Do monolithic slabs have footers?

• <div><p>All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.</p></div>

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Q: How long does a structural assessment typically take?

• <div><p>A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.</p></div>

Q: Can I cut or drill LVL beams?

• <div><p>It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.</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: Do structural engineers draw house plans?

• <div><p>Structural engineers draw structural plans, which include detailed drawings of the structural components of a home only. Complete house plans will require additional work from an architect or draftsperson, whose drawings will take the structural drawings into account. They&rsquo;ll also include more details about the finishing materials and layout of a home, including everything from roofing and flooring materials to the position of furniture, light fixtures, switches, and plumbing fixtures.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in East Lansing, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in East Lansing, 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 Lansing, 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 November 20, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Hired this team for two different projects (assembling various pieces of furniture purchased online). On time. Courteous. Exceptional communication and follow up. Great value. Highly recommend.
EVS Landscaping, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2025
Whether is a roof, siding, or just about anything under your roof, Michigan Home Pro's are the only ones to call! Colin and his highly skilled team not only did an excellent job, they were truly professional personal and timely in their work. I spoke to 6 roofers, prior to Michigan Home Pro's...
Michigan Home Pro's, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
Crew works very well together. Project not yet complete, still have haul away of timbers. I'm not concerned, they get paid when work all done.
Out on a Limb Tree and High Reach Services, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
Trent Haigh did a fabulous job repairing the drywall and baseboard after water damage in our basement and reinstalling cabinets that had to be removed. He also has a good eye for aesthetic details and makes good suggestions. I would definitely hire him again and highly recommend him.
Haigh Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2020
I was really impressed with the project Throughout the entire process - from the estimates to completion. We knew we wanted a small deck built but Taylor was great at design and suggesting materials. Everyone who worked on the project was great. We ran into a pre-existing structural problem with...
Teachout Builders Inc
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Reviewed in April 2017
The workmanship and the crew are FABULOUS! Everything was carefully constructed and HIGH QUALITY. EXCELLENT builders and carpenters for critically important structures and discriminating customers. RELIABLE and RESPONSIBLE in communications, price, and follow-up, including after-construction...
Community Building Services, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2017
12 years later, the structure is collapsing because Ray failed to properly support the main weight-bearing wall on the first floor. There is no beam under the main weight-bearing wall. When I signed a contract with Ray in 2002 he kept an atty on retainer, he knew that he would likely be serving...
RDK CONTRACTING
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Reviewed in August 2016
After a severe wind storm that ripped off roof shingles which allowed rain into my kitchen, a friend referred me to Nyboer Builders. Jay, the owner, came to assess the situation and counseled us on different ways to tackle the issue. He also came several times to oversee and make sure things...
Nyboer Builders and Remodeling Inc
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Reviewed in May 2016
Jim is very conscious and concerned about doing a good job. He made it a point to stop in a couple times to make sure that he had met everyone and to get feedback on his performance. He asks for suggestions and is very customer oriented. Will be speaking to him this summer about performing...
Shaw's Enterprises
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Reviewed in March 2016
Palmer's entire team is professional, punctual, and responsive. We renovated a kitchen and doubled the footprint. A wall that was to be removed was not initially felt to be load bearing. Upon opening the walls it became apparent that it was indeed bearing. Palmer worked quickly with our...
Palmer Construction
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Find Structural engineers in East Lansing

SJW Engineering LLC

4.7(

)

Serving East Lansing, 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

14 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Serving East Lansing, 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

12 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Mosley's Services, Inc.

3.8(

111

)

Serving East Lansing, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

"Mr Mosley was very personable. He is very knowledgeable in his field and explained in detail what was needed to make my structure safe. He provided a drawing with specifications and a certified statement of his work within a matter of days."

Recommended by73%of homeowners

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Foundation Specialist, LLC

4.2(

)

Serving East Lansing, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Foundation Specialists arrived on time and got to work promptly. They had taped off the work area and prevented dust from getting throughout the house and took care of their work space. Very polite and professional."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving East Lansing, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It was very good. They were professional. They were very quick in the work."

+101

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.

A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.

It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.

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.

Structural engineers draw structural plans, which include detailed drawings of the structural components of a home only. Complete house plans will require additional work from an architect or draftsperson, whose drawings will take the structural drawings into account. They’ll also include more details about the finishing materials and layout of a home, including everything from roofing and flooring materials to the position of furniture, light fixtures, switches, and plumbing fixtures.

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