"Martin and Great Lakes are consummate professionals. They are incredibly knowledgable about structures and the factors and variables that can affect them -- both internal and external. For our work, they excavated along the foundation to allow us to analyze our foundation. We highly recommend them to preserve the structure of your facilities new and old."
"Linda was excellent! Knowledgeable, great communicator and honest. We were told structural work was needed on our 100+ year home but after a thorough assessment, Linda recommended tuckpointing only!"
Marc Anderson Architects is an easy-to-work Chicago-based full-service architecture and design firm serving the greater Chicagoland area. We listen to our clients to learn and then adopt their goals as our own. These goals focus our work to find the best custom design for each client. Our knowledge of construction methods expands our creative flexibility while also providing cost-effective solutions. With experience in residential, mixed-use developments, commercial build-outs, public institutions, daycare centers, and commercial tenant improvements, MAA is well prepared to help you plan a beautiful, functional space that fits your specific needs.
"Our experience with AP Builder was great. Angelo was very knowledgeable and professional, keeping us informed every step of the way. This was a big important project for our home and I am extremely happy with how it came out! The cost was very reasonable and there were no surprises, everything was open and honest. I would definitely use them again and recommend to friends and family. Thank you AP!"
"We met with owner/senior architect, Firmin Senga to join us in the viewing of our desired property. We wanted to have an architect on board with us for reassurance that the updates we plan will work before we make an offer. He was very helpful."
"I am having a full master bath and kitchen remodel done with new layouts in both rooms and knocking out a wall. Evolution worked with me to quickly get a drawing done of the new layouts so that the contractor could get started on the project. They made sure to include me in the process so that the design would be done exactly as my wife and I envisioned. They communicated effectively throughout the process and were always courteous and professional. I recommend them to anyone with drafting needs."
"We hired Trudy to convert our three-flat into a two-flat — a complex project — and she knocked it out of the park. Her design was outstanding, her knowledge of city codes and permitting was spot-on, and she coordinated seamlessly with our GC. She even worked with structural engineer to make our third floor work. Always kind, always available, and truly a master of her craft. She’s become a good firend as well. Highly recommend!"
Drumlin guides its clients through the often complex process of designing and building their dream from the ground up. Using a clear set of steps, projects are shepherded through each stage with efficiency and care. \n\nDrumlin PLLC is a minority and veteran-owned (VOSB, IL-BEP) architecture firm. The practice is focused on providing architectural services from design through construction for clients of all sizes.
"We had an excellent experience working with Robert Anthony from start to finish. They were professional, responsive, and incredibly detail-oriented throughout our kitchen remodel. His team completed our renovation on time, kept the workspace clean, and communicated with us every step of the way. The quality of the craftsmanship exceeded our expectations, and you can truly tell they take pride in their work. They transformed our kitcjen beautifully and made the entire process smooth and stress-free for my family. We are beyond happy with our kitchen and we couldn’t recommended him more."
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
Costs depend on desk size, labor, included features like drawers or motorized height adjustments, and required wall anchoring.
All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.
Water can seep into porous materials like wood beams, floor joists, and roof rafters within minutes, but they’ll need to see prolonged exposure before you have structural damage. Mold can start growing within 24 hours, and mold can eat away at the structural components over time. Wood rot is more of a concern, though. Wet and dry rot are fungal infections that set in in moist conditions and rapidly deteriorate wood, causing major structural damage within just a few months in some cases.
The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.
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.
The River 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.
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 in Chicago, IL.
Find out the average beam installation cost in Chicago, IL. Learn what you can expect to pay for local structural support and get your home renovation ready.
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.
Spotting deep foundation cracks or sagging floors? Learn about structural engineering costs, serious warning signs, and how to hire the right local pro.
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.
