When it comes to residential construction—whether it’s a deck, garage addition, or home remodel—one question comes up more often than you’d expect:
“Do I really need a structural engineer for this?”
The short answer is: Yes. And here’s why.
🔍 Safety Starts with Structure
Even smaller residential and commercial projects involve critical structural components that must support people, snow loads, wind, shifting soil, and time. If it’s not engineered properly, it becomes a safety risk—and a potential liability.
🧠Travis Brings Structural Expertise to Every Project
At Essential Pillar Architecture, Travis has a background in construction engineering and personally performs the structural design for most of our residential and commercial projects. But here’s the key:
That design is always coordinated with a licensed professional engineer (PE), who reviews, advises if needed, and provides the required stamp for code compliance and permitting.
This ensures every project is both intelligently designed and professionally approved.
📋 You Can’t Skip This Step—Not Legally, Not Safely
Building departments in Colorado and beyond require structural engineering for:
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Decks (especially multi-story or cantilevered)
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Additions that affect load-bearing walls or roofs
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New garages or carports
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Foundation changes
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Structural repairs or reinforcements
No engineer stamp? No permit. And no guarantee that what’s built will actually stand the test of time.
đź’¸ Why the Engineering Fee is Worth It
Homeowners and business owners sometimes balk at paying the structural fee. We get it—budgets are tight. But the engineering stamp is not a luxury. It protects your:
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Family’s safety
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Home’s value
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Ability to pass inspections
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Liability if you sell or insure the home later
Plus, getting it right from the start saves you money—no last-minute changes, no failed inspections, and no costly rework.
đź‘· We Build With Integrity
At Essential Pillar Architecture, we value honesty, safety, and professionalism. That’s why we work as a team—architect + engineer—to deliver plans that are beautiful, buildable, and bulletproof.
Need help figuring out if your project needs a structural engineer?
Apply for a free consultation today. We’ll walk you through what’s needed—no pressure, just clear guidance.
👉 Click here to apply!