Get matched with top structural engineers in Custer, MI

Q: Are walls on the top floor load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor&rsquo;s foundation.</p></div>

Q: Are dormers load-bearing?

• <div><p>Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.</p></div>

Q: How can I tell if a home I purchased in an earthquake zone is bolted to the foundation?

• <div><p>Generally, you can tell if a home is bolted to the foundation by checking the foundation for plates. If you see that your foundational plates connect to wood or bolts protruding from them, this means that you have a bolted foundation. However, it's always wise to bring a home inspector in to confirm if your foundation is secure.</p></div>

Q: Can a one-story house have a load-bearing wall?

• <div><p>Yes, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.</p></div>

Q: How high can you build a single brick wall?

• <div><p>A freestanding brick wall that's only one brick thick can usually stand six to eight feet high. If you need a higher wall, it should be at least two bricks thick for adequate stability, and it might require a footing to support the added weight. Additionally, some areas have regulations and codes dictating how high a brick wall can be, so check with local code enforcers to ensure your proposed wall complies with any regulations.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Custer, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Custer, 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 Custer, 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 July 07, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Mike from Green Built Roofing is excellent he explained everything. Was prepared with everything about my house measurements etc. Work has not been done yet but I feel I made the right choice in companies. Definitely would refer them.
Green Built Roofing, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2025
Markin Company was an excellent company to work with, their workmanship was superb, the work was completed in one day with the removal of the old roof and with a new replacement, and the crew was hard working and professional. In conclusion the whole project and staff were organized and very...
Markin Co.
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Reviewed in May 2025
Premier Roofing Exteriors replaced the shingles and some of the exterior plywood on my free standing workshop. They are very professional in all categories, from the estimator the project managers and the excellent crew. I highly recommend them for your exterior roofing/repairs.
Premier Roofing & Exteriors LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
Ezekiel built an awesome composite deck for my home. We were very happy with his work, and we love our new outdoor space.
Keystone Contracting LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
We want to give a big shout out to Serden. Its really hard to know that youre getting a good contractor. And we were lucky to get the best ever. From our initial bid from Dennis to the final design and construction it has been nothing but a pleasure to work with such a professional company. We...
Serden Group
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Reviewed in November 2022
The attention to details was amazing in this company. They took their time and did the project correctly. I never had an issue with them and they did numerous project in our home. I'm completely satisfied with the quality of the work and I would recommend them to anybody whose looking for a...
The Shower Guys
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Reviewed in October 2022
Mr. Bender and the crew were excellent to work with from the design to the completion of my new garage. The attention to detail was important as we wanted the finished building to match our existing homes architecture. We now have the additional storage we needed and increased the long-term...
Diversified Management Group, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
Excellent crew and equipment to make a difficult project easier.
T&M Custom Builders,LLC
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Reviewed in June 2022
We hired FoamWorks to insulate the roof deck of our 125 year old home. They were exceptionally accommodating as we are doing the rest of the remodel work ourselves. They communicated well, were prompt, professional and left a clean job site. We are very happy with the results! While not cheap it...
Foam Works, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
I was so impressed with the immediate response I received from Todd. He was in constant communication with me throughout the project. The work was completed in a timely manner. We are very pleased with the pressure washing and staining of our deck. I highly recommend GroundWorks LLC!
GroundWorks MI, LLC
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Find Structural engineers in Custer

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

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Serving Custer, MI and surrounding areas

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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

Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor’s foundation.

Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.

Generally, you can tell if a home is bolted to the foundation by checking the foundation for plates. If you see that your foundational plates connect to wood or bolts protruding from them, this means that you have a bolted foundation. However, it's always wise to bring a home inspector in to confirm if your foundation is secure.

Yes, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.

A freestanding brick wall that's only one brick thick can usually stand six to eight feet high. If you need a higher wall, it should be at least two bricks thick for adequate stability, and it might require a footing to support the added weight. Additionally, some areas have regulations and codes dictating how high a brick wall can be, so check with local code enforcers to ensure your proposed wall complies with any regulations.

The Custer, 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
•
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.
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.
Lyle Hendriks
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
Beam installation costs are an important consideration if you’re building a home or doing renovations. Learn about average costs and factors in this guide.
Kate Fann
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.
Dan Simms
•
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.
Dan Simms
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
6 Tips on How to Build an Earthquake-Proof House
Knowing how to build an earthquake-proof house can reduce the risk of home collapse and damage. Follow these tips to protect your home.