Get matched with top structural engineers in Durand, MI

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: 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: How much weight does a 4-inch concrete slab support?

• <div><p>A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you&rsquo;re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.</p></div>

Q: Is precast concrete reinforced?

• <div><p>Precast concrete can be reinforced with rebar, wire mesh, or other materials to improve its strength and add stability. Precast concrete for large construction projects is often pre-stressed as well for greater structural strength. Reinforced concrete is durable and strong, making it an ideal choice for many construction projects.</p></div>

Q: Do services include structural reinforcement?

• <div><p>Yes, professionals reinforce the foundation with additional supports or piers to prevent future sinking.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Durand, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Durand, 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 Durand, 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 September 11, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
Great company would highly reccomend. Concrete prep and layed block for garage to be set on top of.
Stevens Masonry LLC
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Reviewed in April 2025
J. Thomas Construction did an amazing job finishing our basement. From the initial estimate through completion of the project, J. Thomas Construction provided excellent service and communication. His team was professional and stayed on schedule. We are extremely satisfied with our new space. I...
J. Thomas Construction Co, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2024
This was the second project i have hired them to do. First was a complete kitchen and bathroom remodel. This time I had them build a new deck. Very professional and knowlegeable. Would recommend them for any project. Great experiences.
Q's Construction Company L.L.C.
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Reviewed in October 2022
This is so important for me to mention: NO SALES PRESSURE. When I called 1st Choice Water Solutions, it was after hours, and I got an answering machine, and left a message. Donâ t laugh, but I was truly relieved that I didnâ t get a 24/7 call center in some other part of the world that wasnâ ...
1st Choice Water Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
Tree trimer crew arrived at the set time, worked quickly, each man knew his responsibility, were very careful to protect our structures and overhead power lines, went beyond what we expected.
Woodchopper's Tree Service
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Reviewed in June 2022
Jeff Shultz Construction were a pleasure to have finish our basement. They went out of their way to pick up materials I was to supply for them. Carry large sheets of drywall from the road, around to the back yard, passing it through a removed window. I certainly appreciated the fine...
Jeff Shultz Construction
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Reviewed in December 2021
They did a quick and professional job with quality materials. I would recommend them for ANY home related projects or repairs!
Brunell Construction Services
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Reviewed in October 2021
Mitch (the owner) from Hard Rock Construction contacted us immediately. He came out the same day and gave us a quote and time frame. Mitch and his crew are professional, courteous, reliable. They take pride in their workmanship. We could not be happier! They did an amazing job! We would highly...
Hard Rock Construction
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Reviewed in August 2021
I give D&J Builders and Home Improvement 5 stars in all categories. I hired them to replace 2 concrete sidewalk squares at my home following a violation received from the property maintenance department. The township ordinance states that residents are responsible for replacing damaged...
D & J Builders and Home Improvement
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Reviewed in September 2020
Contractor was very thorough making sure all the old structures were rebuilt to code. He was quick with his work and always showed up when he said he would be here. I definitely recommend him for your next job!
Murphys Home Renovation LLC.
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Find Structural engineers in Durand

SJW Engineering LLC

4.7(

)

Serving Durand, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Excellent service and knowledge of my structural engineering request. Just what I was looking for.!"

Response time2 days

13 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Serving Durand, 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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AAPEX Home Inspection Services

4.6(

)

Serving Durand, 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

Serving Durand, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I was very pleased with their project and how they did it. They got it done in 2 days. They did a good job on keeping on the timeline that I needed. Easy to reach them if I have question."

+101

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

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

A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.

Precast concrete can be reinforced with rebar, wire mesh, or other materials to improve its strength and add stability. Precast concrete for large construction projects is often pre-stressed as well for greater structural strength. Reinforced concrete is durable and strong, making it an ideal choice for many construction projects.

Yes, professionals reinforce the foundation with additional supports or piers to prevent future sinking.

The Durand, 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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