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 Weiser, ID

Q: What qualifications should a structural engineer have?

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

Q: Do structural engineers do free quotes?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Q: Do structural engineers draw house plans?

• <div><p>Structural engineers draw structural plans, which include detailed drawings of the structural components of a home only. Complete house plans will require additional work from an architect or draftsperson, whose drawings will take the structural drawings into account. They&rsquo;ll also include more details about the finishing materials and layout of a home, including everything from roofing and flooring materials to the position of furniture, light fixtures, switches, and plumbing fixtures.</p></div>

Q: Can a one-story house have a load-bearing wall?

• <div><p>Yes, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Weiser, ID

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Weiser, ID 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 Weiser, ID 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 November 13, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
We purchased two new sliding glass doors at a home show. We wanted to replace ours because they were hard to slide open and closed. We have been VERY UNSATISFIED with Amazing Exteriors and REGRET ever buying them! They were a month late with the installation and never updated us to tell us when...
Amazing Exterior's of Idaho
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Reviewed in June 2023
Awesome work and communication throughout the project. Could not meet a more friendly and awesome couple. There were removed several large trees overhanging fence lines, power lines, property lines, and structures. They did such a good job that I referred them to my fathers home for additional...
5C Tree Cutters, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
The installers were very knowledgeable, and clearly explained what they were going to do prior to doing it. They ran into complications, and engineered a remedy on the spot. I would buy these windows again if Renewal by Anderson can guarantee that I get Derrick A and Jacob H as installers again.
Renewal by Andersen of Boise
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Reviewed in August 2015
We own a historic home on that happens to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I'm also a member of local preservation group which owns two historic buildings in our community, also on the NR. When we could not get comprehensive coverage for those structures two years ago,...
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE
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Reviewed in August 2014
Arrived on monday at 9am as agreed. Keith made quick work of the first side of the wall demolition. The most impressive aspect of his work throughout, and at the end of the first day; was how clean he maintained the work area! So, he worked quickly and cleaned things up as he worked. A very cool...
Hooked On Construction
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Reviewed in September 2013
About a month ago the owner, Bob Potter, came to bid on the project. He offered suggestions and we agreed on what needed to be done. The evening before the work was done he called to say tomorrow is the day. Fortunately it worked out well for me. The short notice was a bit surprising. The crew...
ADVANTAGE TREE CARE
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Reviewed in September 2013
Kept the car for 2 days to check the engine. Learned it was the gas tank and not engine. Very thorough
Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Of Pocatello
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Reviewed in August 2013
Jeff was very professional and had a good level of communication throughout the process. He is busy, and I had to wait a couple weeks before he could take my truck but it was worth the wait. He had the engine steam cleaned and called me with a preliminary diagnosis within a couple hours of...
Askew Machine and Perfomance-Jeff Askew South Side
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Reviewed in July 2013
The work went well few if any problems; owner made a trip to local hardware type store to purchase special colored screws, while repair shop owner removed the engine from the boat; flashing pieces were installed and motor was reattached to boat. The result was even better than hoped for, I could...
Ultra Marine Performance
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Reviewed in June 2013
After the safety check was complete, the salesperson came out with a form that indicated that there was a major leak of coolant and engine oil from a failed head gasket. The repair for the head gasket was quoted at $1600. Since I had never had a problem with leaking oil or overheating, I asked...
Phil Meador Toyota
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Find Structural engineers in Weiser

Meier Architecture • Engineering

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Meier Architecture • Engineering

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43 years of experience

Meier Architecture & Engineering, an Employee Owned company, is a full-service architectural and engineering consulting firm with Registered Architects and licensed Professional Engineers in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Structural Engineering. Formed in 1982, has successfully completed more than 6,600 projects in the past 29 years. Meier Architecture & Engineering, an award winning company providing services from coast to coast, as well as worldwide, we are licensed in 28 states and serve as members of many professional, discipline-specific associations. Mindful of our future, members of our staff are also accredited in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Proper licensing and experience in residential and commercial structural projects.

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.

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.

Structural engineers draw structural plans, which include detailed drawings of the structural components of a home only. Complete house plans will require additional work from an architect or draftsperson, whose drawings will take the structural drawings into account. They’ll also include more details about the finishing materials and layout of a home, including everything from roofing and flooring materials to the position of furniture, light fixtures, switches, and plumbing fixtures.

Yes, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.

The Weiser, ID 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
•
Oct 15, 2025Oct 15, 2025
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2025 Data]
Beam installation costs are an important consideration if you’re building a home or doing renovations. Learn about average costs and factors in this guide.
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Oct 13, 2025Oct 13, 2025
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2025 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.
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Oct 13, 2025Oct 13, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Vault a Ceiling? [2025 Data]
Looking to expand your ceiling and send claustrophobia running for the hills? This guide covers the cost to vault a ceiling and factors that impact estimates.
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Oct 23, 2024Oct 23, 2024
How to Hire a Structural Engineer: Complete Guide
It can be hard to choose the right pro for any job, but it matters. Learn how to hire a structural engineer who'll get the job done right from start to finish.
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Oct 21, 2025Oct 21, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2025 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.
Dan Simms
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Oct 24, 2024Oct 24, 2024
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.