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 Kristen FountainTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ricky McLain responded quickly with a thorough and professional assessment and report when I reached out for assistance on a building renovation for a small nonprofit group. He was generous with his time and a pleasure to work with.Posted on Pete JohnsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ricky is great. I had an urgent project and he arrived within hours of me calling, prepared a detailed report the same day, and continued to support us in a very timely manner.Posted on Joe CarrollTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Knowledgeable and professional, would not hesitate to hire again.Posted on Barbara SpauldingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A structural issue was discovered during a home inspection related to the sale of our home. I found Mass Timber Advisors online and looked at Ricky's bio , website and YouTube. I contacted him and he came the next morning at 7:00 AM. He spent lots of time gathering his measurements, pictures, etc and 2 days later we had a detailed written report with options and opinions on those options. This report also detailed what a potential contractor would need to do to remedy the problem. We now have this to present to the next potential buyer. We just had the best, easiest, no-nonsense kind of interaction with Ricky and we could not recommend him more. We are very happy we found him.Posted on matthew lutzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ricky is an exceptional engineer with excellent communication skills. He is easy to work with and quick to respond to in-field questions as they arise during construction - super effective to have him on the team when doing complex building renovations. Across the design/build industry, timely communication is perhaps an underappreciated contributor to the success (or downfall) of projects. I feel like Mass Timber Advisors gets this, and has always been quick to respond, and punctual. As an architect I have found Mass Timber Advisors' drawings to be clear and to-the-point. I appreciate that Ricky offers structural design options with clear explanations of the pros and cons of each approach. His work is thorough and comprehensive.Posted on TylerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an excellent experience working with Mass Timber Advisors. After our home inspector identified a major lean in a first floor load bearing wall (1 inch at 8 feet), we were left panicking at the prospect of our new home being structurally unsound and at risk of collapse. Without a building inspector in our town to turn to, we found Ricky at MTA. Ricky came out to our house for a structural safety assessment in a reasonable timeframe (before any of the other engineers were contacted were even able to get us a quote for a structural assessment), was a great communicator both via email and in-person, and produced a detailed yet easy to understand report of his findings with suggested next steps. Were it not for Ricky, we would still be in a position where we did not know if our new house were safe, or even why our load bearing wall was leaning so much. I would highly recommend working with Ricky and MTA for any and all structural engineering work.Posted on Wyatt BrightTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough great things about Mass Timber Advisors! From start to finish, working with Ricky was an absolute pleasure. As our structural engineer, he brought a level of expertise and dedication that truly set him apart. Ricky took the time to walk us through every detail, answered all of our questions with patience and clarity, and made what could have been a complex process feel completely manageable. His knowledge of construction is impressive, but what really stood out was how genuinely invested he was in making sure our project was done right. You could tell he truly cares about his work and his clients. If you’re looking for a structural engineering team that combines top-tier technical skill with outstanding customer service, look no further than MTA. Ask for Ricky, you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommend!Posted on Janet LavelleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ricky was great to work with! He responded to my initial request within 24 hours, and we were able to schedule our assement within 2 weeks. He took the time to answer all of my questions, and helped explain things to me in a way that made sense. He was very responsive any time we reached out with questions and easy to work with. We will definitely work with him again if we ever have a future need for a structural engineer.Posted on Bobby SearlesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a fantastic experience working with MTA on this engineering report. Ricky was incredibly quick to respond and turn the project around, but didn't sacrifice quality for speed. The final report was thorough, highly detailed, and left absolutely no questions unanswered. From start to finish, it was a smooth, reliable, and overall very good experience. I would absolutely use them again and highly recommend their services!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.