Contractor or Engineer? How to Know Who You Really Need for Your Renovation
Confused about whether to hire a contractor or a structural engineer in Massachusetts? Learn the key differences and when each is legally required for your renovation.
When planning a home renovation, one of the first decisions you’ll face is: who do I actually need to hire? A general contractor? An architect? A structural engineer? In Massachusetts, the answer depends on the type of work, the scale of your project, and whether you're dealing with structural, mechanical, or code-related changes.
Hiring the right professional not only keeps your project legal—it can also prevent costly errors, delays, and future safety issues. Here's what every homeowner should know.
1. What Does a Contractor Do?
A general contractor manages the day-to-day execution of your renovation. Their responsibilities typically include:
Hiring and overseeing subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, etc.)
Coordinating permits and inspections
Ordering materials and managing timelines
Handling demolition and construction tasks
Contractors are ideal for standard renovations like:
Kitchen and bathroom remodels
Floor replacement
Cabinet installation
Cosmetic updates that don’t affect the structure
They are licensed to build, but not necessarily to design structural solutions—which is where engineers come in.
2. What Does a Structural Engineer Do?
A structural engineer focuses on the integrity and safety of your home's structure. They’re essential when your renovation involves:
Removing or modifying load-bearing walls
Adding a second story or major addition
Foundation issues (cracks, sagging, water damage)
Uneven floors, ceiling sagging, or serious settlement
They assess loads, supports, beams, and soil conditions, and provide stamped plans required for permits. In Massachusetts, many building departments will not issue permits for structural work without engineered drawings.
3. When Do You Legally Need an Engineer in Massachusetts?
According to Massachusetts building codes, you typically need a structural engineer if:
You’re altering any structural component (walls, joists, beams)
The project involves load redistribution (like removing a column)
The renovation exceeds a certain square footage or cost threshold
You're doing work that affects fire safety, egress, or building envelope
Most towns require engineer-stamped plans for these kinds of changes before they’ll issue a permit.
💡 Tip: Even if your contractor says “we’ve done this before,” it’s still your responsibility to make sure plans are properly engineered and permitted.
4. Do I Need Both a Contractor and an Engineer?
In many cases, yes—especially for major renovations. Here's how they work together:
The engineer creates the structural plan and provides documentation for the permit process.
The contractor executes the build according to that plan, coordinating all construction tasks and materials.
A reputable contractor will know when to bring in an engineer and often has one they work with regularly.
5. What If I Skip the Engineer?
Skipping the engineer might seem like a way to save time or money, but it can lead to serious problems:
Your project may be halted by the building inspector
You could face fines or be forced to redo work
Your home could suffer from sagging floors, cracks, or unsafe conditions
Insurance claims may be denied if work wasn’t up to code
Think of engineering as risk prevention, not just a technicality.
