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: How do I know if I need a structural engineer?

• <div><p>You need to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-structural-engineer.htm">hire a structural engineer</a> when building or modifying any component with a structural load in your home. Common situations where you would need a structural engineer include home inspections when buying or selling a home, investigating possible issues with your foundation, beams, load-bearing walls, or chimneys, breaking ground on a new home or structure on your property, and renovating an old part of your home that could threaten any structural integrity. Home additions and bump-outs also require an engineer. </p></div>

Q: What inspections do structural engineers do?

• <div><p>Structural engineers can perform various inspections on different structures in your home. These inspections usually include a report detailing the engineer&rsquo;s findings and recommendations for repairs so you can determine your next course of action for repairs, replacements, or new builds. Some of the most common structural engineering reports include:</p><ul><li><p>Full home inspection: $350&ndash;$1,000</p></li><li><p>Foundation: $300&ndash;$800</p></li><li><p>Load-bearing walls: $300&ndash;$1,000</p></li><li><p>Roof: $150&ndash;$600</p></li><li><p>Chimney: $200&ndash;$500</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: Are walls on the top floor load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor&rsquo;s foundation.</p></div>

Q: Can I cut or drill LVL beams?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Cuba, IL

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Cuba, IL 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 Cuba, IL 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 May 10, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Doug Harper was most reliable and his crew were exceptional in handling the many obstacles that arise when working where water meets the land. Having owned lakeside properties for over 50 years, creating shorelines and establishing new docks and water recreation sites is a hazardous task that...
Superior Seawalls & Docks
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Reviewed in March 2026
Got the job done and it looks good. They are good at building garages.
Midwest Garage Builders
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Reviewed in October 2025
These guys have done several projects for me kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel and built one deck and repaired another. Happy with all the work they’ve done and will definitely call them for any future projects. They are very professional and trustworthy. Price was right and jobs completed on...
G&N Construction
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Reviewed in March 2025
They were wonderful. Tony Murphy was so helpful and provided all information we needed. Would definitely hire them again. We had 2 storms back to back and they provided everything we needed. Great company to work with!!!
Quality Roofing Pro
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Reviewed in September 2023
Did a beautiful job painting my front door that had stain damage. Hired a previous painter who could not complete the job to my satisfaction after Three tries. He did it in 1 day.
Storys Painting, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2023
Fantastic contractor!! Fast service. Great communication. Quality work.
Ron Whitehead Builder, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2022
The crew did a great job of taking down a large tree leaning heavily towards the house. They had great communication throughout the process and cleaned up after themselves. Highly recommend!
Kaboom Rigging
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Reviewed in August 2022
Very hard workers, will keep them in mind when needing other projects done.
Gerber Priority Painting
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Reviewed in August 2022
Great company!!! Wonderful crew, scheduler & products!
Empire Today - Colorado
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Reviewed in August 2022
They did an excellent job. Clean up and remove all debris. My place looks really good.
The Bros Lawn Care
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Find Structural engineers in Cuba

Advanced Foundation Repair & Replacement

5.0(

)

Serving Cuba, IL and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

"Two years ago my wife and I noticed that our foundation was beginning to settle. We had huge cracks in the dry-wall and our front door wasn't opening and closing properly. We decided to contact Advanced Foundation Repair and Replacement, owner Frank Matyiko. He got a structural engineer to our house. The engineer recommended that we needed twelve piers in order to fix our foundation. the entire construction project went as planned. Advance Foundation provided us with a transferable warranty in case we decided to sell our home.
The overall experience was wonderful their crew was very professional and we would use them again and recommend them to anyone!!
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

You need to hire a structural engineer when building or modifying any component with a structural load in your home. Common situations where you would need a structural engineer include home inspections when buying or selling a home, investigating possible issues with your foundation, beams, load-bearing walls, or chimneys, breaking ground on a new home or structure on your property, and renovating an old part of your home that could threaten any structural integrity. Home additions and bump-outs also require an engineer.

Structural engineers can perform various inspections on different structures in your home. These inspections usually include a report detailing the engineer’s findings and recommendations for repairs so you can determine your next course of action for repairs, replacements, or new builds. Some of the most common structural engineering reports include:

Full home inspection: $350–$1,000
Foundation: $300–$800
Load-bearing walls: $300–$1,000
Roof: $150–$600
Chimney: $200–$500

Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor’s foundation.

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 Cuba, IL 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.
Lyle Hendriks
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 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.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
Structural Inspection vs. Home Inspection: Which Is Right for You?
Knowing the difference between structural inspections vs. home inspections is easy with this convenient guide. Learn when you might get each one done.
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.
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.