SurfZone Eng. Info. Hub 

Can I remove a structural the wall between kitchen and dining room?

By: Dr. Farzam Maleki, PE - SurfZone Engineering Consultants  - 2/26/2023 


I often get that question from home owners, landlords/investors, and potential buyers who are considering remodeling. Identifying the load bearing status of a wall requires an extensive knowledge about the structural framing system and comprehensive review of the existing structure.  A Professional Engineer needs to perform a site visit and inspect the subject wall. He/She may need to access other floor areas and expose the ceiling/floor joists to determine the load bearing status of the wall. Professional Engineer can then design the safe and code-required beam and its support system. 

In many cases, several additions have been added to the house over time with non-uniform structural system. Removal of a load bearing element without a proper substitute/alternative system can significantly impact the structural integrity of the house.


Not sure! Feel free to contact SurfZone Engineering Consultants for any question or concern!  

The money you spend on structural assessment of your house is probably your best savings! 

By: Dr. Farzam Maleki, PE - SurfZone Engineering Consultants  - 3/6/2022 


Regardless of the type of structure (residential, commercial, condominium, etc), your house/building is the most valuable asset that your safety and quality of life directly relies on. Structural repairs can be expensive, disruptive, and time consuming. Routine assessment of the building allows for early diagnosis of the structural issues which can significantly reduce the cost of repair. Most of the times, structural defective signs develop at the later stages of the process. Don't wait until you notice a concerning issue! 

The frequency of the structural assessment depends on the age and condition, location (e.g., urban or coastal), type of the structure (e.g., wood, brick, etc), dwelling type (e.g., single-family, multifamily, condominiums, etc). 

When should you reach out to a professional engineer for structural assessments?

Here are a few examples when you need to engage a professional engineer for structural assessment

Not sure! Feel free to contact SurfZone Engineering Consultants for any question or concern!  

Healthy Foundation - Healthy structure! 

By: Dr. Farzam Maleki, PE - SurfZone Engineering Consultants  - 5/8/2022 

Different foundation types (fieldstone, reinforced concrete, cinder block) shows different signs under gravity and lateral loads. Foundation cracks (horizontal, diagonal, vertical, step-like, etc), foundation bulge or bow, and uneven settlement, should carefully assessed by a professional engineer to determine the cause and recommend proper course of action.  The common reasons for foundation cracks are as follow:

Depending on the foundation/crack condition, repair can be simple or complex. 

Feel free to contact SurfZone Engineering Consultants for any question or concern!  

Wait! My house sway during high wind - What should I do? 

By: Dr. Farzam Maleki, PE - SurfZone Engineering Consultants  - 5/19/2022 

Roof framing system should be designed to support the structure for gravity (snow) , lateral (wind), and uplift loads (mainly). Additionally, it would secure the exterior walls from outward/inward movement. Roof structural members can be rafters, trusses, ceiling joists, ridge board/beam, or collar ties. Often, improper roof framing members (size, number, or location) can cause significant deflections.

If you feel your house sways during high wind - depending on your roof type,/span/specifications-  you may need to have your roof framing system assessed by a Professional Engineer. 

Feel free to contact SurfZone Engineering Consultants for any question or concern!