Residential Services

From new construction to remodels and decks, we deliver sealed structural plans in every state.

New Residential Construction

Building from the ground up requires a structural engineering partner who understands the full scope of residential design. We provide complete structural plans for new single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes - engineered to meet the specific code requirements of your local jurisdiction.

  • Complete structural design packages
  • Foundation design (slab, crawlspace, basement)
  • Floor, wall, and roof framing plans
  • Lateral force-resisting systems (wind and seismic)
  • Connection details and hardware specifications

Whether you're a builder breaking ground on a production home or a homeowner with a custom design, we deliver stamped plans that get permits approved.

Typical Lead Time: 2-3 Weeks
New residential construction framing

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

ADUs are one of the fastest-growing segments in residential construction. Whether it's a detached backyard cottage, a garage conversion, or an attached in-law suite, ADU projects come with unique structural and code considerations that vary significantly by jurisdiction.

  • Detached ADUs and backyard cottages
  • Garage conversions and above-garage units
  • Basement and attic conversions
  • Attached additions with separate entrances
  • Foundation design for new detached structures

Our experience working with hundreds of AHJs nationwide means we understand the evolving ADU regulations in your area and can deliver plans that meet local requirements the first time.

Typical Lead Time: 2-3 Weeks
Accessory dwelling unit construction

Structural Engineering

Our core service. We provide practical, code-compliant structural designs for residential projects of all types, delivered by a team that can stamp plans in every U.S. state and territory.

  • Additions and expansions
  • Load-bearing wall removals
  • Beam and header sizing
  • Foundation design
  • Structural alterations and retrofits

Whether you're a contractor pulling a permit, an architect seeking an engineering partner, or a homeowner planning your next project, we work directly with you to deliver the stamped plans you need.

Typical Lead Time: 2-3 Weeks
Structural engineering and house framing

Decks

We provide complete structural deck plans engineered to meet the specific code requirements of your local jurisdiction - whether that's a coastal wind zone in Florida, a seismic region in California, or a heavy snow-load area in Colorado.

  • Footings and foundations
  • Posts and beam sizing
  • Joist layout and spans
  • Ledger connections
  • Guardrail and stair details
  • Freestanding and attached designs

From a simple backyard deck to a multi-level wraparound, our plans give contractors and homeowners exactly what they need to pull permits confidently.

Typical Lead Time: 2 Weeks
Residential deck construction

Remodels

Remodeling an existing home often means modifying the structure - removing walls, opening up floor plans, reinforcing floors, or adding attic dormers. We specialize in the structural assessments and engineered solutions that make these projects possible.

  • Load-bearing wall removals
  • Room expansions and open floor plans
  • Floor reinforcements
  • Attic dormer additions
  • Structural assessments of existing conditions

We give contractors, architects, and homeowners the stamped plans they need to pull permits and build with confidence.

Lead Time: Contact PV Letters
Home remodel and renovation

Our In-House Analysis Advantage

We've developed proprietary analysis methods and internal tools that allow us to deliver results faster and with greater accuracy than traditional approaches. Our streamlined workflows - built from thousands of completed projects - mean shorter turnaround times without cutting corners on engineering rigor.

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Our National Advantage

Two capabilities that set us apart from local-only engineering firms.

Nationwide Site Surveyors

We work with a network of qualified site surveyors with a true national footprint. For remodel and deck projects, we can dispatch a surveyor to your location - anywhere in the country - to document existing structures accurately: measuring framing, verifying conditions, and gathering the field data needed to produce precise engineering drawings.

Hundreds of AHJs

We've worked with hundreds of Authorities Having Jurisdiction - cities, counties, and other permitting bodies - throughout the country. That experience gives us deep, practical knowledge of varying local code interpretations, submittal requirements, revision cycles, and inspection expectations, helping your project move through permitting smoothly and avoid costly delays.

Civil Engineering

In addition to our structural services, we offer civil engineering on a project-by-project basis, including:

  • Site design and grading
  • Drainage planning
  • Utility layout

We coordinate with architects, builders, contractors, and homeowners through all phases of design and construction, and prepare complete permit packages for submittal to local jurisdictions nationwide.

Lead Time: 2-3 Weeks
Civil engineering and site work

Pricing & Getting Started

Fixed quotes with no surprises.

Pricing

We provide fixed quotes for every project. After reviewing your scope of work, we'll give you a clear price upfront - no hourly surprises, no open-ended billing. If our team delivers ahead of schedule, you still pay the quoted price.

How to Get Started

Complete a job detail sheet and email it to admin@pvletters.com along with any relevant drawings or site plans. We'll review your project and follow up within 1-2 business days to discuss scope, timeline, and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about working with us.

For structural projects, we typically need architectural drawings or sketches showing the scope of work, along with the project address. For remodels, a site survey of existing conditions is helpful - and if you don't have one, we can dispatch a surveyor to your location. For civil work, we need a site plan and utility information.

Structural engineering projects typically take 2-3 weeks. Civil engineering work is usually 2-3 weeks. Timelines can vary based on project complexity, jurisdictional requirements, and current workload. We'll provide an estimated timeline when we scope your project.

Yes. Our firm's engineers hold active Professional Engineer licenses in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories. We can stamp and deliver plans wherever your project is located.

We provide fixed quotes for every project. After reviewing your scope of work, we'll give you a clear price upfront so there are no surprises. Contact us with your project details and we'll get you a quote.

Absolutely. We work directly with contractors, architects, and homeowners. Whether you need an engineering partner for your architectural designs, stamped plans for a permit application, or structural guidance on a remodel, we're set up to collaborate seamlessly with all parties involved in your project.

We work with a nationwide network of qualified site surveyors. We can dispatch a surveyor to your location - anywhere in the country - to measure existing framing, verify conditions, and gather the field data we need to produce accurate engineering drawings.

Yes. We prepare complete permit packages and can coordinate submittal to local jurisdictions nationwide. Our experience with hundreds of AHJs means we know what each jurisdiction expects, helping your project move through permitting smoothly.