Residential Structural Engineering
Built Around the Design

A structural engineering firm partnering with architects, designers, builders, homeowners, and developers across the Southeast — delivering concise, cost-effective structural designs and dependable inspections.

Residential Structural Engineering Services

We provide residential structural design, renovation engineering, and structural inspection services
that support better design, smoother construction, and stronger outcomes. From new custom homes and multifamily projects to complex renovations and structural evaluations, our work is grounded in practical solutions — buildable, construction-ready, and cost-conscious from concept to completion.

Residential structural design for new custom homes, multifamily developments, and complex builds — refining plans to reduce unnecessary complexity, deliver construction-ready structural plans, and control costs through value engineering.

Structural engineering for additions, remodels, and modifications — including the evaluation of load-bearing walls, wall removal beam sizes, and framing adjustments that protect the architectural intent while solving for structure.

Renovations & Additions

Detailed evaluations of existing residential structures — foundation crack evaluation, wood damage assessment, settlement analysis — with clear, detailed reports and actionable repair recommendations.

On-site, third-party review of framing components, verifying alignment with structural plans and catching issues before drywall goes up and problems become expensive to fix.

Engineering That Supports Design

A Better Approach to Residential Structural Engineering

Structural engineering should do more than meet minimum requirements — it should support the design process while delivering exceptional performance and peace of mind.

We work closely with architects, designers, builders, homeowners and developers to deliver structural solutions that are buildable, efficient, and aligned with the overall vision of the project. By combining field experience with design expertise — and prioritizing open communication — we work to identify challenges early, reduce unnecessary complexity, and keep projects moving forward without delays or unexpected construction costs.

Our role isn’t just to calculate loads. It’s to provide direction at every stage of the project — clear, practical engineering that supports constructability, ensures code compliance, and upholds performance and safety standards.

Structural Evaluations Backed by Design Experience

Because we design residential structures every day, our structural inspections are sharper. We understand how homes are built, where they tend to fail, and how to recommend repairs that are both effective and cost-conscious.

Whether you need a home structural inspection, foundation crack evaluation, framing inspection, roof truss repair, or a comprehensive structural engineer inspection report, our evaluations are clear, well-documented, and easy to act on — for homeowners, real estate professionals, and builders alike.

Our inspection reports are also an effective tool for securing equitable bids from repair contractors — replacing guesswork and conflicting opinions with a clear scope of work.

About IDE Engineering

Focused on Residential. Built on Experience.

IDE Engineering is a residential structural engineering firm specializing in structural design, renovations, and inspections. Our team brings a balanced perspective — shaped by both hands-on field evaluations and design work — that lets us approach each project with a clear understanding of how buildings actually perform in the real world.

Our strength is in clear, proactive communication, concise structural designs, and value engineering that optimizes both efficiency and construction costs. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, we have licensed Professional Engineers serving North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Tennessee. Known for responsiveness and reliable turnaround times — because engineering is only valuable when it moves your project forward.

Real Projects. Practical Solutions.

A closer look at how we approach structural challenges and support successful outcomes —
across new construction, renovations, and inspection work.

Bowed Basement Walls

Encapsulated Crawlspaces

Telescoping Jack Posts

Energy Efficient Construction

What Architects, Designers, and Homeowners Say

“I own a small residential architecture firm and have worked with the IDE Team Members
on a variety of projects. They are so easy to work with, very knowledgeable,
and always get me what I need in a timely manner.”

– Allison Hall, RA, Architect

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Chris Bruton profile picture
Chris Bruton
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Sound, unbiased advice, based on the facts. Damian took lots of time explaining what he was looking at, seeing, and what it all meant. As we just moved in to this older home, it was helpful to have some of the mysteries solved and questions answered by an independent expert. Thank you IDE for a great experience and money saving information. Well worth it!
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George Robinson profile picture
George Robinson
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Marcel has been great to work with and always willing to help. Our renovation planning and project have been going for years and he was helpful in the planning and supportive with responses during the construction! Thanks Marcel for being a great partner!
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Ross Giuffre profile picture
Ross Giuffre
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Damian did a fantastic job surveying the area that needed fixed, explaining his process and what to look for as well as recommending partners to do the work!
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Jim Langer profile picture
Jim Langer
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We called and scheduled IDE to come out and look at some stair step cracks in our brick along with a deformity in our floor. Damian is the engineer that came out and I feel like he did an excellent job. Very down to earth and explained what our issues were and what our options are and course of action if we needed to pursue any repairs. In our case, nothing was an urgent repair, but things that can be done in the near future. Our teen daughter also had questions as she is interested in engineering, and Damian took some time to answer questions for her regarding the structural engineering field. We would definitely recommend using IDE again and would definitely ask for Damian again.
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Ailee Designs profile picture
Ailee Designs
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So impressed. Damian was completely knowledgeable, and patient with a homeowner who had quite a few questions. He also happily shared his knowledge on something that wasn’t on the work order without hesitation. That is a good customer experience. Well done. I already told two of my neighbors about the experience and would definitely hire them again.
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Ben Cardwell profile picture
Ben Cardwell
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We use IDE for all of our structural needs; Kathleen is very quick to respond to our needs. Damian, Michael, and Jose are terrific at turning around a drawing in short order.
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J.B. B. profile picture
J.B. B.
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I've used IDE several times and absolutely trust their analysis of whatever issue they are in my home to assess. This is a serious organization-- their hirees all have degrees in structural engineering, so they know what they're talking about. Today and once before, Cameron Lober did my assessment. I had structural damage in the past and was concerned there could be more. Upon a thorough analysis, he explained everything he did, what I was hearing, and the possible causes. I had questions which he willingly answered with no judgment. All in all, a very positive experience and outcome. Will definitely hire in the future, if needed.
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Elise Pentz profile picture
Elise Pentz
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Great company - Damian was very patient with my mom and took the time to explain to me what was happening and why it was happening. Will recommend - thank you!
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Alyssa Disney profile picture
Alyssa Disney
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We had an excellent experience working with Marcel and IDE. From start to finish, Marcel was incredibly easy to work with, and his entire team was professional, responsive, and efficient when it came to scheduling and communication. What stood out most was Marcel’s integrity and transparency. When the structural components of our plans turned out to be less complex than initially anticipated, he not only delivered the good news promptly but proactively adjusted his fee to reflect the reduced scope. That level of honesty is rare and deeply appreciated. I would have been thrilled with the positive structural update alone, but the voluntary cost adjustment spoke volumes about his character and business practices. Marcel completed the engineering work quickly and returned the plans and notes to our architect without delay, helping us maintain momentum and avoid timeline disruptions. For anyone in need of structural engineering services, I would recommend Marcel and IDE without hesitation.

Why Choose IDE Engineering

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Frequently Asked Questions

A few of the questions we hear most often from architects, builders, and homeowners.

Q: When should we bring in a structural engineer on a residential project?
A: The earlier, the better. Engaging a structural engineer during schematic or design development lets us solve framing challenges before they become construction problems — and helps control costs through value engineering. For renovations, we get involved as soon as load paths or load-bearing walls enter the conversation.

Q: Do you work directly with architects, designers, and builders?
A: Yes — that’s the core of our practice. We collaborate closely with design and construction teams across the Southeast, providing structural design, value engineering, and field support that aligns with the overall project vision.

Q: What states do you serve?
A: We’re licensed Professional Engineers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Tennessee, headquartered in Charlotte, NC.

The Latest from IDE Engineering

Insights, project highlights, and short video tips covering what we’re seeing across residential construction
in the Southeast. Stay current on the structural trends, common issues, and design strategies
shaping the homes being built — and renovated — today.

Start with a Conversation

Whether you’re in early design, planning a renovation, or evaluating an existing structure,
we’re here to help you move forward with clarity.

NOW HIRING | Contact info@IDEcharlotte.com for more details | Apply Today ➝