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Avatar for Creative Concepts Architecture, PLC
Creative Concepts Architecture, PLC
4.7(
23
)

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Matt was very responsive and open to collaborating throughout the design process. Recommend for remodeling projects when creative solutions for older homes are needed!"
3/4 Bath
Basement Finish
Basement Finish
Basement Finish
Front Elevation

+4

Response time1 day
Response rate94%
9 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Evolution Drafting
Evolution Drafting
3.4(
96
)

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Evolution Drafting did a great job modifying my existing plans and updating for Arizona codes and took care of the structural engineering as well."
Zeal Floor Plan
Charcoal
Palm Floor Plan
Charcoal Floor 2
Charcoal Floor 1

+23

Response time1 day
Response rate100%
56 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Periphery Design, LLC
Periphery Design, LLC
5.0(
1
)

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

"Dave designed an addition for our home. The design is very cohesive and in harmony with the existing homeâ s architecture. His ideas, professionalism, and attention to detail are excellent, we look forward to the finished product."
Row House Apartments
Kitchen View
Historic Rehabilitation
Historic Rehabilitation
Addition-Bedroom Suite and Garage

+2

Response time11 hrs
Response rate92%
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Ascended Constructions
New to Angi

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Offers commercial services

We’re a family owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity, and stands behind our work. We offer over 40 years of industry experience. We specialize in Asphalt Shingle Roofing installation, replacement, and repairs. Our services are customized to the individual project, paying close attention to the details of each project that we're involved with. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

5 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for deWit Construction & Remodeling
deWit Construction & Remodeling
4.8(
26
)

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great. Neil's crew did a fantastic job. They worked quickly and you could tell they were confident in their work. We had used DeWit Construction several years ago at another home (this was before the roofing section became it's own entity) to put on a new roof after damaged during high wind/hail storm and also to rebuild the underside of an upper deck which had not been correctly supported. We are already considering them for another project."
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+8

Recommended by95%of homeowners
Avatar for Des Moines Area Roofing
Des Moines Area Roofing
4.8(
275
)

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Des Moines Area Roofing was professional, trustworthy, and demonstrated excellent attention to detail from initial contact to job completion. Cleanup was so thorough that the next day you wouldn't even know that such a major project had taken place. It has been 2 weeks since the new roofs and we haven't seen even one stray nail left behind (and they did a complete tear down to both buildings, right down to the wood). An excellent company with which to do business. I offer my highest possible recommendation."
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Recommended by99%of homeowners
Avatar for Konak Engineering
Konak Engineering
4.9(
8
)

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

"Aaron was very knowledgeable and turned around drawings in only a few days time to meet my tight project schedule. I will recommend him to anyone needing a structural engineer in the future."
Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Addition Doctors
Addition Doctors
4.7(
22
)

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

Free estimates

"I am thrilled with my Bathroom- they showed up when they said they would. They listened to my requests - went into the project knowing what the end goal would be. The bill was what they quoted. They cleaned up after themselves. Great customer service and outstanding workmanship."
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Need a Cabin?
Enjoy the Porch

+18

Recommended by100%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 18
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:

  • Dry rot

  • Infestation

  • Shifting or cracking foundations

  • Erosion

  • Water damage

  • Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support

You should pick steel for your new support beam for a few reasons. While steel is more expensive than other materials, such as laminated veneer lumber or glulam, it offers the following benefits:

  • Fire-resistant

  • Unaffected by pests

  • Longer-lasting

  • Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)

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.

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.

The early stages of building a house are harder than the later stages; laying the foundation and framing the house are two of the most challenging steps. However, it varies for everyone. Some people have difficulty installing HVAC, plumbing, and electricity, while others find it harder to plan the house and secure the necessary permits. 

The Ames, IA homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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