Introduction
Hiring a Structural Engineer in Dallas is rarely a “nice to have.” Most people start searching after they notice foundation movement, cracking drywall, sagging floors, storm damage, or they’re planning a remodel that changes load-bearing walls.
This guide breaks down what to look for, what it typically costs, and which Dallas-based engineering firms have a strong, verifiable footprint for structural engineering work. You’ll also learn how to compare providers quickly (and what questions to ask before you sign anything).
We evaluated candidates using publicly available information when known (company websites, published credentials, and broadly visible reputation signals). Where key details aren’t publicly stated, we say so directly rather than guessing.
About Structural Engineer
A Structural Engineer evaluates and designs the structural systems that keep buildings and structures safe—foundations, framing, beams, columns, retaining walls, and sometimes specialty structures. In residential work, they’re often called in to assess movement, settlement, cracks, or to provide sealed designs for remodels. In commercial work, they may lead structural design for new buildings and renovations, coordinate with architects, and produce construction-ready drawings and calculations.
You typically need a Structural Engineer when:
- You’re removing or modifying a load-bearing wall
- You’re adding a second story, heavy rooftop equipment, or a large opening (wide doors/windows)
- You see cracks in brick, slab, drywall, or doors that suddenly don’t close correctly
- A contractor or city plan reviewer requires engineered drawings
- You need an expert report for insurance, due diligence, or litigation support (varies / depends)
Average cost in Dallas: pricing varies widely by scope. For many homeowners, an on-site structural evaluation and letter/report often lands somewhere in the hundreds to low thousands of dollars. Full design (plans + calculations) for remodels or new construction can be several thousand dollars or more, depending on complexity, turnaround time, and coordination needs.
Licensing/certifications: In Texas, engineering work that is offered to the public generally must be performed under a Texas Professional Engineer (PE) license (or under supervision of a PE), regulated by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS). Some projects also require coordination with geotechnical engineers, architects, and city permitting.
Key takeaways
- A Structural Engineer focuses on safety, load paths, and code-compliant design—not cosmetic issues.
- Many projects require a sealed letter/drawing set from a Texas PE.
- Costs depend mostly on scope (inspection vs full design), schedule, and documentation requirements.
- For foundation concerns, a structural assessment often pairs with soil and drainage observations, and sometimes geotechnical input.
How We Selected the Best Structural Engineer in Dallas
We used a practical set of criteria aligned with how people actually hire structural engineers in Dallas:
- Years of experience
- Firm history and track record when publicly stated.
- Verified customer review signals (publicly available only)
- Many engineering firms have limited consumer-style reviews; when review summaries aren’t clearly public, we mark them as Not publicly stated.
- Service range
- Residential assessments, commercial design, renovations, specialty structures, and related consulting.
- Pricing transparency
- Whether the company explains how projects are quoted (hourly, fixed-fee, phased services). Exact pricing is often project-specific.
- Local reputation
- Visibility in the Dallas market, project portfolio presence, and professional standing when verifiable.
Only publicly available information is used when known. If a key detail (like phone, email, ratings, or review summaries) isn’t clearly published in a way we can confidently verify, we do not fill it in.
About Dallas
Dallas is a large, fast-growing North Texas city with a wide mix of building stock: older neighborhoods with aging slabs and drainage challenges, high-rise and mixed-use development, and constant remodel activity in established areas. That combination creates steady demand for structural inspections, renovation engineering, and commercial structural design.
Structural engineering needs in Dallas often involve:
- Foundation movement and cracking (varies by soil, drainage, and structure type)
- Renovations that alter framing or open up layouts
- Commercial tenant improvements and change-of-use updates
- New construction across residential and commercial segments
Key neighborhoods served (service areas vary by firm): Uptown, Downtown Dallas, Oak Lawn, Lakewood, Preston Hollow, University Park (near Dallas), Bishop Arts District, East Dallas, Far North Dallas, and surrounding areas (varies / depends).
Top 5 Best Structural Engineer in Dallas
#1 — Datum Engineers
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Structural engineering for buildings (varies / depends), design and consulting, renovation support, construction-phase services (varies / depends)
- Price Range: Varies / depends
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.datumengineers.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
- Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Commercial projects and design-led building work (varies / depends)
#2 — LBYD Engineers
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Structural engineering for building design and renovations (varies / depends), consulting, coordination with architects/owners/contractors (varies / depends)
- Price Range: Varies / depends
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.lbyd.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
- Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Building-focused structural engineering with an established Dallas presence (varies / depends)
#3 — Walter P Moore
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Structural engineering and related engineering consulting (varies / depends), advanced/complex building and infrastructure support (varies / depends)
- Price Range: Varies / depends
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.walterpmoore.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
- Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium/complex engineering needs and large-scale projects (varies / depends)
#4 — AECOM
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Multidisciplinary engineering including structural engineering (varies / depends), commercial/infrastructure-adjacent work, program support (varies / depends)
- Price Range: Varies / depends
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://aecom.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
- Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Large, multi-discipline projects needing broad bench strength (varies / depends)
#5 — Kimley-Horn
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Engineering services that can include structural/bridge/transportation-related structures and land development support (varies / depends)
- Price Range: Varies / depends
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.kimley-horn.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
- Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Development and infrastructure-adjacent structural needs (varies / depends)
Comparison Table
| Professional | Rating | Experience | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Datum Engineers | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends | Commercial building design support |
| LBYD Engineers | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends | Building structural engineering in Dallas |
| Walter P Moore | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends | Premium/complex projects |
| AECOM | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends | Large multi-discipline programs |
| Kimley-Horn | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends | Development & infrastructure-adjacent work |
Cost of Hiring a Structural Engineer in Dallas
Structural engineering fees in Dallas depend heavily on whether you need a one-time evaluation or full design services with drawings and calculations.
Average price range: many residential consultations (site visit + written findings) often fall in the hundreds to low thousands of dollars, while engineered design packages for remodels/additions can reach several thousand dollars or more. Commercial scopes are typically quoted as phased professional services and can vary widely.
Emergency pricing: true after-hours or accelerated-turnaround structural help is not always offered and may come with rush fees (varies / depends). If you have storm damage or a safety concern, ask specifically about turnaround time, site availability, and deliverable format.
What affects cost
- Scope of service: verbal opinion vs stamped letter vs full drawings/calculations
- Property type: single-family, multi-family, commercial, industrial
- Complexity: load paths, long spans, unusual framing, prior modifications, deterioration
- Documentation required: photos, calculations, sealed deliverables, permit-ready drawings
- Coordination: meetings with architect/contractor/city reviewers, RFIs during construction
- Schedule: rush turnaround, phased deadlines, or expedited permitting timelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a Structural Engineer cost in Dallas?
Most homeowners should expect pricing to vary by scope. A basic evaluation and report often falls in the hundreds to low thousands, while designs for remodels/additions can be several thousand or more.
How to choose the best Structural Engineer in Dallas?
Start by confirming the engineer is licensed in Texas (PE) and experienced with your project type (foundation evaluation, remodel, commercial). Ask what deliverable you’ll receive and whether it will be suitable for permits if needed.
Are licenses required in Dallas?
Engineering offered to the public in Texas generally must be performed by, or under the supervision of, a Texas-licensed Professional Engineer (PE) through TBPELS requirements. Always confirm licensure for the person sealing documents.
Do I need a structural engineer letter for a permit in Dallas?
Varies / depends on the scope and what the city reviewer requires. If you’re changing load-bearing elements, adding beams, or modifying structural framing, engineered documents are commonly required.
What’s included in a structural inspection?
Typically: site observations, measurements (as needed), assessment of structural behavior, and a written summary. Some engineers provide a sealed letter; others provide a report—confirm the format before booking.
Can a Structural Engineer help with foundation cracks in Dallas?
Yes—an engineer can evaluate whether cracks suggest movement, identify likely contributors (for example, drainage issues), and recommend next steps. Repair design may require coordination with foundation contractors and sometimes geotechnical input.
Who offers 24/7 service in Dallas?
Not publicly stated for the firms listed, and 24/7 emergency engineering is not common. If you have an urgent safety concern, call firms directly to ask about expedited site visits.
Should I hire a foundation repair company or a Structural Engineer first?
If you want an independent, non-repair-selling opinion, hiring a Structural Engineer first can help you understand the cause and the appropriate level of repair. Then you can collect contractor bids based on a clearer scope.
What questions should I ask before hiring?
Ask about Texas PE licensure, relevant project experience, turnaround time, deliverables (sealed letter vs drawings), fee structure, and whether they can coordinate with your contractor/architect and permitting requirements.
How long does it take to get a report or drawings?
Varies / depends on schedule and complexity. Simple residential letters may be faster, while remodel designs or commercial drawing sets take longer due to analysis, coordination, and revisions.
Final Recommendation
If you need complex structural design, high-rise expertise, or sophisticated analysis, start with Walter P Moore and compare against other large, premium providers based on responsiveness and project fit.
For building-focused structural engineering in Dallas where you want a firm that routinely works with architects and contractors on design and renovations, Datum Engineers and LBYD Engineers are strong starting points (confirm availability and whether they handle residential scopes, as it varies).
If your project is multidisciplinary (infrastructure, large programs, or coordination across many engineering specialties), consider AECOM. For development and infrastructure-adjacent needs (often coordinated with civil/site work), Kimley-Horn may fit—confirm the structural scope and deliverables up front.
For any provider, the fastest way to avoid delays is to clearly describe your project, share drawings/photos if available, and ask what you will receive in writing (and whether it will be acceptable for permits, insurance, or contractor pricing).
Get Your Business Listed
If you’re a Structural Engineer in Dallas and want your listing added or updated, email contact@professnow.com. You can also registe & Update yourself at https://professnow.com/