Get matched with top structural engineers in Elwell, MI

Q: What is considered a structural issue in a house?

• <div><p>Any issue that affects the structural integrity or soundness of a home is considered a structural issue. In addition to foundation cracks, other signs of structural issues include roof leaks, bowing walls, sloping floors, gaps around windows and doors, and more.</p></div>

Q: Will a bank finance a house with foundation problems?

• <div><p>It depends on the bank and the extent of the issue. Some banks will lend against homes with minor foundation damage, but most won&rsquo;t if the issue is structural since the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. Banks that offer renovation loans might still finance a home with structural problems. More minor issues like settling cracks and intermittent problems with humidity are unlikely to stop a bank from financing. </p></div>

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: Can I build over a stump?

• <div><p>Yes, you can build over a stump if the roots are no longer alive. Living roots will continue to grow and may damage your new construction over time. Similarly, you should also remove rotting stumps because they may continue to attract pests and even cause new structures (especially those made from wood) to decompose as well. </p></div>

Q: Are beams and joists the same?

• <div><p>No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Elwell, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Elwell, 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 Elwell, 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 04, 2026

Reviewed in February 2026
Integrity Roofing & Restoration showed up within hours of my phone call to give an estimate. The crew returned the next day to start the job. It was completed within the expected time frame. They were polite, respectful, and friendly throughout the process. I would highly recommend them.
Integrity Roofing & Restoration
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Reviewed in April 2025
The crew was professional and went right to work. They were very thorough and fast. They cleaned up so you would not know they had been here. I am very pleased with the insulation and the crew that installed it.
RetroFoam of Michigan Inc.
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Reviewed in November 2024
Jon was professional, courteous, and listed to what my vision was. His work was neat and detailed and he cleaned up after himself. He was fair in his pricing. He built a hunting cabin from the ground up. Framing, siding, steel roof, insulation, windows, doors, sliding door, flooring. Iâ m...
Jon Seelye Services
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Reviewed in October 2023
The project got done on time. The finished result was beautiful. The men working on the project kept the construction area clean and did not leave any trash behind after the project was completed.
Triple T Masonry
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Reviewed in October 2023
I have hired this company for jobs ranging from clean outs to all sorts of remodeling and landscaping projects. I would recommend Planer Contracting 100%, very satisfied with their work.
Planer Contracting
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Reviewed in December 2022
Very hard working; detail-oriented; My mother has poor vision. They worked hard to give her a visually-contrasted, safety-oriented bathroom!! Great job!
Concrete&Chandeliers, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2022
Anthony built a dock for me. He built is to spec, to code. He went above and beyond, was flexible with me and super professional. The city inspector also commented that â the dock was beautiful and solid, Whoever built it did a great job.â Highly recommend!
America Strong Construction
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Reviewed in May 2022
He has made our boat float again with other alterations. He also welded and fixed our bent clothes line poles like they were new. I highly recommend him for any job.
Dave's Welding Services
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Reviewed in March 2021
Great Job from start to finish! I was working first 2 days and Joseph kept me updated and informed on progress with texts and pics! He ripped out tile, vinyl, repaired subfloor, leveled subfloor and installed vinyl plank, base board and quarter round for nearly 1200 sq ft.....all done in 3...
Advanced Flooring Design
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Reviewed in September 2013
The table arrived with damages; not due to shipping but because it was boxed so poorly. It arrived on a skid with the 3 piece slate not boxed at all. Luckily the damages were cosmetic and not structural so we were able to accept shipment. The company from which we purchased the table compensated...
BILLIARD TABLE RECOVERY SERVICE
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Find Structural engineers in Elwell

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Elwell, 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

Serving Elwell, 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

Any issue that affects the structural integrity or soundness of a home is considered a structural issue. In addition to foundation cracks, other signs of structural issues include roof leaks, bowing walls, sloping floors, gaps around windows and doors, and more.

It depends on the bank and the extent of the issue. Some banks will lend against homes with minor foundation damage, but most won’t if the issue is structural since the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. Banks that offer renovation loans might still finance a home with structural problems. More minor issues like settling cracks and intermittent problems with humidity are unlikely to stop a bank from financing.

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.

Yes, you can build over a stump if the roots are no longer alive. Living roots will continue to grow and may damage your new construction over time. Similarly, you should also remove rotting stumps because they may continue to attract pests and even cause new structures (especially those made from wood) to decompose as well.

No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.

The Elwell, MI homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Alison Kasch
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
Haley Nothstein
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2026 Data]
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Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
6 Tips on How to Build an Earthquake-Proof House
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10 Signs of Structural Damage in Your Home
Keeping your home safe and structurally sound should be a top priority. Learn to recognize the signs of structural damage you should never ignore.