There is a big range. I would say anywhere from $70->$200+. For residential work I would cap it around $125. Rates higher than that are for more specialized/technical sectors, industrial etc. $1200 total for the above posters job sounds like a good price for the worked performed. For drawn plans with the engineers seal on it to submit to the city. Residential work is a no brainer but you have to keep your fees up because it is high liability. There are some tricks to keep the cost down. Don't specifically look for a structural engineer (SE). Search for a professional engineer (PE) also. Both take the same classes and graduate with the same degree. SE's just take and pass more exams latter in there career. Some states don't differentiate between the two, but some say a PE is limited to 10 story buildings and can't do public facilities etc.. Savings item two. If you do not have to submit stamped prints to the city etc. let the engineer know this. Inform them you are looking just for recommendations. Basically you are waiving the engineerÂs liability and need to carry insurance. BUT, if all of a sudden you need sealed prints, expect a hefty bill. Maybe pre-negotiate the price if this happens. I wouldn't hesitate waiving the engineerÂs liability if you pick a half decent one....... To get a god one. Call a couple architecture firms near you and ask who they use for an engineer. Interview the engineer and pick the one who has been at it for a number of years. Also check with the state (can do online, free) if they have had any actions against there license. Send me a note if you have any specific questions.

linda 117, NYS has the same defintion of a residentail building as NJ: It is as follows: "§ 444-b. Definitions: 5. "Home inspection" means the process by which a home inspector observes and provides a written report of the systems and components of a residential building including but not limited to heating system, cooling system, plumbing system, electrical system, structural components, foundation, roof, masonry structure, exterior and interior components or any other related residential building component as recommended by the home inspection council and implemented by the department through regulation to provide a client with objective information about the condition of the residential building. The home inspector shall clearly identify in the written report which systems and components of the residential building were observed. A home inspection shall not include an inspection for radon or pests. 7. "Residential building" means a structure consisting of one to four dwelling units and their garages and carport but shall not include any such structure newly constructed or not previously occupied as a dwelling unit." Most HI's do not have the training education or experience to effectively perform "phase inspections" on new structures and there is nothing in any HI training course that trains for this type of inspection because it is beyond the scope. Therefore one really needs to delve into their education, training and experience in such......as they certainly did not get it doing home inspections.One can't assume that because they practice as an HI, that they also have this experience as well..as such an assumption is without foundation. This does not mean that none of them have the proper education, training and experience in inspecting new construction, phase or otherwise .....only that one should be aware that they need to verify the education, training and experience, and not assume that because the person is an HI they have the background by which to perform the job. In additon, there is also the insurance issue..as the HI insurance does not cover practices beyond the scope. If one does endeavor to hire an HI....the HI needs to documet their ability to be fully conversant in reading blueprints if the buyer wishes to know if the structure is conforming to the plans. Don't assume. I have yet to meet an HI (and, as a consultant to the profession, I have met hundreds) who is even mildly conversant in reading blueprints. Again...this does not mean that they don't exist...only that they are few and far between. I am often confounded by the lack of understanding of the HI profession by so many RE professionals, considering so many REA's refer HI's and impart advice about home inspections. Lyfia's advice is spot on...hire someone who is licensed in BOTH professions, with the P.E. licensed in structural engineering. Problem solved. :-) Here is a link that might be useful: Article 12-B...

Thank you, renovator8. Not being savvy about these kinds of things, I'm only getting maybe half of what you're saying...if that. I'm really hopeful that the pros who do this work will have far more aptitude than I do, not to mention plenty of integrity! I briefly considered French doors, but my home (& kitchen) are so small that I was hesitant to give up the space they take up - and I don't have AC, so door (with scree) will be open much of the summer. I would consider a door with (a) big window(s) on one side (or on both sides,) though. Do you think my next step should be to hire an independent structural engineer?

There is probably a 'find a professional' search option for your zip code at: https://www.houzz.com/