Do monolithic slabs have footers?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Baldwin, MI

Q: Are beams and joists the same?

• <div><p>No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.</p></div>

Q: How do professionals incorporate framing into existing structures?

• <div><p>By careful planning and reinforcement to maintain structural integrity.</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: Are split-level and a split-floor plan the same thing?

• <div><p>A split-level home is one that has several staggered floors connected by short staircases, while a split floor plan separates the primary bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms. Split floor plans are most often found in single-story homes, while split-level homes are always at least two stories.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Baldwin, MI?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Baldwin, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Baldwin, 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 Baldwin, 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 April 23, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
Brian & Aaron, came out to give us a estimate on a new roof. They were very through in explaining everything, very polite, friendly, & the gave us a price within our budget. We were very pleased & would recommend One Way Exteriors to everyone.
OneWay Exteriors
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2024
They got to my project very quickly and did a great job of not only doing the work but explaining what they were doing. Their price was fair and my house and garage looked great when they were done.
A1 Landscaping
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2023
I highly recommend Armortech Windows and Doors. My salesman, Brian D'Amico has been very helpful, responsive and not at all "high pressure." The install team of Sonnie, Donnie, Austin, Brett, Allen, Jim and Brian were courteous, efficient, worked full days (even in this FL heat) and cleaned up...
Armortech Windows & Doors Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2023
The owner, James, was GREAT about keeping me up to speed on all parts of the project. Heâ s super polite and was very easy to work with, responding quickly to any questions I had. The tear off and re-shingle took parts of 5 days, and James was there four times to check on his crew. He...
MI Roofing Contractor
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2022
These guys are great, professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and timely!! Everything is explained and text communication is immediate. Hire them!! Ask for Ben!!!
1st Choice Water Solutions LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2022
The team of workers did an excellent job. Will have them take care of any future tree issues.
Roman Empire Tree, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2022
I've hired them to do several projects for me. He had done my loader, cement approach, Vinyl siding, walkway and vehicles.
Supra Clean Power Washing
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2022
The process was hard enough with the winter coming but Gus reassured me that they would get my house done before the snow. I have spoken with Gus several times throughout the process, which I like, because I could trust that they had MY interest at heart. He made sure if there was questions,...
Big Rapids Roofing, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2021
The most honest and upfront contractors Iâ ve ever met. Communication was excellent: prompt and to the point when needed. This kept the project moving and everyone safe. We will use them again as future needs arise. Wonderful people!
T&M Custom Builders,LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2021
This company was a pleasure to deal with. The office staff, estimator and field crew were very professional and all delivered exactly what they promised and on time . I worked as a contractor for 27 years, these people are top shelf.
Jim Leach Mechanical
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in Baldwin

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Baldwin, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

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."

Response time1 day

10 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.

By careful planning and reinforcement to maintain structural integrity.

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.

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.

A split-level home is one that has several staggered floors connected by short staircases, while a split floor plan separates the primary bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms. Split floor plans are most often found in single-story homes, while split-level homes are always at least two stories.

The Baldwin, MI 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 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.
Timothy Moore
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2026 Data]
Looking to remove load-bearing walls and vertical supports to open up your living space? Learn about what affects the cost to install an LVL beam.
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.
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.
Rachel Hoffman
•
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.
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.