What are average fees for a Structrucal Engineer Consult?

[Ericka Medina]

Hi,

I am finishing out the walkout basement of my home and have come upon a stumbling block. For some reason, the previous owners only put up a "half cement" wall between the finished area and the adjoining storage room. My goal is to cut an opening between the two rooms so I can make a kitchenette, small living room in the storage area. The city inspector came out and said that I will need certification from an engineer so that I can cut through the cement wall since it's helping to support the home.

I went on Home Advisor and found two local guys that charge $450 and $475 to come out, inspect the wall, and provide me with a stamped inspection. The price seems high to me, but I am new to REI, so my expectations may need to be reset.

Any ideas, advice ,of if anyone can refer a structural engineer in the North Denver/Thornton area, would be great!

Ericka