Is LVL more affordable than steel I-beams?

• <div><p>Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-steel-i-beam-cost.htm">cost of a steel I-beam</a>, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists. </p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Lavaca, AR

Q: If you do the work yourself, how can you be sure your home is still structurally sound?

• <div><p>If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-architect-cost.htm">pay to hire an architect</a> or a structural engineer to ensure your home remains structurally sound. They can help with the planning to make sure everything is up to code and safe for your family. On the other hand, if you&rsquo;re not sure your home will be completely safe when you&rsquo;ve completed the project, let a pro do the job.</p></div>

Q: What qualifications should a structural engineer have?

• <div><p>Proper licensing and experience in residential and commercial structural projects.</p></div>

Q: Can I do my own structural calculations?

• <div><p>No, it&rsquo;s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.</p></div>

Q: Can I build over a stump?

• <div><p>Yes, you can build over a stump if the roots are no longer alive. Living roots will continue to grow and may damage your new construction over time. Similarly, you should also remove rotting stumps because they may continue to attract pests and even cause new structures (especially those made from wood) to decompose as well. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Lavaca, AR

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Lavaca, AR 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 Lavaca, AR 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 December 10, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
MER2 Construction did a great job reconstructing part of our roof structure, then re-roofing our entire house with metal roofing. They also did a great job with the siding and installing our storm doors. Top notch and a fair price. 👍
MER-2 CONSTRUCTION
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Reviewed in December 2022
Top notch, simple, to the point . One stop shopping for all my construction needs. Hands on owner.
Right Angle Construction NWA LLC
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Reviewed in November 2022
Budget Roofing was amazing! From start to finish the professionalism stood out. The crew started and in no time the building was complete. I would definitely recommend them.
Budget Roofing
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Reviewed in April 2016
Did a great job, knows what he's doing. We had 3 trees removed and he laid them down right where he said he would missing all the structures that were in the way. Price was what we expected to pay and was fair and reasonable.
Arkansaw Tree Service
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Reviewed in January 2016
Mike did a great job on my mother's house once the job started. I did need to followup on the start date of the job as it was delayed a number of times. He and his crew removed all the old carpet, subfloors, Joist, etc. and hauled to dump. He locked up my mother's house after each day after...
Mike's Home Repair & Remodeling
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Reviewed in December 2014
<p>It went very well. We were nervous going into this project, but it turned out great. They were very clean and professional. They even had an engineer on staff that made us feel much better about what was going on with the house. Thanks Guys!</p>
Stabil-Loc Foundation Repair LLC
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Reviewed in July 2011
Mr. Denton is a great guy but is not on job site. He maintains normal job during the day and leaves his subs unsupervised. Subs are of other ethnic backgrounds and have no concept of being on time. They show up when they want and leave when they want. They take full advantage of the 2 hour...
Denton Contractors LLC
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Reviewed in December 2005
Job 1: Exc. Comm.. Co was right on time for the estimate, asked many questions, offered different angles of attack, with pros, cons, general price differences. The proposal was submitted a few days afterward (longer than expected). I conveyed that I was more interested in structural integrity...
NICELY TRIMMED CONSTRUCTION
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Find Structural engineers in Lavaca

Hall Engineering, Ltd.

4.6(

167

)

Serving Lavaca, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Credit card accepted

"The structural engineer I hired has been very quick tonrespind and provides nothing but what you'd expect from a professional. Easy to work with and knowledgeable, and very to the point. Thank you home advisor. You saved me on this one"

Response time11 hrs

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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STP Solutions, Inc.

New to Angi

Serving Lavaca, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

STP Solutions is a native owned business. We provides comprehensive design services including: structural engineering, land surveying, foundation repair, high-definition scanning (HDS), architectural designing and consulting services to the private and public sectors. We are committed to delivering timely, responsive and economical design solutions. Satisfaction guaranteed! Call us today!

Response time1 day

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can pay to hire an architect or a structural engineer to ensure your home remains structurally sound. They can help with the planning to make sure everything is up to code and safe for your family. On the other hand, if you’re not sure your home will be completely safe when you’ve completed the project, let a pro do the job.

Proper licensing and experience in residential and commercial structural projects.

No, it’s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.

Yes, you can build over a stump if the roots are no longer alive. Living roots will continue to grow and may damage your new construction over time. Similarly, you should also remove rotting stumps because they may continue to attract pests and even cause new structures (especially those made from wood) to decompose as well.

Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the cost of a steel I-beam, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists.

The Lavaca, AR homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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

See all articles

Lyle Hendriks
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May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
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Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
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Identify potentially serious problems with your foundation with an inspection from a structural engineer.