Does a structural engineer need to be licensed?

• <div><p>Yes, all states require structural engineers to carry the proper license, with specifics determined by each state. You can use Angi’s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to confirm that the structural engineer you’re considering holds the required licensing to tackle your job. Hiring an unlicensed structural engineer will not only cause issues with permits but it could also lead to an unsafe building. The cost of a professional, licensed, and experienced engineer is well worth the investment.</p></div>

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Q: How do you know if a wall is load-bearing?

• <div><p>The easiest way to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/load-bearing-wall.htm">tell if a wall is load bearing</a> is to check if it&rsquo;s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don&rsquo;t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you&rsquo;re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.</p></div>

Q: How do various elements of desk design impact the overall assembly cost?

• <div><p>Costs depend on desk size, labor, included features like drawers or motorized height adjustments, and required wall anchoring.</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: What are the key elements of quality framing work?

• <div><p>Accurate measurements, sturdy materials, and seamless integration with other structures.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in East Jordan, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in East Jordan, 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 East Jordan, 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 February 28, 2026

Reviewed in February 2026
I hired Andrew and his crew to redo my Kitchen & Flooring in my condo, downtown Charlevoix. Not only did he completed the work ahead of schedule, he communicated promptly with me throughout the entire process. From design to execution; the quality of work was beyond my expectations. I would...
KIDRON CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
Great workers very knowledgeable. Took pride in what they did. Found an area on the house that needed repair, and pointed it out so I could repair before install.
RetroFoam of Michigan Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2024
Fortune Restoration was amazing to work with. We needed our original 1929 wood windows repaired and painted on the outside of our home. Bernie was amazing to work with from day one. He outlined the scope of work I wanted his team to do and then came back with the areas of work I needed to focus...
Fortune Restoration
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Reviewed in August 2024
Excellent job with attention to structural features (we needed multiple new footings) and deck detail. Very pleasant and accommodative workers. A little pricey as everything appears to be these daysÃ¢Â Â but worth it for an outstanding job.
Renewit Group
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Reviewed in November 2022
From the owner to the crew…all were very professional and knowledgeable. The entire project was preformed with care and precision. Over the course of the project they kept the work area neat and cleaned up each night. I would definitely recommend them and will be using them for future...
Rainey's Landscape, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
AF construction did an amazing job on our cabin’s roof. They were professional and efficient with the work. The job was done on time and on quote - not something I’ve been able to say about other contractors in the past. When a tree came down on our pole barn last year, Tony was the first...
AF Construction
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Reviewed in June 2022
This company did a wonderful job. They were on time and worked tirelessly til it was done. Cleaned out my garage and attic.
B & C Transporting, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2021
Hard worker and showed up each day! Very impressed with his design of steps and walls! Even worked in the rain!
Greener Earth Landscaping, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2016
Fantastic! Because of the nature of the job, Dan's estimate was based on time and materials and, not surprisingly, some cost overruns were incurred. (There were any number of challenges, based on the age of the structure and the substance with which it had been coated previously.) However, Dan...
Dan Zehr Painting Inc
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Reviewed in August 2015
<p>I met with the owner, Ken, and one of his sons, Parker. Both of them were very knowledgeable about the product and application. They are sensitive to environmental issues and owners' perspectives. Only pests were harmed in the making of this story. :-)</p> <p>The initial application was on...
Hogarth's Pest Control Co
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Find Structural engineers in East Jordan

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

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Serving East Jordan, 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

11 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.

Costs depend on desk size, labor, included features like drawers or motorized height adjustments, and required wall anchoring.

Yes, all states require structural engineers to carry the proper license, with specifics determined by each state. You can use Angi’s state licensing tool to confirm that the structural engineer you’re considering holds the required licensing to tackle your job. Hiring an unlicensed structural engineer will not only cause issues with permits but it could also lead to an unsafe building. The cost of a professional, licensed, and experienced engineer is well worth the investment.

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

Accurate measurements, sturdy materials, and seamless integration with other structures.

The East Jordan, 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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