Residential engineering turns design ideas into structures and systems that carry loads, manage comfort, and satisfy code. It verifies existing conditions, traces load paths, sizes members and connections, and coordinates building systems and drainage so remodels and additions perform as intended.

Areas of practice

• Structural: foundations, slabs, grade beams, posts, beams, headers, joists, roof framing
• Lateral systems: shear walls, braced frames, moment frames, collectors, hold-downs
• Openings and alterations: wall removals, large spans, stair and skylight framing
• Decks and exterior structures: ledgers, guards, stringers, and footings
• MEP coordination: HVAC load calcs and duct routes; electrical service and circuits; plumbing supply, waste, and venting
• Building enclosure: insulation, air/vapor control, flashing interfaces, attic and crawl-space strategies
• Site and drainage: grading, downspout routing, perimeter drains, and slab moisture management

Investigation and calculations

• Review of existing drawings (when available) and on-site verification
• Assessment of soils, foundation type, and framing species/grades
• Load analysis: dead, live, snow, wind, seismic; check of load paths and bearing
• Member sizing and connection detailing, including fasteners and anchors
• HVAC sizing (Manual J/S/D or equivalent), circuit loading, and plumbing fixture units
• Energy and fire/life safety checks that inform assemblies and details

Documents and deliverables

• Plans and details for structural framing, foundations, and lateral systems
• Schedules: beams/headers, connectors/anchors, shear wall nailing, uplift/overturning notes
• MEP coordination diagrams and load summaries where applicable
• Specifications tied to code requirements and referenced standards
• Stamped drawings and calculations by licensed professionals where required

Coordination and permitting

• Alignment with architectural layouts and finish constraints
• Interface details for tile, stone, glazing, fireplaces, and heavy fixtures
• Permit submittal support: responses to comments, revisions, and resubmittals
• Special inspections, testing notes, and geotechnical coordination if specified

Construction support

• Field observations to verify critical elements and site conditions
• Review of submittals and shop drawings for engineered products
• RFIs and clarifications when existing conditions differ from assumptions
• Adjustments that keep performance targets while respecting constraints

Codes and performance

• Current residential codes for structure, energy, and life safety
• Local wind, snow, and seismic parameters applied to the design
• Thermal, air, and moisture control strategies suited to climate
• Fire-resistance, egress, and guard/handrail criteria where relevant

Quality benchmarks

• Clear load paths with sized members, connectors, and anchorage
• Compatible details at transitions (wood to concrete, old to new)
• System layouts that fit the envelope without crowding finishes
• Documents coordinated enough to build without guesswork

Typical timeline

• Existing condition review and concept: 3–10 days, depending on scope
• Calculations and drawings: 1–3 weeks for typical remodel/addition
• Permit review iterations: jurisdiction dependent
• Construction support: as needed at milestones or key inspections

Limits and considerations

• Hidden conditions can change member sizes or details after opening walls
• Soils and foundations may require geotechnical input
• Equipment selections influence space needs and service clearances
• Local amendments to model codes affect calculations and assemblies

Good residential engineering reads as calm confidence: a clear structure, coordinated systems, and details that work with the house and the climate it lives in.