How do you choose a residential structural engineer?

• <div><p>The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:</p><ul><li><p>Do you have experience working in my specific area?</p></li><li><p>Do you have professional indemnity insurance?</p></li><li><p>What will your structural report cover?</p></li><li><p>Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?</p></li><li><p>How long have you been in business?</p></li><li><p>Do you have a list of customer references?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Houston, AK

Q: Are walls on the top floor load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor&rsquo;s foundation.</p></div>

Q: Is it okay to drill into a load-bearing beam?

• <div><p>You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it&rsquo;s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that&rsquo;s safe to use.</p></div>

Q: How much weight does a 4-inch concrete slab support?

• <div><p>A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you&rsquo;re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.</p></div>

Q: Can water damage affect the structural integrity of my walls?

• <div><p>Yes, water damage can affect your walls' structural integrity. If the water or moisture sits on the walls for an extended period, it can weaken the drywall, plaster, wood framing, and other materials supporting the wall. That's why it's critical to dry out the area as soon as you notice it.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Houston, AK

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Houston, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Structural Engineering companies in Houston, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

Last update on January 12, 2026

Reviewed in August 2018
I am disabled and needed a ramp. This is Alaska. Winter is coming. I envisioned a ramp covered in snow and ice. A cover would be necessary, since also my ability to remove snow from the car was compromised. I needed a carport. Jayme Phillips is one of those incredible finds. He takes care to...
High Level Construction
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Reviewed in April 2017
There were scheduling issues between home advisor and supreme electric. However, Supreme Electric went out of their way to fit my job into their schedule. Excellent customer service. Would definitely hire again and recommend to others.
Supreme Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2014
Apparently this company has recently re-structured and added some key personnel, resulting in a warm, helpful and professional experience from the first contact. In my opinion they are the best gutter company in the valley.
RAINAWAY GUTTER SVC
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Reviewed in March 2014
They brought in an engineer to test the soil. Then worked with me to find best location for new drain field. Installation went smooth and they left my bacj yard landscaped as I wanted. Very professional.
DIRTWORKS INC
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Reviewed in September 2013
I really like these guys! All their work is guaranteed for 24 months. The only issue I had with them is when I got a new engine for my Suburu, one of the oil gaskets leaked and they fixed it the same day, no hassel! Good guys Great work
A&A The Shop
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Reviewed in September 2013
Anita is great with scheduling and estimates. Curtis is timely, friendly & professional. He knows his business and does a thorough job., My home heating duct system is 18 years old and never been cleaned. Wow - what a difference the cleaning made. Thanks Curtis & Anita for a job well...
Alaska Power Vac LLC
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Reviewed in August 2013
Entering into a contract with Sourdough Builders was an enormous mistake. The nightmare drags on and on. They breached several terms of their own contract, and cut corners everywhere to make more money themselves and give us a lower quality home than promised. They gave us a cost sheet which...
Sourdough Builders
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Reviewed in August 2012
They try to do the work right but they are NOT engineers and refuse to listen to the customer. What is discussed and agreed upon gets changed by Fritz and nothing gets written down. Our "retaining wall" consists of dead trees staked in place and a thin plastic layer of straw to "take hold". I...
Rock Ridge Services
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Engineering & Excavating

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Engineering & Excavating

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We are a full service general contractor and civil and forensic engineering firm specializing in excavating, septic systems, retaining walls, civil and forensic engineering, and others.

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor’s foundation.

You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:

Do you have experience working in my specific area?
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
What will your structural report cover?
Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?
How long have you been in business?
Do you have a list of customer references?

A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.

Yes, water damage can affect your walls' structural integrity. If the water or moisture sits on the walls for an extended period, it can weaken the drywall, plaster, wood framing, and other materials supporting the wall. That's why it's critical to dry out the area as soon as you notice it.

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