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About
I am a licensed civil engineer with 10 years of structural design experience in residential and commercial construction using wood, steel, concrete, and cold formed steel. My specialties include:
- New construction
- Custom Homes
- Remodels
- ADUs
- Garage conversions
- Bearing wall removal
- Mechanical and Tank Anchorage
- Retaining walls
- Value Engineering
- Commercial
- Tenant Improvement
My goal for your project is to provide continuous communication from start to finish and provide structural drawings that are cost effective, meet architectural intent, buildable, and are structurally efficient.
Please note my services are for structural engineering and I am not able to provide other civil engineering services such as grading plans, surveying, site plans, etc. I also do not provide structural engineering for shipping containers, strawbale, brick and adobe construction, or projects involving litigation.
Overview
Hired 32 times
Serves Reseda, CA
Background checked
License verified
1 employee
1 year in business
Business hours
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Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Credit card.
Credentials
License verified
Professional Engineer – Civil
License state: CA
Background checked
Passed by Steven Martinez-Barela on Aug 17, 2025.
Services offered
Project type
Repair
Remodel
Retaining wall
Addition attached
Services needed
Load bearing wall
Foundation
Interior support
Structural repair
Property type
Residential
Commercial
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
16 reviews
5
100%
4
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3
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2
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Read reviews that mention:
Patrick W.
Aug 3, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Steven conducted a structural feasibility visit at my residence and was thorough, professional, and friendly. I especially appreciated his expert opinion on my foundation issues which helped guide me in my next steps to monitor crack movement before investing significantly in remediation work. He also walked through my house to answer all the questions I had regarding structural changes I've had in mind. Would certainly recommend and work with Steven again for any structuralengineering work.
Details: Structural repair to an existing structure • Addition attached to building or residence • Load bearing wall and/or beam specifications • Inspection of existing structure, repairs, or new construction • Residential
Structural Engineering Services
Corey M.
May 17, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Steven was great to work with. He communicated clearly, met the timeline he committed to, and was responsive throughout the process. He was professional, easy to collaborate with, and helped get the structural package completed for permit. I would recommend him for similar structuralengineering work.
Details: Stamped drawings for building department approval • Commercial
Structural Engineering Services
Ryan B.
Apr 30, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Was a pleasure to work with on structural design for a remodel or a room where a wall will be removed and ceiling raised. Cheers!
Details: Remodel • Load bearing wall and/or beam specifications • Need professional’s help to identify needs • Residential
Structural Engineering Services
Scott M.
3 weeks ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Steven promptly completed the simple drawing and calculations I needed for my small remodeling project. The work was done at a very reasonable price, and I’m happy with the result.
Had a great experience working with Steven at SMB Engineering. He was clear from the initial assessment what I would be expecting both from a design/plans perspective as well as what some of the initial construction options would look like. Gave a good sense of understanding and clarity from the beginning stage of the project. After that, communication and plan modifications were quick and well communicated all the way through to the finalized plans. Would definitely recommend
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing for projects varies based on the complexity of the project. I typically review the drawings, discuss scope, provide a fee proposal, then call about the scope and fee.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My typical process is to have a call with a client to get to know them and what their expectations are for their project. We usually discuss the scope of the work, deliverables, cost for the structural set, project timeline, and milestone check ins.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor’s from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Master’s from Portland State University. I am licensed in California and have spent my career designing structures in seismic prone areas all throughout the west coast.
