Are there benefits to consulting an engineer before home modifications?

• <div><p>Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won’t compromise structural integrity.</p></div>

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Q: Why hire a structural engineer for home projects?

• <div><p>Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.</p></div>

Q: What do structural engineers look for when doing an inspection?

• <div><p>Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:</p><ul><li><p>Dry rot</p></li><li><p>Infestation</p></li><li><p>Shifting or<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/quarter-inch-crack-my-foundation-major-concern.htm"> cracking foundations</a></p></li><li><p>Erosion</p></li><li><p>Water damage</p></li><li><p>Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: Where are most load-bearing walls located?

• <div><p>Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.</p></div>

Q: Are there benefits to consulting an engineer before home modifications?

• <div><p>Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won&rsquo;t compromise structural integrity.</p></div>

Q: Can I cut or drill LVL beams?

• <div><p>It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Chase, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Chase, 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 Chase, 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 June 15, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
For Concrete of any need -they should be your first Call/Text/Email For New Build - Call/Text/Email For Remodel - Call/Text/Email For Roofing and Gutters - Call/Text/Email For Pole Barns - Call/Text/Email Griffes Construction Inc. of Big Rapids does it all. They did Roofing and Gutters for us as...
Logan Griffes Construction LLC
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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 December 2023
They do good work at fair prices. Had them do various projects including painting, landscaping, skirting our deck, remodeling a family room, roof repair and sealing and other general repairs. Will have them do future siding and kitchen remodeling projects this winter.
Honey Do For You
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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 Painters
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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 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
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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
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Reviewed in April 2021
This company cares about you as the customer. They are extremely experienced and professional and could not have asked for a better team to put a new roof on my house
Big Rapids Roofing, LLC
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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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Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

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Serving Chase, 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

Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.

Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:

Dry rot
Infestation
Shifting or cracking foundations
Erosion
Water damage
Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support

Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.

Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won’t compromise structural integrity.

It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.

The Chase, 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

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.
Haley Nothstein
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
A damaged main support beam can cause serious structural damage to your house. Learn how much it costs to replace a main house support beam.
Dan Simms
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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.
Dan Simms
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Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection
Learn why it might be a good idea to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection in addition to a general home inspector when you’re purchasing a home.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
Who Can Check if a Wall Is Load-Bearing?
Before removing a wall, make sure it’s not load-bearing. Learn the benefits of hiring a structural engineer to check if a wall is load-bearing.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
Structural Inspection vs. Home Inspection: Which Is Right for You?
Knowing the difference between structural inspections vs. home inspections is easy with this convenient guide. Learn when you might get each one done.