Does a structural engineer need to be licensed?

• <div><p>Yes, all states require structural engineers to carry the proper license, with specifics determined by each state. You can use Angi’s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to confirm that the structural engineer you’re considering holds the required licensing to tackle your job. Hiring an unlicensed structural engineer will not only cause issues with permits but it could also lead to an unsafe building. The cost of a professional, licensed, and experienced engineer is well worth the investment.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Charlevoix, MI

Q: Is a structural engineer’s report worth it?

• <div><p>A structural engineer&rsquo;s report is almost always worth it, as it can help you avoid buying or overpaying for a home with structural issues. The most important thing the report does for you is provide peace of mind that you won&rsquo;t have to pay thousands of dollars for structural repairs right after closing on a property. </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 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 do I know if cracks are structural?

• <div><p>The best way to determine if ceiling cracks are structural is to hire a ceiling contractor to inspect the cracks and provide a professional opinion. That said, you might be able to make an educated guess based on the size and appearance of the crack. Larger cracks, cracks accompanied by sagging or discoloration, and cracks that travel from the ceiling down the walls are all signs of structural issues.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Charlevoix, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Charlevoix, 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 Charlevoix, 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 October 22, 2024

Reviewed in October 2024
Great workers very knowledgeable. Took pride in what they did. Found an area on the house that needed repair, and pointed it out so I could repair before install.
RetroFoam of Michigan Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2024
Fortune Restoration was amazing to work with. We needed our original 1929 wood windows repaired and painted on the outside of our home. Bernie was amazing to work with from day one. He outlined the scope of work I wanted his team to do and then came back with the areas of work I needed to focus...
Fortune Restoration
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Reviewed in August 2024
Excellent job with attention to structural features (we needed multiple new footings) and deck detail. Very pleasant and accommodative workers. A little pricey as everything appears to be these daysÃ¢Â Â but worth it for an outstanding job.
Renewit Group
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Reviewed in August 2023
Great people to do business with You talk to an owner Friendly professional service at fair prices Owner led installation crew with fast professional installation Quality products at fair competitive prices Comfortable pleasant transaction on time as quoted
Bilt On Demand Gutter Solutions, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2023
From start to finish we were very happy with Szoka Construction. Tear off a layer of wood and a layer of metal. Cleaned the yard past expectation and very happy with our vinyl shake siding. We have already been in contact with Jacob to build us a garage this spring!
Szoka construction
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Reviewed in November 2022
From the owner to the crew…all were very professional and knowledgeable. The entire project was preformed with care and precision. Over the course of the project they kept the work area neat and cleaned up each night. I would definitely recommend them and will be using them for future...
Rainey's Landscape, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2021
Trevor is an excellent builder, very professional and responds quickly.
Bartholomew Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2015
<p>I met with the owner, Ken, and one of his sons, Parker. Both of them were very knowledgeable about the product and application. They are sensitive to environmental issues and owners' perspectives. Only pests were harmed in the making of this story. :-)</p> <p>The initial application was on...
Hogarth's Pest Control Co
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Reviewed in June 2015
Seemed professional and well prepared with structural questions and concerns. Price was about 30 percent more than a price I was given last summer by another contractor we have used and liked. He wasn't available. A 35-40 thousand dollar addition seems to add about half the cost in value to...
Building Integrity
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Reviewed in August 2014
<p>Tony's team came into the condo and put up plastic barriers to protect the areas not involved in construction from the demolition/ and construction dust. They kept the condo as clean as possible while doing a major construction job.</p> <p>As the construction progressed they sent us...
W. Piersall Construction Inc
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Find Structural engineers in Charlevoix

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Charlevoix, 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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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

A structural engineer’s report is almost always worth it, as it can help you avoid buying or overpaying for a home with structural issues. The most important thing the report does for you is provide peace of mind that you won’t have to pay thousands of dollars for structural repairs right after closing on a property.

Yes, all states require structural engineers to carry the proper license, with specifics determined by each state. You can use Angi’s state licensing tool to confirm that the structural engineer you’re considering holds the required licensing to tackle your job. Hiring an unlicensed structural engineer will not only cause issues with permits but it could also lead to an unsafe building. The cost of a professional, licensed, and experienced engineer is well worth the investment.

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.

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.

The best way to determine if ceiling cracks are structural is to hire a ceiling contractor to inspect the cracks and provide a professional opinion. That said, you might be able to make an educated guess based on the size and appearance of the crack. Larger cracks, cracks accompanied by sagging or discoloration, and cracks that travel from the ceiling down the walls are all signs of structural issues.

The Charlevoix, 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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