Wisconsin
Structural Design for a New Home
Complete stamped structural design for a custom home: foundation, framing, beams, shear walls and connections.
What the work involves
For custom homes, large open plans, steel beams, tall walls, high wind or seismic regions, and anything outside the residential code's prescriptive tables, a structural engineer designs the full load path from roof to foundation. Deliverables include stamped foundation and framing plans, beam and header schedules, lateral (shear wall or braced frame) design and connection details. The architect or designer leads layout while the engineer makes it stand up.
Local conditions we plan for
- Deep frost penetration
- Heavy snow loads
- Great Lakes shoreline erosion
- Karst in the southwest Driftless Area and Door County
Building code: IBC 2021 statewide for commercial buildings; one and two family dwellings use the state Uniform Dwelling Code instead of the IRC (ICC adoption chart, April 2026).
When you need it
- Custom home with long spans or open plans
- High wind, hurricane or seismic design category
- Steel beams, moment frames or tall walls
- Building department rejects prescriptive design
- Hillside or expansive soil site
Frequently asked questions
How much does structural Design for a New Home cost?
Across the US, structural Design for a New Home usually costs $2,000 to $10,000. HomeAdvisor lists new-build structural designs at $2,000 to $10,000; drawings run $500 to $5,000 per sheet. Larger or complex homes can exceed this.
How long does structural Design for a New Home take?
Plan on 3 to 8 weeks from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.
Do I need a licensed PE for structural Design for a New Home?
In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.
How do I verify an engineer's license in Wisconsin?
Engineers practicing in Wisconsin are licensed by the Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers and Professional Land Surveyors. You can confirm a license number and its status in the board's public license search before you sign a contract.
How deep is the frost line in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code SPS 321.16 requires footings to be below frost penetration or at least 48 inches below adjacent grade, whichever is deeper (one and two family dwellings). Local building departments set the required footing depth, so confirm the exact figure for your county before designing foundations or retaining walls.
Which building code applies in Wisconsin?
IBC 2021 statewide for commercial buildings; one and two family dwellings use the state Uniform Dwelling Code instead of the IRC (ICC adoption chart, April 2026). Cities and counties can add local amendments, which is one reason to hire an engineer who works in your area.