First of all, what is a structural engineer? A structural engineer, is an engineer who specialises in the structure of buildings. They determine the strength and durability of your building and are an important part in the construction and planning of your build. They are able to determine a building’s safety and in all building or renovation projects and will provide specifications and structural suggestions for the design. They may also suggest materials that will best suit your project.

So... You may need a structural engineer when carrying out any work to your home that could affect its structural stability. Essentially, any project that alters the structure of a building will require the expertise of a structural engineer.

There are various reasons why you might need to the services of a structural engineer. These include if you are doing renovations to your building or designing a new build, if you need a structural inspection before buying a property or have structural problems with and existing property, or as an expert witness if you find yourself in a disagreement with another party over a structural matter related to your property.

You can find more information about engineers here on the Association of Consultant Engineers of Ireland's website.