Archives September 2025

When it comes to remodeling or renovating your Arizona home, one of the most critical questions is: “Is this wall load-bearing?” A misstep in removing or altering a load-bearing wall without proper evaluation can lead to costly—and dangerous—structural failures. That’s why homeowners in Arizona should understand the essentials of load-bearing wall evaluations, the risks involved, and the role of expert engineers in ensuring your home remains safe, sound, and code-compliant.

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What Is a Load-Bearing Wall?

A load-bearing wall carries weight from the structure above (roof, floors, upper walls) and transfers that load down to the foundation. Unlike non-bearing or partition walls, load-bearing walls are integral to your home’s structural integrity. Removing or modifying them without accounting for their load path can lead to sagging floors, cracked ceilings, or even collapse.

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Why Load-Bearing Wall Evaluations Are Especially Important in Arizona

Arizona’s unique climate and building styles make load-bearing evaluations especially crucial:

• Heat and expansion: The desert heat causes expansion and contraction in building materials, stressing structural components over time.
• Seismic considerations: While not as seismically active as some states, Arizona’s occasional tremors (and building code requirements) demand careful structural design.
• Older homes or unrecorded modifications: Many Arizona homes were altered over the years—without permits or professional guidance. Walls that once were non-bearing may now carry unexpected loads due to prior modifications.
• Material types: Masonry, adobe, block, or concrete walls behave differently from wood-framed walls. Knowing how to evaluate each type under Arizona conditions is essential.

Because of these factors, Arizona homeowners cannot rely solely on experience or guesswork—they need qualified structural evaluations.

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Key Steps in a Load-Bearing Wall Evaluation

1. Review architectural and structural plans (if available).
   Original blueprints may indicate which walls are load-bearing. But in many homes, plans are lost or modified, so they’re just a starting point.
2. Inspect framing and structural members.
   Engineers or inspectors will look at joist directions, beam placements, column alignments, and connections to determine load paths.
3. Probe or remove finishes (where needed).
   In some cases, drywall, plaster, or finishes may be partially removed to reveal framing behind walls.
4. Check foundation and roof/upper loads.
   The wall must be tied into appropriate foundations, and the load from above must be quantified (roof, second floor, mechanical loads, etc.).
5. Perform calculations and verify load capacity.
   Engineers calculate axial, shear, and bending forces to confirm whether the wall or proposed modifications are safe.
6. Design reinforcements or alternative load paths (if needed).
   If removal or alteration is planned, beams, headers, steel posts, or other structural members may be designed to carry the load safely.
7. Permit and code review.
   Any changes must comply with Arizona building codes, local jurisdiction requirements, and structural safety standards.

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Common Misconceptions & Risks

• “Because it’s just drywall, it’s non-bearing.”
  Not true. A wall may look ordinary, but behind it could be critical framing.
• “I can just add a header.”
  Headers must be sized correctly and properly supported. An undersized header or unsupported ends can fail.
• “Load shifts will always go to footing automatically.”
  Without proper design, loads can shift erratically, overstressing neighboring walls or structure.
• DIY is fine for small changes.
  Even minor adjustments to load paths can have cascading consequences. A professional evaluation is worth the cost.

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When Should You Get a Structural Evaluation?

• When removing, relocating, or recessing a wall in a renovation
• When converting a single-story to a multi-story or adding mezzanines
• When purchasing a home and signs of structural distress (cracks, sagging, uneven floors) are present
• Whenever the existing layout seems inconsistent with expected framing (e.g. beams in awkward places)

Early evaluation prevents costly surprises mid-project and ensures safety.

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How Schembri Engineers Helps Arizona Homeowners

Schembri Engineers is a trusted engineering consulting firm serving Phoenix, Cave Creek, and surrounding areas. The team is composed of licensed professional engineers who bring over four decades of experience in structural, foundation, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering. Schembrien Engineers

When you hire Schembri Engineers for a load-bearing wall evaluation, you get:

• A thorough inspection backed by engineering expertise
• Structural calculations and load path design
• Reinforcement or redesign proposals where needed
• Permit-ready plans and documentation
• Safe, code-compliant solutions customized for Arizona’s conditions

If your project involves any structural changes, trust our expertise under Engineering and Design Services to keep your home safe and up to modern standards. (link to https://schembriengineers.com/structural-design/)

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Tips for Homeowners in Arizona

• Always consult with a licensed engineer before altering structural elements.
• Capture photos and notes of any cracks, deflections, or unusual behavior before modifications.
• Don’t hide issues behind finishes—honest evaluation is key.
• Budget for reinforcement or corrective work early.
• Ask your engineer to provide stamped plans for your records and permit process.

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Conclusion

Evaluating load-bearing walls is not just a technical checkbox—it’s a vital step in protecting your home, your investment, and your family’s safety. For Arizona homeowners, local expertise matters. Schembri Engineers combines regional experience, professionalism, and a dedication to delivering safe structural solutions tailored to your property. Before swinging that sledgehammer, reach out for a comprehensive evaluation through our Engineering and Design Services to ensure your remodel starts on a solid foundation.

Natural Area Open Space (NAOS) is a protected part of a property in Arizona that is permanently designated to remain in its native desert state. While a homeowner owns the land, it is subject to an easement that restricts any building, landscaping, or clearing, making it a critical consideration for anyone buying, selling, or renovating a home in the region.

Understanding the Importance of NAOS

If you’re a homeowner or prospective buyer in Arizona, particularly in a city like Scottsdale, understanding NAOS (Natural Area Open Space) is essential. It’s a key component of the state’s efforts to preserve the Sonoran Desert. Simply put, NAOS is a deed-restricted area on a property that must be left in its natural condition, completely undisturbed by human activity.

The easement means that within the designated NAOS, you cannot:

• Build new structures like pools, sheds, or additions.
• Grade, fill, or excavate the land.
• Clear, prune, or rake existing native vegetation.

The purpose of NAOS is to protect native vegetation, wildlife habitats, and natural drainage patterns. This not only preserves the beauty of the desert but also helps with flood control and maintains the area’s unique ecosystem.

Know Where Natural Area Open Space is Located on Your Property

Before you plan any home improvement project, it’s crucial to know if and where a NAOS easement exists on your property. This information is typically recorded with the county and can be found on a title report or the subdivision plat. Knowing the exact location is the first step in avoiding costly violations.

We often encounter situations where homeowners are surprised by NAOS restrictions. For example, we worked with a client who wanted to add a beautiful new patio and retaining wall to their backyard. Upon reviewing their property documents, we discovered a significant portion of their yard was in Natural Area Open Space . By understanding the easement early on, we were able to redesign the project to fit within the buildable area of the property, avoiding potential fines and the expensive process of seeking a variance.

This is where expert structural guidance is invaluable. A NAOS violation can be a major hurdle, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to stop your project. Schembri Engineers specializes in navigating these complexities. We work with homeowners and builders to ensure that structural designs are not only safe and robust but also fully compliant with local regulations, including NAOS easements.

How We Help You Navigate

Navigating the rules and regulations around NAOS can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. As Arizona’s premier engineering firm, Schembri Engineers has been providing structural design services since 1985. We have the expertise to help you with every stage of your project.

Our structural design process includes:

• NAOS Verification: We can help you identify if an Natural Area easement exists and precisely where it is located on your property.
• Feasibility Studies: We can assess your project’s viability and offer solutions that work within the restrictions.
• Permit-Ready Designs: We prepare professional construction and permit documents that meet all city requirements, ensuring a smooth approval process.

Don’t let the fear of a NAOS violation hold you back from your dream home. Partner with Schembri Engineers to ensure your project is a success. We’ll provide you with peace of mind and the structural integrity your home deserves. To learn more about how we can help, explore our comprehensive engineering and design services.

Driveways are more than just the entry point to a home or commercial property—they are vital components of a property’s infrastructure. A well-designed driveway enhances curb appeal, provides safe and convenient access, and protects the surrounding landscape from water damage. Achieving this balance requires careful planning and expertise, especially when it comes to grading and drainage. Civil engineers play a crucial role in this process, ensuring that driveways are both functional and durable.

Understanding the Importance of Driveway Grading

Grading refers to the process of shaping the land’s surface to direct water flow and create a stable base for construction. In the context of driveways, proper grading is essential to prevent water pooling, erosion, and structural damage. An improperly graded driveway can lead to a host of issues, including increased maintenance costs and a shortened lifespan for the driveway itself. Therefore, understanding the nuances of grading can save homeowners both time and money in the long run.

What is Driveway Grading?

Driveway grading involves adjusting the slope and contour of the land where the driveway will be installed. The goal is to create a gentle slope that encourages water to flow away from the driveway surface and adjacent structures. Without proper grading, water can collect on the driveway, leading to cracks, potholes, and eventual deterioration. In addition to these physical issues, standing water can also create safety hazards, such as slippery surfaces that increase the risk of accidents. Furthermore, the presence of water can attract pests and contribute to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be detrimental to both the driveway and surrounding areas.

Moreover, grading ensures that the driveway has a stable foundation. Uneven or poorly graded surfaces can cause settling or shifting over time, compromising the driveway’s integrity. This instability not only affects the aesthetic appeal of the driveway but can also lead to more significant structural issues that may require extensive repairs or even complete replacement. Therefore, investing in proper grading from the outset is crucial for maintaining the longevity and functionality of your driveway.

Key Principles of Effective Grading

Effective grading requires a balance between slope, soil type, and drainage needs. Civil engineers typically follow these principles:

• Minimum Slope: Driveways generally require a minimum slope of 2% (a 2-foot drop over 100 feet) to ensure water runoff.
• Positive Drainage: Water should flow away from the driveway and adjacent buildings, not toward them.
• Soil Stability: The soil must be compacted and stable to support the driveway’s weight without shifting.
• Integration with Landscape: Grading should complement the natural topography to minimize excavation and preserve the environment.

In addition to these principles, it’s important to consider the materials used in the grading process. Different types of soil, such as clay, sand, or loam, have varying drainage capabilities and compaction properties. For instance, clay soils may retain water, necessitating additional drainage solutions, while sandy soils may drain quickly but lack stability. Understanding these characteristics can help in selecting the right materials and techniques for effective grading. Additionally, incorporating features like swales or drainage ditches can further enhance water management, ensuring that your driveway remains functional and safe throughout the seasons.

The Role of Civil Engineers in Driveway Grading

Civil engineers bring technical expertise to driveway projects, ensuring that grading plans meet safety, durability, and environmental standards. Their involvement is critical, particularly for larger or more complex properties.

Site Assessment and Soil Analysis

Before any grading work begins, civil engineers conduct thorough site assessments. This includes evaluating the existing topography, soil composition, and drainage patterns. Soil analysis is essential because different soil types respond differently to grading and drainage. For example, clay soils retain water and may require additional drainage solutions, while sandy soils drain quickly but may lack stability.

Understanding these factors allows engineers to design grading plans that minimize erosion and maintain soil integrity. Furthermore, they often take into account the historical weather patterns of the area, as prolonged rainfall or drought can significantly affect soil behavior. By integrating this climatic data into their assessments, engineers can better predict how the driveway will perform under various weather conditions, ensuring longevity and resilience.

Designing Grading Plans

Using data from site assessments, civil engineers create detailed grading plans. These plans specify the slopes, contours, and elevations needed to achieve optimal drainage and stability. Modern tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and computer-aided design (CAD) software help engineers visualize and simulate water flow, ensuring the grading design will function as intended.

Additionally, engineers consider local regulations and environmental impact, ensuring the grading plan complies with stormwater management requirements and protects natural waterways. They may also incorporate sustainable practices, such as permeable paving materials or green infrastructure techniques, to enhance water absorption and reduce runoff. This not only helps in managing stormwater effectively but also contributes to the overall ecological health of the surrounding area.

Supervising Construction and Quality Control

Once grading plans are approved, civil engineers often oversee the construction process. They ensure that contractors follow the specifications precisely, verify soil compaction, and inspect drainage installations. This supervision helps prevent costly mistakes and ensures the driveway will perform well over time.

Moreover, civil engineers play a pivotal role in addressing any unforeseen challenges that may arise during construction. For instance, if unexpected soil conditions are discovered, they can quickly adapt the grading plan to accommodate these changes, ensuring that the project remains on schedule and within budget. Their expertise also extends to coordinating with other professionals, such as landscape architects and environmental consultants, to ensure that all aspects of the project are harmoniously integrated, leading to a successful and aesthetically pleasing driveway installation.

Drainage Solutions: Preventing Water Damage and Erosion

Proper drainage is essential for preserving the longevity of a driveway and protecting surrounding property. Water that is not effectively managed can cause structural damage, create hazardous icy patches in winter, and lead to costly repairs.

Common Drainage Challenges for Driveways

Driveways face several drainage challenges, including:

• Surface Water Runoff: Rainwater or melting snow that flows across the driveway surface.
• Subsurface Water: Water that accumulates beneath the driveway, potentially weakening the base.
• Erosion: Water flow that removes soil and destabilizes the driveway edges.
• Clogged or Ineffective Drainage Systems: Poorly maintained drains can cause water backup.

Addressing these issues requires a combination of grading, drainage infrastructure, and maintenance.

Drainage Techniques Employed by Civil Engineers

Civil engineers use a variety of drainage solutions tailored to the specific site conditions and driveway design:

• Swales and Ditches: Shallow channels that direct water away from the driveway toward safe discharge points.
• French Drains: Perforated pipes surrounded by gravel that collect and redirect subsurface water.
• Catch Basins and Inlets: Structures that collect surface water and connect to underground drainage systems.
• Permeable Pavements: Materials that allow water to infiltrate through the surface, reducing runoff.
• Retention and Detention Ponds: On larger properties, these features temporarily hold water to manage stormwater flow.

Each method has its advantages and is selected based on the property’s size, soil type, and local climate.

Integrating Drainage with Grading for Optimal Performance

Drainage systems must work hand-in-hand with grading to be effective. For example, swales are only effective if the surrounding land is graded to direct water toward them. Similarly, French drains require proper slope to ensure water flows through the pipe and away from the driveway.

Civil engineers carefully coordinate grading and drainage design to create a cohesive system that manages water efficiently, protecting the driveway and surrounding landscape.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Modern driveway design must also account for environmental impact and comply with local regulations. Civil engineers are well-versed in these requirements and help property owners navigate them.

Stormwater Management Regulations

Many municipalities have strict rules governing stormwater runoff to prevent flooding and water pollution. Driveway grading and drainage plans must comply with these regulations, which may include limits on runoff volume, requirements for retention areas, or mandates for permeable surfaces.

Civil engineers ensure that driveway projects meet these standards, often coordinating with local agencies to obtain necessary permits.

Protecting Natural Waterways and Habitats

Improper drainage can lead to sedimentation and pollution of nearby streams, rivers, or wetlands. Civil engineers design grading and drainage systems that minimize erosion and filter runoff before it reaches natural waterways.

In some cases, engineers incorporate green infrastructure elements such as rain gardens or bioswales to enhance water quality and support local ecosystems.

Long-Term Benefits of Professional Grading and Drainage Design

Investing in expert civil engineering services for driveway grading and drainage offers numerous long-term advantages:

• Durability: Properly graded and drained driveways last longer, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
• Safety: Effective drainage prevents hazardous conditions like ice patches and standing water.
• Property Value: A well-designed driveway enhances curb appeal and can increase property value.
• Environmental Stewardship: Thoughtful design protects local ecosystems and complies with regulations.

Ultimately, the expertise of civil engineers ensures that driveways are not just functional but also sustainable and aesthetically pleasing.

Conclusion

Driveway grading and drainage are critical factors in creating a functional, durable, and attractive driveway. Civil engineers play an indispensable role in this process by applying their knowledge of soil mechanics, hydrology, and design principles to develop effective grading and drainage solutions. Their involvement helps prevent water damage, erosion, and costly repairs, while also ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.

Whether for a residential property or a commercial development, partnering with civil engineering professionals to optimize driveway grading and drainage is a smart investment that pays dividends in safety, longevity, and property value.

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Introduction

A survey is a broad measurement and mapping of land, while a boundary survey focuses specifically on locating the exact property lines and corners of a parcel. In short, surveys show what’s on the land, and boundary surveys confirm where the legal boundaries lie.

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What Is a Survey?

A survey is a broad term that refers to the process of measuring and mapping property, land, improvements, and topographical features. It may include:

• Measuring distances, angles, elevation changes
• Mapping physical features (such as structures, roads, trees, utilities)
• Identifying easements, rights-of-way, flood zones, or environmental constraints
• Producing maps or plats to show what’s on a property and its surroundings

Surveys can be required or helpful in many contexts: property purchase, site planning, construction, zoning compliance, land development, and even for obtaining permits.

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What Is a Boundary Survey?

A boundary survey is a more specific type of survey. The focus is on determining the precise location of the property lines (boundaries) of a parcel of land. Key elements include:

• Locating (or re-establishing) boundary lines based on recorded deeds, plats, monumentation, and Title documents
• Identifying corners, property line markers, fences, walls that define ownership
• Verifying legal descriptions
• Determining whether structures or improvements encroach onto adjacent parcels

Boundary surveys are often needed for resolving property line disputes, subdividing land, obtaining mortgages, or ensuring that structures comply with setback requirements.

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Key Differences Between a Survey and a Boundary Survey

Feature	General Survey	Boundary Survey
Scope	Broad: topographic features, improvements, elevations, utilities, etc.	Narrow: focused mainly on property lines, monuments, legal boundaries.
Purpose	Site planning, building design, environmental assessment, grading, drainage, etc.	Property ownership/legal issues, fences/setbacks, title insurance, subdivisions.
Legal weight	Can inform many things; may not be sufficient alone for resolving boundary disputes.	Usually used in legal, real estate, or title contexts; heavily based on deed/record evidence.
Deliverables	Topo maps, site plans, overall property layout, sometimes 3D data.	Plat or map showing boundary lines, monuments/corners, legal description confirmation.
Typical Cost & Time	More elements = more work. Often more expensive due to more data gathering (elevations, utilities, terrain).	Sometimes less expensive if only lines; but if monuments are missing or deed records are complex, cost and time can increase.

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When You Need One, or Both

Often, a property project requires both kinds of surveys (or parts of them). For example:

• Buying property: you’ll often want a boundary survey to ensure what you’re purchasing matches legal record, alongside a general survey to assess topography and features.
• Building an addition: you need to know boundary lines (to obey setback laws), but also elevations, existing structures, utility lines etc.
• Subdivision or lot line adjustment: boundary surveys are essential to legally adjust lines; general surveys help with terrain, utilities, and infrastructure planning.
• Dispute resolution: boundary surveys are typically the main tool; general surveys can provide context.

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Why Choose Schembri Engineers for Surveys

At Schembri Engineers, we bring more than 40 years of experience in engineering, inspection, and design. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Licensed Professional Engineers: Our surveys are backed by engineers who understand both design and legal implications. (schembriengineers.com)
• Family-owned, dependable service: Since 1985, we’ve built a reputation in Arizona and Nevada for reliability, honesty, thoroughness.
• Comprehensive engineering + inspection services: We don’t just map your property — we understand how boundaries interact with utilities, structures, codes, and inspections. This holistic view helps avoid surprises down the road. Learn more about our structural design services.
• Serving Phoenix & surrounding areas: Local knowledge matters — we know Arizona’s legal, geological, environmental, and municipal standards.

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If you need expert advice on which survey is right for you, call Dave Schembri at Schembri Engineers today. With decades of trusted experience, Dave and his team will guide you through every step with clarity, precision, and care.

When you look at building homes, infrastructure, or commercial projects, you may hear people use the terms civil engineer and structural engineer interchangeably. While these roles overlap, each has distinct responsibilities, training, and specialties. Understanding the difference can help you know exactly who you need on your team—and how Schembri Engineers can deliver both.

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What is a Civil Engineer?

A civil engineer is typically responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects. This includes:

• Site development: grading, drainage, utilities, roads, sidewalks
• Infrastructure systems: stormwater management, sewage, flood control, water supply
• Land use planning & transportation engineering
• Public works projects: highways, bridges, airports, dams
• Regulatory compliance: making sure designs meet local, state, and federal codes and permitting requirements

Civil engineers often look at the big picture—how a project fits within its environment, how to prepare a site, how to ensure access, manage water and infrastructure.

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What is a Structural Engineer?

A structural engineer focuses more narrowly on the skeleton of buildings or other structures: the parts that carry loads and make sure the structure stands up safely. Core responsibilities include:

• Designing structural elements: beams, columns, foundations, trusses, load-bearing walls
• Load analysis: wind loads, snow loads, seismic loads, dead/live loads
• Material selection: steel, concrete, wood, or composite materials
• Ensuring structural integrity over time: durability, safety, serviceability
• Inspection & evaluation: checking existing structures, analyzing damage, designing repairs

Structural engineering is deeply technical—analysis, modeling, safety factors—all focused on making sure that a structure won’t collapse, deform excessively, or fail in extreme conditions.

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How the Roles Overlap (and Why Both Matter)

There is overlap. A civil engineer designing a site must work with drainage and foundation considerations, which involves structural knowledge. Conversely, a structural engineer must understand the site conditions (soil, slope, loads) which often involves civil engineering. Good projects require coordination between both disciplines.

A few examples:

What is needed	Civil Engineer’s Contribution	Structural Engineer’s Contribution
Building a new commercial building on undeveloped land	Designing the site layout, grading, utility connections, stormwater flow, access roads	Designing the building’s foundations, framing, ensuring safe load-bearing design
Renovating an older building	Determining site constraints, utilities, permits	Inspecting load capacity, designing structural reinforcement

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Why Choose a Firm That Offers Both: The Schembri Engineers Advantage

At Schembri Engineers, we pride ourselves on being a full-service engineering & design firm that covers both civils and structural engineering (along with mechanical/plumbing, electrical, and inspection services).

Here are some ways Schembri Engineers stands out:

• Decades of experience: Established in 1985, family-owned and operated. Over 40 years of solving engineering challenges across Arizona and Nevada.
• Comprehensive design services: We perform Civil Design & Analysis and Structural Design & Analysis, so you get both site-/infrastructure-level expertise and structure-level safety and integrity from the same trusted team.
• Inspection & evaluation capabilities: We provide special inspections, defect investigation, construction forensics, etc.—ensuring that structures are built (and maintained) properly.
• Professional credentials: Many of our inspection engineers are board-certified via the Building Inspection Engineering Certification Institute (BIECI); we’re members of NABIE and the NSPE.
• Proven track record: Over 15,000 satisfied clients, recognized locally (2023 Angi Super Service Award).

When you need work that involves both civil and structural engineering—say, a new building, or repairs to an existing one—having a single firm that understands both disciplines means fewer gaps, smoother coordination, lower risk, and better outcomes.

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When Do You Need Each (or Both)?

Here are some scenarios:

Scenario	You Need Civil Engineering	You Need Structural Engineering	Both
Building a new house on a graded lot	✔️ site grading, utilities	✔️ foundation & framing	✔️
Replacing a retaining wall after soil erosion	✔️ site grading and drainage	✔️ structural wall design	✔️
Adding a second story to an existing building	✔️ permits, site impact	✔️ load capacity, framing reinforcement	✔️
Building a road or infrastructure (non-building)	✔️ primarily civil	—	✔️ if bridges or structures are involved

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Tips for Working Successfully With Your Engineers

• Clearly define what you want: budget, timeline, functionality (e.g., parking, load-bearing requirements, seismic or wind concerns).
• Ensure you hire licensed professionals: structural engineers should be licensed P.E.s; inspections by certified inspectors. Schembri Engineers provides licensed Professional Engineers for designs and board-certified inspectors for evaluations.
• Talk about soil and site conditions early: poor soil types, steep slopes, expansive soils (common in parts of Arizona) & drainage issues can significantly affect both civil and structural design.
• Plan for inspections & evaluation, not just design: catching issues early (foundation problems, structural issues) saves cost and delays.

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Civil engineers and structural engineers are both essential

Civil engineers focus on how a project fits into, impacts, and works with land, infrastructure, and environment; structural engineers ensure the safe, stable skeleton of what is built. When they work together, projects are safer, more efficient, more durable, and cost-effective.

At Schembri Engineers, you don’t have to choose one or the other—you get both. Whether you’re starting from the ground up or reinforcing existing structures, our team has the civil, structural, inspection, and evaluation expertise to guide your project from plan through construction and beyond.

If you’re planning a project in Arizona or Nevada and want engineers who truly understand both civil and structural demands, contact Schembri Engineers today. Let’s make sure whatever you build is safe, sustainable, and built to last.