Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Big Rapids, MI

Q: Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner&rsquo;s insurance companies don&rsquo;t mandate a structural engineer&rsquo;s inspection, so in most cases, it&rsquo;s not required. However, it&rsquo;s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you&rsquo;re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

Q: What is considered a structural issue in a house?

• <div><p>Any issue that affects the structural integrity or soundness of a home is considered a structural issue. In addition to foundation cracks, other signs of structural issues include roof leaks, bowing walls, sloping floors, gaps around windows and doors, and more.</p></div>

Q: Why should I add structural support for my house after I raise it?

• <div><p>If your home's foundation was damaged due to shifting soil, the same problem will reoccur unless you stabilize the structure by adding posts in the bedrock.</p></div>

Q: Can hiring a pro prevent future structural issues?

• <div><p>Their expertise in identifying potential problems early and implementing durable solutions safeguards your home&rsquo;s integrity.</p></div>

Q: Are brick houses safer in an earthquake?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/urmwalls/#:~:text=Houses%20built%20of%20unreinforced%20masonry,and%20the%20roof%20is%20critical.">Earthquake Country Alliance</a>&mdash;a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness&mdash;reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn&rsquo;t as stable as other building materials and methods.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Big Rapids, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Big Rapids, 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 Big Rapids, 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 14, 2024

Reviewed in May 2024
I needed two problem trees removed from my property which were very close to the house. (actually over hanging the roof) High-Line Crane and tree service did an outstanding job removing these trees safely without any damage to my home, my property, or to themselves. A crane was essential for the...
Highline Crane and Tree Service
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Reviewed in April 2024
Absolutely great! Cliff, Dana, and their crew were dependable, careful, courteous, cleaned up the construction site every evening. We will be hiring them for another project this spring.
Ouellette Construction
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Reviewed in March 2023
If youâ re looking for quality, fair & honest home improvement, I highly recommend Andrizo Builders, LLC. I wanted a screen door installed where there had never been one as well as gutters installed along my front porch. Steve with Andrizo Builders, LLC came out and gave me an estimate. He...
Andrizo Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
Our 3500sq ft 1890 Italianate home is both old and extravagant requiring unique carpentry repair work and 8 custom paint applications. The work involved extreme detail in Gables, Corbels, Spindles, Dentils, Posts, Bay Windows and more. We appreciated the large number of workers Reyes Builders...
Reyes Builders and Painting LLC
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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
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Reviewed in April 2016
Owner Jesse Roman was very professional, safe and considerate in the removal of 1 huge maple tree which was in a very risky fall zone. He and his men removed the tree safely and in a timely manner. They also removed a 90 foot spruce tree that was right next to the house without incident or...
Roman Empire Tree, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2015
I am a civil engineer and was very impressed with his work. Everything went great.
DON ANDREWS CONCRETE CONSTR
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Find Structural engineers in Big Rapids

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Big Rapids, 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

12 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Foundation Specialist, LLC

4.2(

)

Serving Big Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great. From the project manager - Bryan Foster - to the crew chief - Shane - I don't think I could have been in better hands. Professional, knowledgeable, polite, hard working, on time, no surprises, and they left the place cleaner than it was before they came!! I highly recommend this company and the individuals I mentioned."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing.

Any issue that affects the structural integrity or soundness of a home is considered a structural issue. In addition to foundation cracks, other signs of structural issues include roof leaks, bowing walls, sloping floors, gaps around windows and doors, and more.

If your home's foundation was damaged due to shifting soil, the same problem will reoccur unless you stabilize the structure by adding posts in the bedrock.

Their expertise in identifying potential problems early and implementing durable solutions safeguards your home’s integrity.

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

The Big Rapids, MI homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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