How do you choose a residential structural engineer?

• <div><p>The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:</p><ul><li><p>Do you have experience working in my specific area?</p></li><li><p>Do you have professional indemnity insurance?</p></li><li><p>What will your structural report cover?</p></li><li><p>Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?</p></li><li><p>How long have you been in business?</p></li><li><p>Do you have a list of customer references?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Is LVL more affordable than steel I-beams?

• <div><p>Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-steel-i-beam-cost.htm">cost of a steel I-beam</a>, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists. </p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Drayton Plains, MI

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: What exactly does a structural engineer do?

• <div><p>A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.</p></div>

Q: Why do retaining walls lean?

• <div><p>Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Drayton Plains, MI?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Drayton Plains, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Drayton Plains, 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 Drayton Plains, 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 24, 2024

Reviewed in October 2024
Ali did an amazing g job helping me with my home remodel and addition project in Bingham Farms, MI. He helped engineer beams and columns for an Isokern Magnum fireplace, a foundation for a Soake pool, and other work. He was professional, timely, and very helpful with answering any question along...
Beam Engineering LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2021
Mr.Walz was very professional and friendly. He was knowledgeable and helped with making some decisions that I needed expertise on. His fee was also reasonable. I would recommend him to anyone looking for advice on a structural project.
Walz Engineering
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2020
Great company, I needed a structure removed immediately and Tracey fit us into their very tight schedule to accommodate our needs. The crew was on time and very respectful and professional. I could not ask for better service. I have another project in the Spring and won't bother looking for...
Regal Rigging and Demolition, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2019
Quality service! The report was thorough and concise. There was no doubt left for the home buyer in regards to the structural integrity of the property in question. Definitely recommend. Very flexible with scheduling as well.
Leave It To Weaver Home Inspection
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2018
Very happy with the product/engineering. Project started quickly, but took a bit too long to finish...i.e. electrical. They user a very cool window material that is clear as glass, but it's crack-proof. Some after-sale service required and it's taking a little longer to arrange than...
LUXURYBACKYARDLIVING.COM
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2018
Great! The team that came out was very professional and compassionate to our needs. The work they did was not only structurally sound, but beautiful. They taught us a lot about what it takes to build brick and mortar structures to last a life time. There was never a "hard sell", which we find...
Design One Landscape Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2016
My first estimate said I needed helical piers and near $20,000. I hired a structural engineer & he said no piers needed and spelled out in detail how to repair the problem. Jay from basement cracks & Leaks was the one I chose after a few estimates. They were on time, completed the work early,...
Basement Cracks & Leaks Metro Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2015
Vinsetta was good to work with and submitted a sensible bid. We ended up going with someone else because we needed more engineering expertise. I would definitely go to them again for a different kind of project. <br />
Vinsetta Gardens & Grading Specialties Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2014
<p>We were so fortunate that Tom Buscemi agreed to take on the renovation of our 1910 lakeside house in Lake Orion, MI. He has our highest recommendation as a congenial, honest, and competent builder. Tom has a deep appreciation for an older structure and an excellent eye for its...
Thomas Robert Construction LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2014
I called Ed one day, and told him of my vision for my living room. He came out and surveyed the living room and attic structure. He felt confident that he could achieve my request to remove a load bearing header and post. He took some dimensions, and said he would run it by a structural...
Edward F Deering Design Consultant for Functional Spaces
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in Drayton Plains

SJW Engineering LLC

4.7(

)

Serving Drayton Plains, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"If you ever need structural engineering help, Steven is your guy!"

Response time2 days

13 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Serving Drayton Plains, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

"I canâ t recommend Ali enough! A neighbor recommended Ali after another structural engineer was five weeks late getting us our plan. I called Ali on a Friday and he told me he could come out on Saturday to measure and have the plans ready by Monday. He was positive, responsive, and went above and beyond answering all of my questions! It was such a great experience working with him."

Response time1 day

Recommended by57%of homeowners

Serving Drayton Plains, 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

Serving Drayton Plains, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Glenwood was hired to engineer my trusses from a concept that I created. They were able to get the job done professionally at a competitive rate and in a timely manner."

Response time1 day

Recommended by95%of homeowners

Request Quote

Mosley's Services, Inc.

3.8(

111

)

Serving Drayton Plains, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

"His advice was good, his personality was likable and I liked that he was able to put us at ease about the issues our home has. I haven't received his written report yet, which it's been 5 days, so I am a little bothered by that...otherwise, good job."

Recommended by73%of homeowners

Request Quote

AAPEX Home Inspection Services

4.6(

)

Serving Drayton Plains, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went great! This was my first experience with a home inspection. Bob was so thorough and answered every question I had. Bob made the process smooth and easy. I would definitely refer him to my family and friends."

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Request Quote

JHB Group

New to Angi

Serving Drayton Plains, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are a reputable structural engineering consulting company. We are locally owned and operated and service the entire Ann Arbor & Detroit area for past 20 + years. We specialize in structural and soil engineer for all sorts of projects commercial and residential. We take pride in our ability to exceed expectations in all aspects of business. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients, and guarantee your satisfaction. \n

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:

Do you have experience working in my specific area?
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
What will your structural report cover?
Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?
How long have you been in business?
Do you have a list of customer references?

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 structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.

Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the cost of a steel I-beam, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists.

Failure to compact the soil during construction is the most common cause of leaning retaining walls. In addition, poor drainage can lead to excessive water pressure behind a retaining wall, pushing against it until it begins to move forward away from the soil it is holding back.

The Drayton Plains, 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

Jeanine Gordon
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Detroit? [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 in Detroit, MI.
Haley Nothstein
•
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
•
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.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
10 Signs of Structural Damage in Your Home
Keeping your home safe and structurally sound should be a top priority. Learn to recognize the signs of structural damage you should never ignore.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Apr 6, 2026Apr 6, 2026
Who Inspects Home Foundations?
Foundation problems can be dangerous and expensive. Hire a structural engineer who inspects home foundations to catch any potential problems early on.
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.