Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

Are foundation walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in East Leroy, MI

Q: Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner&rsquo;s insurance companies don&rsquo;t mandate a structural engineer&rsquo;s inspection, so in most cases, it&rsquo;s not required. However, it&rsquo;s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you&rsquo;re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

Q: Why hire a structural engineer for home projects?

• <div><p>Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.</p></div>

Q: Do I need a structural engineer or an architect?

• <div><p>Whether you&rsquo;re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.</p></div>

Q: Are horizontal cracks structural?

• <div><p>Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in East Leroy, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in East Leroy, 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 Leroy, 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 23, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
I had NVAS Construction Inc remodel my kitchen, and they did an outstanding job. The attention to detail and commitment to quality was evident in every aspect of the project.
NVAS Construction
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Reviewed in February 2025
WR Builders Inc. recently completed a major renovation on my house, and I am thrilled with the outcome. From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, their team was professional and responsive. They listened to my ideas and offered suggestions that greatly improved the design. The...
WR Builders, Inc
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Reviewed in August 2024
We are thrilled with our new metal roof from Affordable Building Concepts. Paul cane out immediately and wrote up a contract. Paul and his crew got the project completed asap. Their craftsmanship was top notch. Their professionalism and hard work ethic were beyond impressive. If you want top...
Affordable Building Concepts
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Reviewed in June 2024
These guys are fast, accurate and cleaned up after themselves The garage is solid and the craftsmanship is super. Went above and beyond with the cement work as well. Can’t say enough good things about them.
Fair and Square Construction
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Reviewed in August 2023
Great job! removed 4 Pine trees, with no issues with three next to a wood panel fence. Clean-up was excellent. Hardest working - completed all in one day. I'd hire them again! Thanks!!
Trombly's Tree Trimming and Removal Services
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Reviewed in March 2023
Owner Lied To, Stole From, & Bullied Sick Individual on Disability Benefits Budget. Would Advise To Take Business Elsewhere: Rick charged me for services promised but not rendered. $1500 in all for mold testing and inspection (after they deducted $300 because I pressed for confirmation of...
Midwest Enviro Solutions
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Reviewed in April 2022
Didnâ t cut corners on the jobs asked for my input on how I wanted the base boards cut what direction I wanted the planks to go.
Magic Interiors, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2017
We recently bought our first home. A huge fixer upper! The roof was the first on our list to get done. We got a few different quotes. Bay to Bay was the most competitive and Jerold was very polite, professional, and knowledgeable. Being 120yr old home, they ran into many structural issues,...
Bay to Bay Building Concepts
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Reviewed in September 2016
My semi-flat roof was a disaster. It was structurally compromised and leaking. Mr. Livingston rebuilt the structure, re-decked the roof and installed torch down roofing in a very professional manner for a very reasonable price. I would recommend him to anyone.
Quality Construction
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Reviewed in June 2016
<p>Right from the beginning things were not done in a timely manner. New basement section was left open for at least a month to all the wind and leaves and rain in the fall. Nothing was ever covered with a tarp. Therefore brand new cement floor was stained and nasty before it was ever...
Gary Van Meter Builder
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Find Structural engineers in East Leroy

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving East Leroy, 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

Serving East Leroy, 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

Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing.

Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.

Whether you’re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.

Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage.

Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.

The East Leroy, MI homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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