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>

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Q: Can termite damage affect home structural value?

• <div><p>Yes, unresolved damage can decrease property integrity and market value.</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: What is the 10 10 rule in construction?

• <div><p>The 10 10 rule describes the formula most contractors use to determine how much to charge for a job. Allowing for 10% overhead above the total projected cost to do the work and 10% profit sets a contractor up for success, even if there are delays or other problems on the project. This formula isn&rsquo;t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a ballpark figure to begin with when estimating your expenses on a job.</p></div>

Q: How do material selection and structural changes influence the cost of a garage remodel?

• <div><p>Costs depend on material choices, labor, and the extent of structural modifications.</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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Robert Cowles PE

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Serving East Jordan, MI and surrounding areas

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In business since 2004

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"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."

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

Yes, unresolved damage can decrease property integrity and market value.

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.

The 10 10 rule describes the formula most contractors use to determine how much to charge for a job. Allowing for 10% overhead above the total projected cost to do the work and 10% profit sets a contractor up for success, even if there are delays or other problems on the project. This formula isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a ballpark figure to begin with when estimating your expenses on a job.

Costs depend on material choices, labor, and the extent of structural modifications.

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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