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 can I tell if a home I purchased in an earthquake zone is bolted to the foundation?

• <div><p>Generally, you can tell if a home is bolted to the foundation by checking the foundation for plates. If you see that your foundational plates connect to wood or bolts protruding from them, this means that you have a bolted foundation. However, it's always wise to bring a home inspector in to confirm if your foundation is secure.</p></div>

Q: How thick are LVL beams?

• <div><p>The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between <b>1.75 inches and 7 inches</b>. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.</p></div>

Q: Are horizontal cracks structural?

• <div><p>Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage. </p></div>

Q: What building codes apply to spiral staircases?

• <div><p>Building codes for spiral staircases will vary by your location. Most local codes will specify minimum tread width, riser height, handrail requirements, and headroom. These standards help ensure safety and accessibility for all users. Always check local codes before you begin the installation to ensure compliance and avoid costly modifications or fines.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Alto, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Alto, MI 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 Alto, MI 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 19, 2022

Reviewed in May 2022
Cyrus responded quickly whenever I emailed him and the first set of drawings he produced only required minor changes to get approved by Montgomery County. He is the first structural engineer I've ever hired (Montgomery County has let me do my own drawings for previous projects), and if I...
Structures R Us
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Reviewed in April 2021
JVF Construction just finished a remodel of our main bathroom, and they did a beautiful job! The room is very small and doubles as our master bath as well as the bathroom people use when we have friends and family over, so we wanted it finally to be both practical and beautiful, and as a result...
JVF Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2017
We are a rather handy couple and have completed a lot of home improvement projects ourselves, but when it came to our roof we knew we needed a professional. We called a few companies for estimates. Larry came out and took a look at our roof and was very thorough. He offered us lots of...
Avalon Roofing and Exteriors
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Reviewed in June 2017
Very helpful and pointed out a structural problem that needs to be addressed first , gave alot of good info. and ideas if how to proceed , very professional ...
Kodiak Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2013
We had 3 companies bid , <br /> Co. one spent less than 2 minutes looking at the damage (inside only) and gave a price. <br /> Co. number 2 also only looked at the inside damage , and quoted the job with a number of exceptions . <br /> Dave Wygmans from New Leaf . Dave inspected the inside...
New Leaf Construction LLC
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Reviewed in October 2012
Dwight Jacobsen evaluated a crumbling cement footing in our garage. It is an important footing as the main support beam for the master bedroom above the garage rests on it. We had a couple companies quote a repair for us. Jacobsen's quote was much lower than the competition though he was...
Jacobsen Remodeling Inc
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Reviewed in October 2011
Larry consulted with us several times in the design and estimating phase, gave us great ideas, and was very responsive at solving every issue we brought up. For example, our neighbor's house had its basement wall buckle inward due to the heavy clay soil and our hillside location putting higher...
Pillar Construction LLC
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Robert Cowles PE

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Serving Alto, MI and surrounding areas

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In business since 2004

Offers commercial services

"Robert responded quickly to my request. He provided me with the services I needed in a timely fashion. I would recommend Robert Cowles PE for your project."

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11 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Alto, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

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"I was very pleased with their project and how they did it. They got it done in 2 days. They did a good job on keeping on the timeline that I needed. Easy to reach them if I have question."

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Generally, you can tell if a home is bolted to the foundation by checking the foundation for plates. If you see that your foundational plates connect to wood or bolts protruding from them, this means that you have a bolted foundation. However, it's always wise to bring a home inspector in to confirm if your foundation is secure.

The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between 1.75 inches and 7 inches. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.

Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage.

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.

Building codes for spiral staircases will vary by your location. Most local codes will specify minimum tread width, riser height, handrail requirements, and headroom. These standards help ensure safety and accessibility for all users. Always check local codes before you begin the installation to ensure compliance and avoid costly modifications or fines.

The Alto, MI homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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

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