Structural Engineering for Residential Buildings
Focused on the Structure Behind Your Home
Structural engineering services for homeowners, architects, and builders across Vermont and New Hampshire—specializing in assessments, renovations, and thoughtful residential design.
Our Services
Structural Engineering Services
Mass Timber Advisors provides structural engineering services for residential and light commercial buildings throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.
Service
Existing Building Assessments & Inspections
We provide inspections, assessments, and forensic evaluations for existing residential and light commercial buildings.
Existing Building Assessments & Inspections
Service
New Homes, Additions & Renovations
We provide structural design services for new residential construction, additions, and major renovations and commercial projects.
New Homes, Additions & Renovations
Why Choose Us
Practical solutions. Local experience.
If you’re here, you likely have questions about your building — and you’re looking for clear, professional guidance. Not every structural concern is an emergency. Our role is to help you understand what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what makes sense to do next.
- Clear, Calm Guidance
Understand what’s happening and what actually needs attention—without unnecessary alarm.
- Real-World Structural Experience
Hands-on expertise with foundations, framing issues, renovations, and real estate concerns.
- Practical Engineering Judgment
Clear priorities that help you decide what to address now and what can wait.
- Thoughtful Design Support
Confident structural guidance for renovations, additions, and new homes.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Clients
Posted on DanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ricky was professional and informative in helping me understand the structural requirements and details I needed to consider. He helped me avoid potential issues in the future in building on our foundation.Posted on Clark LindenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It is impossible to say too many good things about Ricky and Mass Timber Advisors. Ricky is exceedingly thorough, professional, responsive, and provided invaluable insight on a fairly involved project. I look forward to the opportunity to work with him again on future projects!Posted on AllisonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I and my two contractors were very impressed with Ricky's structural assessment and report. On a scale of 1 to 10, Ricky is a 12. He communicated the myriad of problems associated with a complex 1800s home and provided clear guidelines to rectify problems and risks using easy to understand video, print diagrams, and verbal instructions. If we needed clarification or wanted to adjust his proposed plan, he worked through that with us in a helpful way, recalculating loads as we went. We all would recommend him wholeheartedly.Posted on Peter BillingsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I worked with Ricky and was very impressed. He was extremely responsive, easy to communicate with, and provided exactly what I needed to submit to my association to get approval. His pricing was clear and fair. I highly recommend Mass Timber Advisors.Posted on Greg WallaceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am the owner of Sticks and Stones Construction LLC and we highly recommend Mass Timber Advisors (MTA) Working with MTA has been an absolute pleasure. The engineering solutions have been elegant. The drawings have been clear, detailed and easy to understand. Ricky is always very responsive when we have follow up questions or need clarification. Recently we completed the structural work on a renovation project which required collaboration between us as the general contractor, the architect, the clients and our project lead in the field. MTA efficiently handled this complex situation and presented us with several options quickly so we could keep the project moving forward. 5 stars!Posted on Shawn DonaldTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ricky McLain and Mass Timber Advisors were excellent to work with. Ricky was thorough, clear, and very practical in his approach to the structural assessment for our multi-unit building in Vermont. He took the time to walk the property, explain the issues in plain language, and provided well-organized structural drawings along with a short video walkthrough that made the recommendations easy to understand and prioritize. Communication was prompt and professional throughout the process, and his experience was obvious. I would absolutely recommend Mass Timber Advisors to anyone needing a thoughtful, detail-oriented structural engineer who understands real-world construction and permitting considerations.Posted on TamaraTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Ricky McLain of Mass Timber Advisors. He was very responsive, professional, knowledgeable, and willing to go out of his way to help on an unexpected structural issue with a tight deadline, even though it was a small project. He provided us with drawings and a helpful video with an incredibly quick turnaround time. From the builder's perspective, I appreciate that he took our concerns into consideration when offering multiple solutions and was very detailed in specifying the required materials and fasteners so there was no guesswork on our part. Ricky is a rare gem in the construction industry- contact him first, don't waste your time waiting for other engineers to call you back.Posted on erik nielsenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience, process was quick, pricing was clear upfront and Ricky was very helpful with all questions.Posted on George LewisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ricky was invaluable to my project for a custom house with his engineering consultation, design, and completion of construction documents. I am a retired architect and was hopeful that I would find a structural engineer that would actively work with me to provide unique solutions to address and help me realize the design intentions for our house. Mass Timber Advisors more than matched that search and feel very fortunate that I was able to work with him. From the initial outreach for interest in working with me through design meetings and final coordination reviews, I found Ricky to be extremely responsive to my requests, questions and comments. I was impressed that he was not only interested in working with me on a custom design, but recognized that his involvement in this project was instrumental in adding value to the design. That, in my 30+ years of experience is a rare find and seems to be even rarer these days. I highly recommend Ricky and Mass Timber Advisors for your structural engineering needs.Posted on Dylan BruceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I worked with Ricky McLain at Mass Timber Advisors on an addition project. He was fast, communicated clearly, and added additional considerations to the structure that I hadn’t thought of. Very easy to work with and I will do so again!Load more
Our Projects
Projects We Commonly Work On
Existing Home Structural Assessments
- Foundation cracking, bowing, and settlement
- Moisture-related deterioration
- Floor slope and framing deflection
Renovations & Additions
- Removal or modification of load-bearing walls
- Floor framing reinforcement
- Foundation modifications for additions
New Residential Construction
- Foundations and framing for new homes
- Lateral systems and connection detailing
- Coordination with architects and builders
what we provide
Clarity in Structural Recommendations
Our deliverables are designed to be used, not just filed away. Depending on the project, clients receive:
Clear Structural Report
A clear written structural report explaining existing conditions, causes, and recommendations.
Priority-Based Recommendations
Prioritized guidance on what matters most and what can wait.
Construction-Ready Drawings
Construction drawings with plans, details, and specifications contractors can use confidently.
service area
Geographic Service Area
Mass Timber Advisors is based in Woodbury, Vermont and typically works on projects within approximately 60–90 minutes of our office, with occasional projects beyond that range. Common service areas include:
Vermont (VT)
- Burlington
- Williston
- Shelburne
- Stowe
- Montpelier
- Barre
- St. Johnsbury
- Fairfax
- Colchester
- St. Albans
- Orleans
- Hardwick
- White River Junction
- Waitsfield
- Windsor
- Royalton
New Hampshire (NH)
- Lebanon
- Hanover
- Littleton
- Lancaster
- Laconia
- Franconia
- Woodsville
- Bretton Woods
Get Started
Ready to Get Started?
If you have questions about your home, a planned renovation, or a new project, we’re happy to talk.