· 11 min read
A Truss Is Not a Big Board. Stop Cutting It.
How roof and floor trusses actually carry load — and why one sawzall cut can turn an engineered assembly into a very expensive pile of kindling.
Cody Johnston, PE, MBA
trusses
From the field
Plain-English answers to the structural questions homeowners actually ask — written by Cody Johnston, PE, MBA.
· 4 min read
The Most Responsive Engineer > The Most Local Engineer
Proximity doesn't get your plans stamped. Why a responsive, state-licensed structural engineer beats hiring whoever's closest.
Cody Johnston, PE, MBA
homeowners
· 5 min read
7 Questions to Ask Your Architect Before You Sign
Before you sign an architect's contract, ask these 7 questions about engineering fees, construction cost, and who your structural engineer works for.
Cody Johnston, PE, MBA
custom homes
· 7 min read
The $7,000 Engineering Cap That Cost $50,000
An architect capped structural engineering at $7,000. The design needed steel — adding $50,000 to build. Fee caps don't cap cost. They relocate it.
Cody Johnston, PE, MBA
cost savings
· 2 min read
Understanding the Truss Submittal Workflow
Why you must have a building engineer to use roof trusses — and why the truss manufacturer is not your building engineer. Per ANSI/TPI 1, step by step.
Cody Johnston, PE, MBA
trusses
· 4 min read
Crawlspace Encapsulation and Your Structure
How crawlspace encapsulation protects your home from moisture, structural damage, and pests — an engineer's perspective on the benefits and the cost.
Cody Johnston, PE, MBA
building science
· 2 min read
How Cheap Engineering Can Lead to Costly Construction
Hiring low-cost engineering can balloon construction costs. A PE's real-world case study: $21,000 wasted on one house — and how quality design saves money.
Cody Johnston, PE, MBA
cost savings
· 1 min read
Top 5 Things to Do Before Hiring a Builder
The essential steps before you hire a builder: budget, land, build-ready checks, house design, and structural engineering — in the right order.
Cody Johnston, PE, MBA
homeowners
· 3 min read
Architect vs Structural Engineer: What Is the Difference?
Learn the difference between architects and structural engineers in residential construction, and how their collaboration brings houses to life.
Cody Johnston, PE, MBA
homeowners
· 3 min read
When to Hire a Residential Structural Engineer
When in the home-building process to hire a structural engineer — and what it costs you to wait too long. From a licensed PE.
Cody Johnston, PE, MBA
homeowners