How much does a structural engineer cost? [2025]

If the structural integrity of your home renovation project is an issue, you will likely need to hire a qualified structural engineer to make sure the project is safe and conforms to the requirements of the law. 

This guide will tell you what exactly is involved with hiring a structural engineer and how much it costs.

What does a structural engineer cover?

Structural engineers are essential if you are designing and building a structure that is more complex and requires more structural considerations than a standard project. 

There are many occasions when a structural engineer is required to get council approval for a residential project or to ensure a building project complies with the relevant code. Their job is to provide the technical knowledge to ensure a weight-bearing structure can handle the load placed on it. 

Some typical projects structural engineers can report on or design include:

House renovations 

Structural engineers ensure that a building can hold itself up. When renovating your house, a structural engineer is the one who ensures that the house will still be standing at the end. 

They oversee things like wall removal during structural renovations and second-storey additions to make sure that the load of the house is still supported. They can also help in the planning and design of other additions to your house like 

• Retaining wall design (over a certain height)
• Deck and carports design
• Footing design
• Reinforced concrete column design

Pre-purchase inspections

Before you purchase a new property it can be a good idea to get it inspected by a structural engineer to make sure that there are no structural defects or damage to the building. Usually, they will inspect the:

• Foundations
• Crawl space
• Basement 
• Roof
• Framing 
• Interior walls
• Exterior walls
• Masonry and brickwork

A structural engineer can provide an assessment for you but an official report it can cost double or triple the amount. Having one when you’re negotiating on a house can give you more bargaining power. It not only lets you know exactly what you’re paying for but it may also help you negotiate a lower price. In the end, it could end up saving you thousands. 

Building inspections 

Structural engineers can also help inspect your current residence for any issues. They can provide building defect inspections and reports and dilapidation reports. 

If you’ve noticed any structural issues with your property like a saggy roof or problems with the foundation, like the property sinking, then it’s a good idea to get an inspection from a structural engineer to make sure your home is safe. They can also help you assess any structural damage caused by construction, termite infestations, storms or earthquakes that may make your house or building unsafe. 

Detecting these issues early, before they cause secondary damage or the structure collapses, can save you money and potentially save lives. It's much cheaper to repair a damaged foundation than it is to rebuild a house. 

How structural engineering costs are determined

Generally, the main factors that will determine the cost of a structural engineer are size, complexity and the experience of the engineer. 

Size of project 

The larger a project is, the more it will cost. Adding in a second story with several rooms will require more work from the structural engineer than adding in a small room that doesn’t require wall additions or demolitions. 

Complexity of project 

The more complex a project, the more work the structural engineer has to put in to make sure that it meets the requirements and is structurally sound. This will add extra costs in proportion to the amount of extra work they’ll need to do. 

Experience of the engineer

As with many professions or jobs, the more experience the structural engineer has the higher they will generally charge. Make sure to check their reviews, both positive and negative, and see how long they’ve been working. 

How much does a structural engineer inspection cost in Australia?

A structural engineer's hourly rate starts at around $75 per hour but can go up to $250 an hour for fully qualified professional service on a complex project. Of course, these prices can be higher or lower depending on your area and the amount of experience the structural engineer has.

Average per hour (State):

• QLD   $90 - $110
• NSW  $100 - $130
• VIC    $160 - $190

Most residential consultations are for routine jobs. A short consultancy fee to draw up plans for some beams might cost as little as $300 if no further research is needed. If the council requires a structural engineer's drawings and report, it can cost between $3,000 and $5,000 or even more.

How much does structural engineering cost for a house?

There is no flat rate for building inspections, as the fee will depend on the size of your property. For a building inspection report, expect to pay from:

• $300 to $500 for a small property
• $500 to $700 for an average-sized house
• $700 to $1000 or more for a larger home or a more complex inspection

For detailed plans, covering large renovation projects, drawn up by an engineer, expect to pay anywhere from:

• $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the complexity of the project/home you are designing
• 5% to 12% of the projected construction cost

For a soil test and contour survey, expect to pay:

• $350 for a basic soil test
• $1,000+ for soil and contour survey

What to look for in a structural engineer

There are some questions you should be asking a potential structural engineer, as the answers can impact the cost significantly. These include:

• Are you appropriately qualified and registered?
• Do you hold valid insurance (professional indemnity and public liability insurance)?
• Do you have experience in residential projects?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• How long will my job take?
• Do you have references I can follow up on?