Yes — But It Takes More Information
A large percentage of existing building projects have no drawings on file. Plans get lost, buildings change hands, records are incomplete, or the original construction predates modern drawing standards. Structural engineers work through this regularly. The key is gathering enough verified information about the existing structure to make engineering decisions responsibly.
Sources of Existing Building Information
Field Photographs
High-quality photos are the most accessible starting point. Photos of exposed framing, foundation conditions, connection details, existing members, and areas of concern give the structural engineer visual confirmation of what's actually in the building. More is better. Annotate photos with directions, locations, and notes about what you're seeing.
Contractor or Owner Measurements
Floor plans and key dimensions (bay sizes, wall-to-wall spans, floor-to-floor heights, member depths where accessible) can often be provided by a contractor or building owner. These measurements should be taken carefully — engineering calculations depend on accurate dimensions. Where accessibility allows, framing member sizes (beam depth, flange width, joist spacing) should be included.
Exploratory Openings
When framing is concealed behind drywall, stucco, or ceiling finishes, the structural engineer may require exploratory openings — small areas where finishes are removed to expose and photograph the structural framing. A skilled contractor can make and patch these openings with minimal disruption. The structural engineer specifies where openings are needed based on what information is critical to the design.
City Records
Many building departments retain permit records, original drawings, and inspection cards for older buildings. The age of available records varies by jurisdiction — some cities have documents going back decades; others have incomplete archives. It's always worth requesting records from the local building department before assuming none exist.
Existing Architectural Drawings
Even if original structural drawings aren't available, existing architectural plans (floor plans, roof plans, exterior elevations) are extremely valuable. They establish the building geometry and layout from which structural analysis begins.
Matterport Scans and Point Clouds
For larger projects, 3D scanning technology (Matterport or laser scanning) can produce accurate as-built models. These aren't a substitute for engineering judgment but provide a reliable geometric starting point when manual measurements would be time-consuming or inaccessible.
When a Site Visit Is Required
For some projects — particularly those involving structural distress, complex existing conditions, or significant structural modifications — a licensed engineer needs to visit the site directly. Remote engineering based on photos and measurements has limits. When the engineer needs to see connections, probe member conditions, assess visible damage, or make judgments that photos can't support, a site visit is necessary.
We'll tell you early in the process whether a site visit is required for your project. Site visits are scheduled efficiently and add value proportional to what they reveal.
What This Means for Your Project
Working without existing drawings adds time and sometimes cost — but it doesn't make a project impossible. The key is providing thorough, accurate field information and allowing the engineer enough time to properly document and verify existing conditions before beginning design. Rushing this phase creates risk downstream.
Send us what you have. We'll review it, tell you what additional information is needed, and give you a clear scope and fee proposal.