Quick Answer: A structural engineer (SE) designs and stamps the structural drawings required for any work that involves the structural system of a building — and San Jose’s building department requires structural engineering for room additions, load-bearing wall removal, foundation work, seismic retrofits, and deck additions over a certain size. For a room addition, the structural engineer designs the foundation (size, reinforcement, depth), the floor system (beam spans, joist sizing), and the roof framing. Structural engineering fees for a typical room addition in San Jose are $2,000-$5,000. Load-bearing wall engineering (designing the beam and posts) costs $1,500-$3,000. You don’t need a structural engineer for cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinet replacement) or for non-structural renovations, but you do need one any time you’re modifying or adding to the structural skeleton of the building.
When Is a Structural Engineer Required in San Jose?
| Project Type | SE Required? | Typical SE Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Room addition (new foundation + framing) | Yes | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| ADU construction (detached) | Yes | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Load-bearing wall removal | Yes — beam + post design | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Second story addition | Yes — existing foundation evaluation | $3,500 – $8,000 |
| Seismic retrofit (cripple wall) | Often yes — or EBB pre-engineered plans | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Foundation repair (underpinning) | Yes | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Large deck (>300 sq ft, 2 stories) | Usually yes | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Kitchen/bathroom remodel (no structural change) | No | N/A |
Quartz Construction works with licensed structural engineers on all addition and structural projects in San Jose. We handle the SE coordination as part of the project. CSLB #1003436 | Call (650) 749-7436.
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