Do I Need to Hire an Engineer or Architect?

Projects for which an Engineer or Architect is Required

Plans prepared by a professionally licensed engineer or architect are required for projects that do not fall within the California Building Code conventional framing guidelines.  Common examples of residential projects that require a professional engineer or architect include, but are not limited to:

1. Additions and remodeling involving two or more stories.
2. Additions and remodeling involving basements.
3. Retaining walls in the hillside or retaining walls that are taller than 3-feet.
4. Concrete/masonry walls taller than 6-feet.
5. Swimming pools and spas.
6. Any addition or remodel that involves beams, shear walls, or other structural members the sizes of which are not specified in The California Building Code.

California Professionals Board and License Verification

The California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors offers consumer guides as well as the option to verify whether an individual engineer is licensed.

The California Architects Board also offers consumer guides as well as the option to verify whether an individual architect is licensed.