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 Brooklyn, MI

Q: Are ceiling joists load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they&rsquo;re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them. </p></div>

Q: How deep does a monolithic slab need to be?

• <div><p>The depth of any foundation style depends on your climate and how deep the frost line is, as building code requires that the footers of a foundation&mdash;which are built into a monolithic slab&mdash;sit at least a foot below the frost line. At the southern tip of Florida, for example, a monolithic slab foundation would only need to sit 12 inches under the soil at the widest parts. On some parts of the Canadian border, the frost line is 100 inches, which would mean a minimum of 112 inches, which is prohibitively deep for a monolithic slab.</p></div>

Q: Can engineers provide solutions for structural problems found during inspections?

• <div><p>Yes, they offer plans for repairs or reinforcements to address issues.</p></div>

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: 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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Brooklyn, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Brooklyn, 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 Brooklyn, 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 31, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
About two weeks after I gave my approval for the work, they were at my house changing my rotted railroad tie steps and deteriorated concrete slabs into a pleasing pathway to my front door. Concrete landscape steps were installed and stepping stones from my walkout basement and driveway up to...
Integrity Landscape LLC
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Reviewed in June 2024
Tall trees removed within 10 ft from living structure. I would recommend this company to anyone with any trees that are hanging over there home or building with absolutely no worries. Very professional and very courteous, thanks for helping us and keeping our family safe.
A W Trees MI LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Top quality work and professionalism through out the whole process. I would 100% recommend TK Contracting to anyone looking for concrete work.
TK Contracting & Construction Services LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
We needed a complete tear down and full new construction for an addition to our home. This remodel was a vision I had and David made it happen. Time frame, the line up of other contractors , and finished project were all amazing. I highly recommend Creekside for any type of construction.
Creekside Carpentry, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
Scott and team did an excellent job completing a structural modification for my condo. The had to remove and cap an existing natural fireplace. Add support beam. Rerun electrical and add lighting. Drywall and seam. They also pulled permits. Passed inspections. Worked with other HVAC, pluming...
Ascott Home Services, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2020
For two months I looked for someone willing to do a structural deck repair. No one wanted the job, no one followed-up. Then I found Craig. He looked at the situation, formulated a reasonable solution at a reasonable price. The job was completed in less than a day to my complete satifaction. He...
R.E. Construction Co
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Reviewed in October 2016
The finished job was excellent! They removed and replaced a very large door wall. The door wall was installed in brick. Dollins arrived with a very large trailer loaded with every tool imaginable, table saws, planers, miters. nailers, etc. Once the old door was removed they replaced the old...
Dollins Construction Inc
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Reviewed in December 2015
See my website for all the facts, including pictures. This guy is so bad that I don't want anyone to have to go thru what I did!! <br /> Website is : kmlmconstruction.net <br /> A couple starting points. First, we provide KMLM (Lynn) with a complete, professionally done set up blue prints....
KMLM Construction LLC
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Reviewed in October 2015
My husband and I have been using the services of Domestic Engineer for about two years now. The experience has gone so well, one of our family members is, too. I can't say enough about Terri and her crew. Top-notch service and I recommend them to anyone. <br />
The Domestic Engineer LLC
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Reviewed in November 2012
I'm remodeling my living room, originally finished sometime circa 1960. This area of my house was originally a breezeway between the main house and the garage. According to house plans I received from the previous owners, somewhere around 1960, the breezeway was enclosed and turned into living...
Scott's Total Home Care
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Find Structural engineers in Brooklyn

SJW Engineering LLC

4.7(

)

Serving Brooklyn, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Excellent service and knowledge of my structural engineering request. Just what I was looking for.!"

Response time2 days

14 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Serving Brooklyn, 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

Serving Brooklyn, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"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."

+101

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they’re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them.

The depth of any foundation style depends on your climate and how deep the frost line is, as building code requires that the footers of a foundation—which are built into a monolithic slab—sit at least a foot below the frost line. At the southern tip of Florida, for example, a monolithic slab foundation would only need to sit 12 inches under the soil at the widest parts. On some parts of the Canadian border, the frost line is 100 inches, which would mean a minimum of 112 inches, which is prohibitively deep for a monolithic slab.

Yes, they offer plans for repairs or reinforcements to address issues.

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

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.

The Brooklyn, 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

Alison Kasch
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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.
Dan Simms
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
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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.
Rachel Hoffman
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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.
Dan Simms
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Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
What Is a Structural Engineer and Do You Need One?
Learn what a structural engineer is, what they do, when you might need to hire one for your home project, and how much they charge.
Em Norton
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May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How to Hire a Structural Engineer: Complete Guide
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.