New Residential Construction Structural Engineering
Complete structural engineering for new custom homes, spec homes, and residential construction throughout California. Our licensed engineers design every structural element from foundation to roof, delivering PE-stamped plans optimized for safety, code compliance, and construction efficiency.
What is New Home Engineering?
New residential construction demands a complete structural system designed as a unified whole. Unlike additions or remodels that work within existing constraints, new home engineering starts from the ground up, giving us the opportunity to optimize every element for performance, cost, and constructability. Our structural engineers design foundations, floor systems, wall framing, roof structures, and lateral force-resisting systems that work together to create safe, durable homes that meet California Building Code and local jurisdiction requirements.
Why Choose Our New Home Engineering Services
Complete structural system design optimized as a unified whole
Foundation-to-roof engineering coordinated with your architect
Cost-effective designs that reduce material waste and construction time
PE-stamped plans accepted by all California building departments
Expert California seismic design for all Seismic Design Categories
Value engineering to meet budgets without compromising safety
Responsive plan check support and construction phase assistance
What We Provide
Comprehensive new home engineering services with complete documentation
Foundation Design
Complete foundation engineering based on geotechnical recommendations, including slab-on-grade, raised foundations, post-tension slabs, or pier-and-grade-beam systems suited to your site.
Floor Framing Design
Engineered floor systems including joist sizing and spacing, beam design, bearing point layout, and subfloor specifications for all levels of the home.
Wall & Header Design
Structural wall layouts, header sizing for all openings, shear wall locations and detailing, and hold-down connections for lateral force resistance.
Roof Framing Design
Roof structural design including rafter or truss specifications, ridge beams, hip beams, valley framing, and connections for California wind and seismic loads.
Lateral Force-Resisting System
Complete seismic and wind design including shear wall layout, hold-down sizing, diaphragm design, and continuous load path from roof to foundation.
Construction Documents & Calculations
Full set of PE-stamped structural drawings with foundation plan, framing plans, details, schedules, and engineering calculations for permit submittal.
How It Works
Our streamlined process for new home engineering
Project Consultation
Review architectural plans, discuss project scope and budget, and provide guidance on structural approach, materials, and preliminary cost estimate.
Proposal & Agreement
Detailed proposal with scope of work, deliverables, engineering fee, and project timeline. Work begins upon your approval.
Information Gathering
Collect finalized architectural plans, geotechnical report, site survey, and jurisdiction-specific requirements for structural design.
Structural System Design
Complete engineering design of all structural systems: foundation, floor framing, walls, roof, and lateral force resistance, optimized for your home.
Drawing Production
Create comprehensive structural plans including foundation plan, floor framing plans, roof framing plan, cross sections, and connection details.
Quality Review & PE Stamping
Internal quality control review, preparation of structural calculations, and Professional Engineer stamping of all documents.
Plan Check & Permit Support
Respond to building department plan check corrections, coordinate with reviewers, and support the permit approval process.
Construction Phase Services
Pre-pour foundation inspection, framing questions, RFI response, and field support throughout construction to ensure design intent is met.
Common Applications
We provide new home engineering for a wide range of projects
Cost Information
Transparent pricing for your project
Typical Range:
$5,000 - $15,000+ depending on size and complexity
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Total square footage of the home
- Number of stories
- Architectural complexity (cantilevers, large spans, irregular shapes)
- Foundation type and site soil conditions
- Hillside vs. flat lot
- Seismic Design Category of the site
New residential structural engineering fees are based on home size, complexity, and site conditions.
Timeline
What to expect for your project
Design Phase
3-6 weeks for most new residential projects
Permitting
4-8 weeks depending on jurisdiction
Total Timeline
7-14 weeks from start to permit approval
Timelines vary based on project complexity, jurisdiction requirements, and information availability. We provide detailed schedules during consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about new home engineering
When should I hire a structural engineer for my new home?
Engage a structural engineer early in the design process, ideally during architectural schematic design. Early involvement allows us to coordinate with your architect on structural layout, identify cost-saving opportunities, and avoid design conflicts. We need finalized architectural plans to produce construction documents, but early consultation improves the overall design.
How much does structural engineering cost for a new home?
Most new single-family homes cost $5,000-$15,000 for structural engineering. A standard 2,000-3,000 sq ft home on a flat lot is typically $5,000-$8,000. Larger homes, hillside sites, complex architecture, or multi-story designs range from $8,000-$15,000+. We provide detailed quotes after reviewing your architectural plans.
What information do you need to start?
We need finalized architectural plans (floor plans, elevations, sections, roof plan), a geotechnical report for the site, and any jurisdiction-specific requirements. Preliminary plans are sufficient for a proposal and cost estimate. Site surveys and topographic maps are helpful for hillside sites.
Do I need a geotechnical report?
Yes, virtually all California jurisdictions require a geotechnical report for new construction. The report provides essential data including soil bearing capacity, foundation recommendations, seismic site classification, and drainage considerations. We use this information to design your foundation properly. Obtain the geotechnical report early to avoid delays.
How do you handle hillside home design?
Hillside homes require specialized structural solutions including stepped foundations, retaining walls, pier-and-grade-beam foundations, and enhanced lateral bracing. Engineering costs are higher due to the added complexity, but our experience with Southern California hillside construction ensures efficient, buildable designs. Comprehensive geotechnical data is essential for hillside projects.
Can you design with steel framing instead of wood?
Yes, we design with wood, steel, concrete, and masonry structural systems. Steel framing offers advantages for long spans, large openings, and fire resistance. We recommend the most appropriate structural system based on your home design, budget, and construction preferences. Many homes use a combination of materials.
What is the difference between structural and architectural plans?
Architectural plans define the layout, appearance, and functionality of your home. Structural plans define the engineering: foundation sizing and reinforcement, beam and joist sizes, shear wall locations, connection details, and load paths. Building departments require both sets. Structural plans are based on the architectural design and must be coordinated throughout the process.
Do you coordinate with my architect during design?
Yes, coordination with your architect is essential for a successful project. We communicate on shear wall placement, beam locations that affect ceiling heights, post locations, and any structural elements visible in the finished home. Good coordination prevents costly conflicts during construction.