You need a residential structural engineer if you're building a new home, adding a significant addition, or making structural modifications. Most building departments require stamped structural plans from a licensed engineer before issuing a building permit. Even if not required, hiring a home structural engineer ensures your project is safe, meets code, and avoids expensive construction mistakes, and adds to your peace of mind for safety and the longevity of a structure.

Yes. PSE is licensed in all 50 states and four Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan). Whether you're building in Alaska, Florida, or anywhere in between, our residential structural engineers can provide the expertise and stamped plans you need.

No problem. If you don't have drawings or plans, we can create them for you through our subsidiary company, Creative Touch Home Design. We can handle both the design and engineering in-house, which often saves time and money compared to working with separate firms. Alternatively, if you have rough sketches, dimensions, or ideas, we can work from those to develop your structural plans.

Every project is priced individually based on factors like square footage, building materials, structural complexity, and location. Contact us for a free quote specific to your project.

PSE specializes in both traditional and alternative building materials. We regularly engineer homes using wood framing, concrete, steel, structural insulated panels (SIPs), insulated concrete forms (ICF), shipping containers, straw bale, log, bamboo, earthbag, and many other materials. Our expertise in sustainable and alternative materials sets us apart from typical residential structural engineering firms.

Yes, especially if you're planning to build with alternative materials like straw bale, shipping containers, or earthbag. Building codes and requirements vary significantly by location, and some jurisdictions have specific restrictions. Checking with your local building department first can save time and money by ensuring your planned materials and design approach will be acceptable before you invest in engineering services.

Timelines vary based on project size, complexity, and current workload. Most residential projects can take 6–8 weeks during our busier seasons (spring through late summer) and can be completed faster during slower periods. We provide estimated lead times upfront when you receive your quote.

No, PSE provides engineering and design services only—we do not perform construction. Once we deliver your permit-ready structural plans, you'll work with a contractor to build your home. We recommend finding a contractor experienced with your chosen building materials, especially for alternative construction methods.