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>

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Q: What factors affect building costs?

• <div><p>The costs depend on the type of wood, labor, roofing material, permits, and whether additional storage or enclosed walls are included.</p></div>

Q: Will a bank finance a house with foundation problems?

• <div><p>It depends on the bank and the extent of the issue. Some banks will lend against homes with minor foundation damage, but most won&rsquo;t if the issue is structural since the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. Banks that offer renovation loans might still finance a home with structural problems. More minor issues like settling cracks and intermittent problems with humidity are unlikely to stop a bank from financing. </p></div>

Q: Are all exterior walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria. </p></div>

Q: How long does a structural assessment typically take?

• <div><p>A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Bridgman, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Bridgman, 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 Bridgman, 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 March 16, 2023

Reviewed in March 2023
Our estimate included a careful assessment of our large, old tree. They came out for the estimate only a few days after we called while other services we called for an estimate never even returned our call. The person who did the estimate was obviously knowledgeable about tree health and...
Reyes Tree Service
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Reviewed in April 2022
We had Taku from TKZ Architecture design and monitor the construction of our large family home. The experience was excellent. We highly recommend this firm.
TKZ Architecture LLC
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Reviewed in November 2021
My husband and I could not be happier with the work we got done by Robert Clayton Plaster & Drywall. They were responsive and professional over the phone. They came and gave a detailed and broken down estimate. When we scheduled with them they showed up on time and even finished early. We didn't...
Robert Clayton Plastering and Drywall
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Reviewed in May 2018
Our concrete slab house had existing hardwood flooring that was badly damaged by a major water heater leak and we needed to replace the entire 2k sq. ft house of hardwood flooring. It was a huge job that many we brought by/called to quote turned down on the spot. Cortez Flooring, however, not...
Cortez Flooring Inc
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Reviewed in April 2017
We did not hire this contractor -- our neighbors did. When ever this contractor is in the neighborhood we have a mess to clean up. This is our second house and the third mess. We would NEVER hire this company for fear of the mess they would leave for our neighbors. Still have a mess in the...
NATURE'S WAY LANDSCAPING
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Reviewed in August 2016
Absolutely professional, the tree that came down in the storm was massive and covered 2 structures across 3 properties. Alvaro is the owner and was great to deal with. They did such a great job with the removal and clean up. I would highly recommend them!
Reyes Tree Service
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Reviewed in July 2015
The quality of the cuts for the fit and finish on the metal sheeting is poor and the flashing looks questionable also and it has taken over 1 month to install. They ran out of cap material and had to order more and it will take over a week to get the rest of the material. The pile of material...
Gutter Helmet of Michigan
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Reviewed in May 2015
Our experience with Ross and Structure Scapes was GREAT from start to finish. They exceeded our expectations at every phase of building our dream fence. Very professional and a company with Honesty And Integrity. They were the highest bid and were worth every penny. Just can't say enough...
Structure Scapes
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Reviewed in June 2014
Jim is a top-notch independent professional. He's busy and he works at his pace. If you aren't in a hurry, his schedule makes up for his quality and professionalism. Jim responded to a call. We spoke about the repair needed. It took him a week or two to get out to the property to survey the...
Jim Gardner
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Reviewed in April 2013
I hired Bennett construction to pour a new concrete patio and steps in my backyard. I had torn out an pre-existing wooden deck, and wanted to replace with something much longer lasting. While Bennett Construction wasn't the cheapest bid for the job, they were by far the most professional, and...
BENNETT CONSTRUCTION
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Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Bridgman, 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

13 neighbors recently requested a quote

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American Basement Solutions

4.3(

)

Serving Bridgman, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1992

Credit card accepted

"Work went well. Crew arrived when scheduled and on time. Seemed very professional, friendly, and conscientious. They showed me what they were doing and how the piers would be installed. I gathered 5 quotes for the job and they were the most professional/competitive of everyone I spoke with and I was not disappointed. Only minor complaint would be that it seemed the grading on the back fill was left a bit high. I was told it would settle, but I doubt it will settle that much. Not a big deal--I would still highly recommend them."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The costs depend on the type of wood, labor, roofing material, permits, and whether additional storage or enclosed walls are included.

It depends on the bank and the extent of the issue. Some banks will lend against homes with minor foundation damage, but most won’t if the issue is structural since the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. Banks that offer renovation loans might still finance a home with structural problems. More minor issues like settling cracks and intermittent problems with humidity are unlikely to stop a bank from financing.

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.

It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria.

A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.

The Bridgman, 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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