Get matched with top structural engineers in Frankfort, MI

Q: Are all exterior walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria. </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: Are brick houses safer in an earthquake?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/urmwalls/#:~:text=Houses%20built%20of%20unreinforced%20masonry,and%20the%20roof%20is%20critical.">Earthquake Country Alliance</a>&mdash;a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness&mdash;reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn&rsquo;t as stable as other building materials and methods.</p></div>

Q: What does a structural engineer's report include?

• <div><p>A structural engineer's report provides a professional assessment of a property's structural condition. It typically includes an evaluation of the foundation, key structural elements like roof trusses, floor joists, studs, beams, and rafters. The report will also contain a detailed description of the engineer's findings, often supported by photographs, and provide recommendations to correct any identified issues. Depending on the scope of the inspection, it might also include an assessment of property drainage, potential issues from environmental conditions like extreme weather or tree placement, and an estimated time and cost for any recommended repairs.</p></div>

Q: How much weight can 6 inches of concrete hold?

• <div><p>On average, 6 inches of concrete can hold around 150 pounds per square foot, but the exact weight that 6 inches of concrete can hold depends on factors such as the type of concrete, the reinforcement method, soil conditions below, and structural design. If you&rsquo;re concerned about the longevity of your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway, hire a professional to help you choose an appropriate concrete thickness and reinforcement method for your needs. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Frankfort, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Frankfort, 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 Frankfort, 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 May 15, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
The crew and especially the project manager was amazing. They cleaned up everything and were very professional. My neighbors keep asking me who did my roof!
All Weather Seal of West MI
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Reviewed in March 2026
Definitive Paint and Design is a father and son company and they did an excellent job for us. We had almost the entire interior of our home painted. They came at the time we requested and they worked everyday until the job was complete. They work quietly and carefully and completed the job in a...
Definitive Paint & Design
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Reviewed in July 2025
Working with Scott on designing and remodeling our 100 year old farmhouse was a pure gift. Scott is trustworthy and creative. He listened carefully to what we wanted, worked with us with the design, and his craftsmanship was outstanding. We can't recommend him highly enough. Jessica &...
Cain Design & Construction LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
Shilo and Jessie are very good at what they do , they had an opening and got my project going ahead of schedule. Very organized .
Mcculley's Custom Carpentry LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
You can count on and trust this contractor to show up on time communicate well and complete the job to your satisfaction. Our project wasnâ t easy as it was repairing stairs to Lake Michigan We are very pleased and will continue to use Keystone in the future.
Keystone Contracting LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
The team showed up and I had a complete new roof in one day. Iâ m a totally satisfied customer. My neighbor was so impressed he had them do his roof the next day.
Traverse City Exteriors
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Reviewed in October 2022
Adam, Was very nice , but they don't do the type of work I need. He recommend a company that could masonry of grand traverse.
Groundworks
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Reviewed in March 2022
They do a really good job, they are thorough and flexible.
Incredible Cleaning
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Reviewed in June 2021
Floor 2 Ceiling Solutions was the best! Matthew was courteous and very obliging to our specific needs. His was hard working and created a masterpiece. My carpets are stain free and look brand new!
Floor To Ceiling Solutions, Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2020
After 3 attempts by sales people to figure out the proper color shingle needed to match other structures, they chose the wrong color and installed it.
Markin Co.
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Find Structural engineers in Frankfort

Robert Cowles PE

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Serving Frankfort, MI and surrounding areas

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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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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria.

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

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

A structural engineer's report provides a professional assessment of a property's structural condition. It typically includes an evaluation of the foundation, key structural elements like roof trusses, floor joists, studs, beams, and rafters. The report will also contain a detailed description of the engineer's findings, often supported by photographs, and provide recommendations to correct any identified issues. Depending on the scope of the inspection, it might also include an assessment of property drainage, potential issues from environmental conditions like extreme weather or tree placement, and an estimated time and cost for any recommended repairs.

On average, 6 inches of concrete can hold around 150 pounds per square foot, but the exact weight that 6 inches of concrete can hold depends on factors such as the type of concrete, the reinforcement method, soil conditions below, and structural design. If you’re concerned about the longevity of your concrete patio, walkway, or driveway, hire a professional to help you choose an appropriate concrete thickness and reinforcement method for your needs.

The Frankfort, 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.
Lyle Hendriks
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May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
Beam installation costs are an important consideration if you’re building a home or doing renovations. Learn about average costs and factors in this guide.
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost to Hire? [2026 Data]
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Rachel Hoffman
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May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
15 Warning Signs That a House Will Collapse
A home doesn’t collapse unexpectedly. Learn the warning signs that a house will collapse, so you can protect your family and your home.
Dan Simms
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Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
What Is a Structural Engineer and Do You Need One?
Learn what a structural engineer is, what they do, when you might need to hire one for your home project, and how much they charge.
Rachel Hoffman
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May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
What to Expect From a Structural Engineer Foundation Inspection
Identify potentially serious problems with your foundation with an inspection from a structural engineer.