Should I hire a construction manager for new construction?

• <div><p>A construction manager is particularly useful in the case of a large-scale build with custom design elements, so it’s usually worth it to hire one. They can help manage your budget, maintain quality control, oversee timelines, and navigate unexpected hurdles. While <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/construction-management-fees.htm">construction managers are pricey</a>, they can actually save money in the long run by identifying cost-saving opportunities and ensuring the project stays within budget.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Comstock, MI

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 termite damage affect home structural value?

• <div><p>Yes, unresolved damage can decrease property integrity and market value.</p></div>

Q: Do squeaky floors mean structural damage?

• <div><p>No, squeaky floors do not always mean there is structural damage. The noise is often caused by friction from issues like loose floorboards, gaps between the subfloor and joists, or loose subflooring. While many squeaks are harmless, persistent or worsening noise could indicate a more severe problem. If you notice other signs of structural damage&mdash;such as soft or sagging floors, cracks running from the wall to the ceiling, or horizontal cracks in your foundation&mdash;it's best to have a professional inspect your floor to determine the root cause.</p></div>

Q: How thick are LVL beams?

• <div><p>The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between <b>1.75 inches and 7 inches</b>. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Comstock, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Comstock, 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 Comstock, 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 November 05, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Yes constructions very professional work done everything done with the projects was outstanding I would highly recommend he has constructions to friend in the near future
ES Construction
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Reviewed in December 2023
Overall JV did an excellent job installing our dining room floor (an engineered hardwood floor). The workers were highly skilled and patient with me as I needed to replace a threshhold as I had purchased the wrong one. Our only complaint would be some communication difficulties on the day of...
JV's Flooring
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Reviewed in April 2021
We had a flat porch roof with water accumulating in one corner and damaging porch structure underneath. We were given a proposal that mentioned rebuilding the roof structure to prevent future pooling. The old rubberized roof was pulled off and a new one put in place but we were disappointed at...
Stronghouse
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Reviewed in April 2021
Overall the work went very well with good communication and clear expectations from the quoting process to the installation. Everyone was professional and it was clear they cared about their job. The electrical work done was very good and even the building inspector commented on how well it was...
Service Professor Inc
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Reviewed in February 2021
Warren Builders gutted the home down to the studs and beautifully rebuilt it to code. Will be hiring for future projects!
Warren Builders, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2019
Kevin was a great engineer for remodeling our basement. He completely built in the basement. Two bedrooms, office, closets, bathroom. Hallway. Painted. Flooring. Paneling, ceiling. Plumbing. Electricity. And added a hearth to fireplace.
Markin Co.
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Reviewed in January 2018
Due to a growing family we needed room. My wife and I decided to expand in our existing home rather than move out of the area we love. We added a family room, two bedrooms with egress windows and a full bathroom to out basement. Having worked in the electrical contracting industry for over 20...
Larrabee Construction
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Reviewed in June 2015
Their application could be a good fit for my issue but they never followed up like I requested to provide additional engineering input and to answer my questions. The rep. that visited my house did not leave me with a written quote either. He was unable to address some of my technical...
Groundworks
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Reviewed in January 2014
Suggestions by builder greatly improved overall design and structure. This is the second project Tom Scheffers has done. The first was adding a bathroom to the first floor and converting the previous bath to a pantry. We have discussed Scheffers building a house for us in the future. Now all we...
Scheffers Construction Co
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Reviewed in September 2013
The workers were punctual, polite, knowledgeable and cleaned up after themselves every evening before leaving. <br /> The owner of the company and manager of the project was on the site daily to check on the progress of the structure <br /> as well as attend to any questions I may have had....
Platinum Construction Management Inc
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Find Structural engineers in Comstock

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Comstock, 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

10 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Foundation Specialist, LLC

4.2(

)

Serving Comstock, 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

A construction manager is particularly useful in the case of a large-scale build with custom design elements, so it’s usually worth it to hire one. They can help manage your budget, maintain quality control, oversee timelines, and navigate unexpected hurdles. While construction managers are pricey, they can actually save money in the long run by identifying cost-saving opportunities and ensuring the project stays within budget.

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, unresolved damage can decrease property integrity and market value.

No, squeaky floors do not always mean there is structural damage. The noise is often caused by friction from issues like loose floorboards, gaps between the subfloor and joists, or loose subflooring. While many squeaks are harmless, persistent or worsening noise could indicate a more severe problem. If you notice other signs of structural damage—such as soft or sagging floors, cracks running from the wall to the ceiling, or horizontal cracks in your foundation—it's best to have a professional inspect your floor to determine the root cause.

The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between 1.75 inches and 7 inches. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.

The Comstock, 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

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May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
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