Mountain Valley Engineering, a structural engineering firm serving Salt Lake City and surrounding communities, is offering guidance to homeowners about the role of structural consultation before undertaking major home changes such as remodels, additions, deck construction, and load-bearing wall removal.
As remodeling activity continues across Utah, many homeowners begin projects without understanding how changes affect the structural integrity of a home. Removing a wall, adding a second story, or updating a basement can alter how loads travel through a structure. Without proper evaluation, these changes may create safety concerns, permitting delays, or costly corrections during construction.
A structural engineer helps homeowners determine whether a project requires engineered drawings before work begins. This includes assessing structural load, identifying load-bearing elements, and clarifying what local building departments require for permit approval. Projects that commonly benefit from engineering review include load-bearing wall removal, decks, retaining walls, egress windows and doors, basement finishing, and residential additions.
The Mountain Valley Engineering service begins with an initial site visit, followed by clear pricing, design review and adjustments, finalized documents, and construction assistance. This process is intended to give homeowners a clear picture of scope and requirements before committing to construction.
"Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a project they consider cosmetic actually changes how a structure carries weight," said Justin Fendley, M.S.E., P.E., founder of Mountain Valley Engineering. "Removing a wall or adding onto a home can shift loads in ways that are not visible. A structural review early in the planning stage helps homeowners understand what is safe, what a city will require for permits, and whether engineered drawings are needed before construction starts."
Foundation concerns represent another area where early consultation can prevent complications. Signs such as cracking, uneven floors, or settlement often prompt homeowners to seek answers. Through its foundation assessments, the firm evaluates site conditions and settlement patterns to recommend appropriate solutions.
For foundation-related work, the Mountain Valley Engineering foundation evaluation process relies on site-specific analysis rather than generic recommendations. Repair plans are engineered to fit exact settlement issues identified during the assessment, giving homeowners documentation that reflects the actual conditions of a property.
"The goal is to keep projects straightforward and code-compliant," Fendley said. "When homeowners have accurate information and proper plans, permitting moves faster and the finished work holds up over time. That benefits everyone involved, from the homeowner to the contractor to the building official reviewing the plans."
The firm notes that engineered drawings are not required for every project, and part of the consultation is helping homeowners understand when they are and are not necessary. This clarity can reduce uncertainty during the planning phase and help homeowners budget appropriately.
Mountain Valley Engineering is a structural engineering firm based in Utah, established by Justin Fendley, M.S.E., P.E. The company provides structural engineering for residential, commercial, and industrial projects, along with foundation repair, structural inspections, and residential additions. The firm is licensed in Utah, Nevada, Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma, with more than ten years of experience in structural design. It is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Utah Home Builders Association.
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For more information about Mountain Valley Engineering, contact the company here:
Mountain Valley Engineering
Justin Fendley
(435) 938-6388
info@mountainvalleyeng.com
10 W Broadway #705
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
