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>

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Q: Where are most load-bearing walls located?

• <div><p>Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.</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: Is a structural engineer the same as a foundation engineer?

• <div><p>Structural engineers specialize in all aspects of a building&rsquo;s structural integrity, including the foundation. Foundation engineering is a critical part of structural engineering, so structural engineers are experts in foundation design. Many foundation repair companies either have a structural engineer on staff or one they work closely with, so be sure you look for that when deciding <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/who-do-i-hire-foundation-repair.htm">who to hire for foundation repair</a>.</p></div>

Q: What are the signs of structural damage?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/signs-of-structural-damage.htm">Signs of structural damage</a> include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Vail, AZ

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Vail, AZ 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 Vail, AZ 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 February 07, 2026

Reviewed in February 2026
S&S welding made my custom 9 foot security screen for my front door. The owner Ross delivered it and installed the door for us. His amazing skills with steel and creativity are surperb.
S & S WELDING LLC
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Reviewed in March 2025
Wonderful concrete work. Fast and very friendly. Highly recommend this team for any concrete work you can think of. We will definitely be working with them for our next project.
Arizona New Area Concrete Construction LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
This company was tops from top to bottom. We found the management, office and "on the ground construction" folks all easy to work with, professional and "in touch" and on time! They did a great job at a fair price and took care of all of our needs. We would highly recommend them.
Blue Sedona
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Reviewed in December 2023
The workmanship throughout was outstanding and we could not be happier with the results. A great deal of thought went into the design and building process and all the construction elements were so well coordinated that the whole process was smooth and ran on schedule. I will definitely...
The ConstructionSmith LLC
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Reviewed in February 2023
I hired this concrete company with out knowing them and I am beyond impressed with their work. They have great customer service the people are friendly. These people are very professional at their work the concrete floor they made for me is more then what I expected it's prefect. I recommend...
Castillos Concrete LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
Son’s unlimited did a amazing job welding sides on my utility trailer to make it a small landscaping trailer for my business. I have used other companies before for small projects and other things. Son’s unlimited was priced very reasonable compared to other companies I used and did a better...
Sons Unlimited LLC
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Reviewed in August 2014
Anthony Schlittenhart (goes by Tony Schlittenhart) and his crew were chosen by our rental agency to tear down and rebuild our patio awning. They tore it down one day, then afterward informed us they still had not received the materials to rebuild it, so it would be another week before they could...
Hart Restoration and Remodeling
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Reviewed in March 2014
He came over and new his business. Hes an excellent contract engineer. <br />
Ed Houston Construction Inc
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Reviewed in November 2013
They do not do the structural work that I need done. I need major structural and ceiling repair along with my roof replacement.
Scott Roofing Company
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Reviewed in July 2013
From the bid to the finish all personnel were very professional. Chris the estimator was very helpful with the design of the structure. He was there thru the entire process when needed. Paul and Rick the owners are outstanding people. You really do get what you pay for, on the one occasion that...
SYMPHONY STRUCTURES LLC
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Find Structural engineers in Vail

PJM Structural

4.9(

)

Serving Vail, AZ and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I had an urgent request to get a permit across the line and Pedro was on his A-game and helped me within hours. Very professional, well documented, etc. Other structural engineers I hired only gave me headaches. I'd use Pedro again any day. Thank you very much, and glad to be in business with you!"

+15

Response time4 hrs

Response rate86%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Vail, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

EEI has been in business for 6 years. With offices in Reno NV, Carlsbad CA, and Camarillo CA EEI provides Environmental, Engineering and Architectural services. If you need Engineering or Architectural services please send an e-mail to [email protected]. A complete company profile can be seen at www.eeitiger.com, or call us in Reno at (775) 746-1980 to discuss how we can assist you.

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.

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.

Structural engineers specialize in all aspects of a building’s structural integrity, including the foundation. Foundation engineering is a critical part of structural engineering, so structural engineers are experts in foundation design. Many foundation repair companies either have a structural engineer on staff or one they work closely with, so be sure you look for that when deciding who to hire for foundation repair.

Signs of structural damage include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems.

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 Vail, AZ 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

Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
Alison Kasch
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
A damaged main support beam can cause serious structural damage to your house. Learn how much it costs to replace a main house support beam.
Kyle Schurman
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who to Hire to Replace a Sill Plate?
A sill plate needs to be replaced when it starts to rot out. Use this guide to help you know who to hire to replace a sill plate at your home.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection
Learn why it might be a good idea to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection in addition to a general home inspector when you’re purchasing a home.
Kate Fann
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.