometimes required by the building department, requested by an architect, or simply prudent on more complex projects.
Construction administration scope is defined upfront in the Engineering Services Agreement, so you know exactly what’s included, how many visits to expect, and what deliverables come from each one.
What should I have ready for our first call?
Nothing formal, just enough context for us to give you useful answers. Helpful things to have on hand:
- A general description of the project and what you’re trying to accomplish
- The property address
- Any photos of the area in question, especially existing conditions, cracks, or framing you have questions about
- Architectural plans or sketches if you have them
- Your timeline and any permit or contractor deadlines you’re working against
If you don’t have all of this, that’s fine. We’ll work with whatever you’ve got and let you know if anything else is needed before the on-site visit.
