Cost and/or name of a structural engineer?

Has anyone used a structural engineer? How much do they cost and can you recommend someone?

I don't know if we're going to def. hire one but I want to consider it. The previous owners of our house took out the original locus posts and put in only temporary columns. We want to replace with permanent lolly columns. We got four estimates. Two say we need only two posts. Two say they'll do four posts. Of course, there is a significant difference in price. We want to do right by the house but we don't want to spend extra money if we don't have to, you know?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Re: Cost and/or name of a structural engineer?

We hired a P.E. and it was very $$$$ I think the 1st time we had him come out and inspect the problem it was around $1500. I believe that included a report that had recommendations for fixing the problem, but not the plans or blueprints.

Re: Cost and/or name of a structural engineer?

I work with a PE (professional engineer) who does structural work. Fm me if you want his info.

Basically the pe should come out and look at the house. Take pics and measurements. From there s/he can decide the size and number of lally columns needed.

Did you get estimates from contractors or engineers? Did they actually look at the house or just take a guess based on what they have been told? Lally columns come in different thicknesses so the number difference may be because they are using different sizes.