Top-rated structural engineers.

Get matched with top structural engineers in Leeds, AL

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Leeds, AL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

TRUSTED BY LEEDS, AL HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.3
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon10
    Verified structural engineering services reviews

Find Structural engineers in Leeds

Avatar for Foundation Repairs & Home Improvements Inc
Foundation Repairs & Home Improvements Inc
4.6(
63
)

Serving Leeds, AL and surrounding areas

In business since 1972

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I was upstairs and I heard a lot of noise and the house started shaking. There were cracks inside the house. I asked what happened and they said the jack slipped. After that they said everything was good, looked level. They were supposed to redo my front steps by tearing the whole thing down and reconstructing it, but they talked me into just letting them fill in the area under the stairs with concrete and they did a sloppy job as fast as he could so they could get paid and be done with the projects. Now water gets under those area he filled and goes into the foundation. The hand railing is also not secured well to the concrete and I requested the redo that. I realized after they were done that the house was not level by the garage door. They hired a person to install a new door and he had real trouble getting the old one taken down and then had trouble with the install as well. The crew did not clean up after themselves at all. My niece and I spent 5 hours cleaning up all the bricks and concrete. One day they left my front door open and my house was filled with concrete dust everywhere. I called them several times to ask them to come out and look at the spot above the garage that was still sagging. They would tell me they were going to come out once they get more work in the area, but never came. A few months ago he said I never complained or called him. He still hasn't been out here to look at the house and I don't think he's planning on it. The last time we talked he said he was going to call before he came out but I haven't heard from him. I was responsible for repairing the drywall crack on the interior, but was assured there wouldn't be many, however, there are huge cracks all over the house."
Before
After
After
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+20

Recommended by91%of homeowners
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.

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.

Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home’s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.

The best way to determine if ceiling cracks are structural is to hire a ceiling contractor to inspect the cracks and provide a professional opinion. That said, you might be able to make an educated guess based on the size and appearance of the crack. Larger cracks, cracks accompanied by sagging or discoloration, and cracks that travel from the ceiling down the walls are all signs of structural issues.

It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.

The Leeds, AL homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

What do you need done? We’ll find top pros.
  • 🌱 "Mow a small front yard"
  • 🛠 "Fix a leaking pipe under the sink"
  • 🏠 "Repair shingles on an asphalt roof"