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 Steve JayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service. Fast scheduling and quick service. Inspection and extremely detailed report was really nice to see nowadays. I wish I would have known about them sooner. If I ever need again, I will not hesitate to contact them first! Highly recommend for anyone that is serious to identify problems.Posted on Rudy PolwinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve worked with Ricky McLain of Mass Timber Advisors on a range of projects since 2014 and have consistently had a great experience. He is thoughtful, patient, and highly professional. One of his strengths is the ability to clearly articulate both problems and solutions in a straightforward, accessible way, which is invaluable in a collaborative project setting. He has a strong instinct for identifying the essential scope of work and approaches each project with a high level of efficiency. That focus translates directly into a more streamlined process and better overall value. Beyond his technical capabilities, he is simply a pleasure to work with. I would not hesitate to recommend him.Posted on Elisabeth RobertTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ricky helped me assess the structural integrity of the garage deck above the horse stalls in my barn that is built into a slope. He was knowledgeable, thorough, and thoughtful, giving me practical recommendations to bring the 30 year old structure to current code, prevent water damage to the underlying wood structure and repair and weatherproof the concrete deck.Posted on J MTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Talk about an invaluable resource! We just moved from AZ to VT and have been going through the necessary list of improvements to our home- finally making that difficult decision that a call to Mass Timber Advisors was well overdue. What a relief it is to work with such a knowledgeable individual as Ricky McLain. Not only was Ricky honest up front, but his calm approach instantly eliminated any fears I have going into a project of such proportions. He provided us with detailed guidance, giving us references and then even followed-up! The customer service is exceptional, a quality that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s environment. The open communication and the eye to detail are the foundation of trust for any contractor. Ricky should give training! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and expertise. I love referring businesses that are worth their weight in gold.Posted on Jon BoylesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've had the pleasure of working with Ricky McLain at Mass Timber Advisors both as a client and as a colleague on projects requiring engineering services, and the experience has been outstanding on both sides of the table. Ricky is an exceptional engineer — thorough, detail-oriented, and easy to work with. Highly recommend.Posted on Will SchebaumTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a designer of custom homes, I value Ricky's deep knowledge, creativity and professional work ethic. He is my go to structural engineer these days!Posted on Emory BaldwinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ricky is highly knowledgeable on the subject of mass timber, and I have found him to be both professional and personable. He has been extremely helpful to my new mass timber business, and his consulting advice has been invaluable. He really is THE mass timber expert in the northeast U.S. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking structural engineering expertise with mass timber.Posted on Gerd KrahnTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ricky has thoroughly analyzed and detailed structural details for my new timber frame home. There were numerous challenges where my architect needed a structural engineer for guidance. Ricky has been professional, respectful and meticulous. He worked diligently with my architect and builder explaining all the structural details ensuring my home would be built to his specifications. I believe my architect, builder and I would agree in giving Ricky a five star recommendation.Posted on jamie martinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the opportunity to work with Ricky on the structural engineering of our house. We had bought interior design plans online which ended up not being a great experience. Luckily, we found Mass Timber Framers. Ricky was able to help us with our vision for our home, and we break ground soon. I feel like I was a fussy customer and he always took the time to explain things so I understood things. Even when I changed the structure of the house he was there for it. He always responded quickly and was a pleasure to work with.Posted on Julia PringleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Ricky at Mass Timber Advisors was a great experience. While making a decision about next steps in our roof repair process, we really valued the independent and thorough assessment and detailed report that Ricky provided. The drawings and clear recommendations made it easy to communicate with contractors to get estimates for the next steps. It gave us peace of mind to know that the decisions we were making had been evaluated by a professional with the skills and knowledge to guide us in the right direction. I’d highly recommend working with Ricky.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.