flipping an older home - need structural engineer?

[Tara Darden]

Hi All,

I'm a newbie in North Carolina.  My husband inherited an older home built in 1920's.  We plan to start flipping with this as our first project.  We will strip it down to the studs to update the electrical and plumbing, add hvac, new drywall, floors, and roof.  Some of the changes we want to make are remove a couple of doors and widen the openings (into kitchen and living room), add a second bathroom (using extra space already in master bedroom), and some storage/closet space.  Do we need a structural engineer for these things? Of course we will get the needed permits, but do we have to have a structural engineer draw up plans or can we make the changes with the help of contractors and just have the county inspector come out to inspect each step as we go?  Do we need to have a structural engineer draw up super detailed plans and have them approved by the county inspection/permit office first?  Any advice will be helpful.