Common scenario
Small Project Design
Beyond consultations, we design small structural projects. You get a complete design package — drawings and calculations — that you take to your local building department for approval, then hand to contractors so every quote prices the same, correctly sized work.
From an idea to contractor quotes
A project usually stalls at the same place: contractors describe different work, nobody has sized the beam or the footing, and the permit office needs something in writing. A design package clears all three at once.
- 1
Start with an on-site consultation
We visit, look at the house, and talk through what you want to do. If a design package is the right move, we explain what it would cover before any design work begins.
- 2
We prepare the design package
Structural drawings and the supporting engineering calculations, sized for your house and your project — the package a building department expects to review.
- 3
You take it to the building department
The package is what you submit for the permit. If the reviewer has questions, we can respond so the approval stays on track.
- 4
Contractors quote the same scope
With one set of drawings, every bid prices the same work. Comparing quotes becomes straightforward instead of a guessing game.
The on-site consultation is where this starts. If a design package makes sense for your project, we quote it as a fixed fee before any design work begins — so you know the cost up front.
Projects we design
A few examples of the work homeowners bring us. If yours is not on the list, it may still be a fit.
- 01
You want to remove a load-bearing wall and replace it with a beam.
- 02
You are adding a room and need a foundation designed for it.
- 03
You are remodeling and want to install a skylight or open up a vaulted ceiling.
- 04
And the rest of the small structural work that comes with owning a house — if it involves structure, ask.
Other questions people bring us
You can ask us about multiple questions or issues during the same consultation.
Common Scenarios
- Conflicting Foundation Repair Bids
- Foundation Repair Second Opinion
- Repair, Monitor, or Leave It Alone?
- Lender, Appraiser, or Underwriter Needs an Engineer
- Buying a House With Structural Concerns
- Is This a Load-Bearing Wall?
- City Wants Engineer Approval
- Small Project Design
- Virtual Consultation in Kansas or Missouri
No conflict of interest. Licensed professionals.
We do not sell repairs, take referral fees, or profit from anything we recommend. We only work for you, the client.
Simple, upfront pricing
On-Site Consultation with Verbal Report
$300
Often this is all you need. Payment is made on site.
- On-site consultation
- Discussion of your concerns
- Review of visible and accessible areas
- Review of relevant existing documentation when available
- Professional opinion, delivered verbally
- Questions and answers
- Practical next-step guidance
Virtual consultations (verbal report only) are available for locations throughout Kansas and Missouri, depending on the situation.
On-Site Consultation with Written Report
$600
Reports are often delivered the following day, though timing varies. Delivered by email after payment.
- Everything in the verbal consultation
- Written documentation of the professional opinion
- Useful for real estate transactions and negotiations
- Useful for lender or underwriter requirements
- Useful for documenting condition before a sale
- Useful for insurance situations and disputes
- Creates a defined scope of work so bids are comparable
Not sure which one you need? Start with the verbal consultation and decide about the written report once you have heard what we found. Additional fees may apply for travel or difficult access.
Common questions
What can a Professional Engineer do for a house?
We can assess the conditions of the house and help answer your questions and concerns plus help you to figure out the next steps to take, if any are required. We can also provide structural designs for small projects for your house.
How much does an engineering evaluation cost?
An on-site consultation with a verbal professional opinion is $300, payable on site. Adding a written report is $600 total. You can decide about the written report during or after the visit.
How soon can you come out?
Book an On-site Consultation using the button above. For locations farther than the Topeka-Lawrence-Kansas City corridor, book at least a week out and we'll let you know if we can serve your project location.
What areas do you serve?
Lawrence, Topeka, Kansas City, and the surrounding corridor, including Douglas, Shawnee, Jefferson, Franklin, Leavenworth, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties. We also serve the Kansas City, MO metro area.
Is a Professional Engineer the same as a home inspector?
No. A home inspector reviews the whole house at a general level. A Professional Engineer is licensed to give a professional opinion based on their training and experience for many scenarios in which lenders, underwriters, insurers, and buyers often require.
Do you sell contractor repairs?
No. We have no financial interest in repair work and take no referral fees. You are paying for an independent professional opinion.
Will I get a written report?
Only if you want one. Many people need nothing more than the verbal opinion. Written reports are typically delivered by email soon after the visit and are useful for transactions, lenders, insurance, and comparing contractor bids.
Where we work
We serve the Topeka to Lawrence to Kansas City corridor. Is your project located outside of this area? Book out at least a week and we will be in touch to confirm if we can serve you.
Virtual consultations (verbal report only) are available for locations throughout Kansas and Missouri, depending on the situation.
Have a Project in Mind?
Tell us what you want to do with the house. We will tell you what the design package needs to cover and where to go from there.