Is it worth getting a structural engineer?

• <div><p>If you’re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it’s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren’t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It’s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you’re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Pingree Grove, IL

Q: How can you tell if a crack is structural?

• <div><p>Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren&rsquo;t uneven across the gap, and don&rsquo;t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don&rsquo;t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.</p></div>

Q: What are the key elements of quality framing work?

• <div><p>Accurate measurements, sturdy materials, and seamless integration with other structures.</p></div>

Q: How high can you build a single brick wall?

• <div><p>A freestanding brick wall that's only one brick thick can usually stand six to eight feet high. If you need a higher wall, it should be at least two bricks thick for adequate stability, and it might require a footing to support the added weight. Additionally, some areas have regulations and codes dictating how high a brick wall can be, so check with local code enforcers to ensure your proposed wall complies with any regulations.</p></div>

Q: How do material selection and structural changes influence the cost of a garage remodel?

• <div><p>Costs depend on material choices, labor, and the extent of structural modifications.</p></div>

Q: Is it worth getting a structural engineer?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it&rsquo;s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren&rsquo;t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It&rsquo;s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you&rsquo;re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Pingree Grove, IL

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Pingree Grove, 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 Pingree Grove, 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 20, 2020

Reviewed in May 2020
The space itself was finished to a high quality and the workers involved made sure they did a solid job. Some extra work was discovered along the way, and Matrix provided options and solutions to figure out how to get it done right. Nothing felt rushed. I would hire them again for future...
Matrix Basement Finishing
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Reviewed in November 2016
We have a unique deck. The house is a “post and beam” design with exposed wood beams and ceilings. The deck is literally part of the house as opposed to typical 16” on center decks. When you stand in the lower level, the 4 x 12 ceiling beams appear to extend right through the house and out under...
Fox Valley Carpentry
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Reviewed in May 2015
The whole process was A+++. From quick response <br /> on the initial bid to follow up questions on the <br /> actual work to be done. <br /> I am a retired engineer and had some technical questions <br /> concerning materials and methods and the people at Preferred <br /> Roofing &...
Preferred Roofing & Exteriors
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Reviewed in June 2014
We went with a stamped concrete design. It looked great. We weren't as pleased with how the steps turned out. There were gaps in the back that had to be filled in. This possibly was because we had a retaining wall in the front that wasn't removed for better bracing. My guess is that they...
Tmw Enterprises Paving & Maintenance
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Reviewed in January 2014
I had a potential buyer for my mom's home. A few days prior to the inspection, we had a thaw. The melting of the snow left about 2 feet of water in the crawl space. Needless to say the inspection did not go well and we had a couple of weeks to get it straightened out or the deal was over. I...
QuickFix Waterproofing Corp
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Reviewed in July 2013
Ted Carlson was great. Following up on a recommendation from my carpenter, I had made phone calls to two other structural engineering companies before I realized that they were not headed by licensed Professional Engineers (P.E.s). After they hesitated and rejected the job I offered, I found...
Structural Dynamics Inc
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Reviewed in May 2013
This was an Angie's List Big Deal offer for $500 of kitchen remodel design work for $75. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that although the 3D design drawings themselves were very well done, the new kitchen layout they proposed didn't incorporate the primary changes I was looking to make to my kitchen...
Royalty Kitchen & Bath Remodeling
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Reviewed in March 2013
Faith, Rod and Tim are great to work with and very helpful with ideas I didn't think of. I liked the structure with being able to control costs by having the customer buy the supplies and the company providing the labor as it make sit more manageable. Tim came back out after we tried to the...
Handy Men & Mrs Helper Kitchen & Bath
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Reviewed in March 2013
Tom and DanaLee Karsten were polite and helpful during the entire process, from the initial phone call to our final walk-thru. Tom spent several hours talking to us to find out exactly what we wanted in terms of design and then made recommendations when he knew our ideas were not functionable...
TOM KARSTEN CONSTRUCTION INC.
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Reviewed in June 2011
Tom is as thorough as they come. I can see why sellers cringe but as the buyer, you really appreciate his detail. Using Tom gives you an unbiased advocate. The key is to be prepared to see an overwhelming list of potential defects, then focus on the ones that really matter to you. Tom's vast...
Tomacor Inc
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Find Structural engineers in Pingree Grove

Great Lakes Builders Inc

4.8(

169

)

Serving Pingree Grove, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1946

Customers say: Super punctual

"Martin and Jake are the absolute best to work with. They were thorough, efficient, professional and so easy to work with for our basement structural work. They took time to explain what needed to be done, coordinated with different contractors (plumbing, electrical), and were able to complete our project on time while we were out of town for just a week(!!). I can't recommend Great Lakes Builders more - they were a pleasure to work with and we will absolutely be using them again for any future work we need. 5+ stars!"

Response time1 day

Response rate92%

Recommended by97%of homeowners

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Structural Design Corp

5.0(

)

Serving Pingree Grove, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1979

"structural integrity assessment of our home"

Response time5 days

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Custom Homes

5.0(

)

Serving Pingree Grove, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"I would like to start off with precise, warm welcome and highly responsible of what they are doing. They really know what they are doing and from start from start to end it has been a great project with new experiences and great craftsmanship. Thanks again guys and i hope to have more work for you soon...
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Pingree Grove, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Painting was not completed as desired. Many incomplete areas with paint splashes and spills on floor (the latter was cleaned up by their cleaning crew when I complained). Painter was let go and several others were asked to complete the work but none did a great job and still many areas not completed. I stopped the process and will finish it myself.
"

Recommended by57%of homeowners

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A2 Engineering Services P.C

New to Angi

Serving Pingree Grove, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren’t uneven across the gap, and don’t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don’t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.

Accurate measurements, sturdy materials, and seamless integration with other structures.

A freestanding brick wall that's only one brick thick can usually stand six to eight feet high. If you need a higher wall, it should be at least two bricks thick for adequate stability, and it might require a footing to support the added weight. Additionally, some areas have regulations and codes dictating how high a brick wall can be, so check with local code enforcers to ensure your proposed wall complies with any regulations.

Costs depend on material choices, labor, and the extent of structural modifications.

If you’re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it’s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren’t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It’s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you’re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.

The Pingree Grove, 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

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.
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•
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How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost to Hire? [2026 Data]
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total.
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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.
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•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
Who Can Check if a Wall Is Load-Bearing?
Before removing a wall, make sure it’s not load-bearing. Learn the benefits of hiring a structural engineer to check if a wall is load-bearing.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?
Structural steel and wood beams ensure your house is structurally sound. Learn the difference between steel and wood beams and how to choose the right one.
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•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
What to Expect From a Structural Engineer Foundation Inspection
Identify potentially serious problems with your foundation with an inspection from a structural engineer.