Why should I pick steel for my new support beam?

• <div><p>You should pick steel for your new support beam for a few reasons. While steel is more expensive than other materials, such as laminated veneer lumber or glulam, it offers the following benefits:</p><ul><li><p>Fire-resistant</p></li><li><p>Unaffected by pests</p></li><li><p>Longer-lasting</p></li><li><p>Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: What is the hardest stage in building a house?

• <div><p>The early stages of building a house are harder than the later stages; laying the foundation and framing the house are two of the most challenging steps. However, it varies for everyone. Some people have difficulty installing HVAC, plumbing, and electricity, while others find it harder to plan the house and secure the necessary permits. </p></div>

Q: Is it okay to drill into a load-bearing beam?

• <div><p>You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it&rsquo;s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that&rsquo;s safe to use.</p></div>

Q: Why should I add structural support for my house after I raise it?

• <div><p>If your home's foundation was damaged due to shifting soil, the same problem will reoccur unless you stabilize the structure by adding posts in the bedrock.</p></div>

Q: What simultaneous construction tasks are recommended alongside this project?

• <div><p>While concrete walls do not need to &quot;breathe&quot; in the traditional sense of the word, they do require waterproofing and dehumidifying methods, particularly in basements below the water table. Concrete both contains moisture from its initial installation and can absorb water when exposed. Ensuring proper basement ventilation , installing a vapor barrier, and controlling water exposure are all important tasks.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Gaylord, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Gaylord, 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 Gaylord, 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 July 14, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
It went perfect. Andrew and Sam were very professional and genuinely very nice. They went above and beyond what my wife and I wanted. I would definitely recommend Redeemed Construction to anyone.
Redeemed Construction LLC
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Reviewed in January 2025
Very happy with the process from start to finish. Great company, service and CREW5 was very professional. Will definitely recommend and will be using them for my ceiling insulation in future.
RetroFoam of Michigan Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2024
Timber Ridge Pro was punctual, adaptable and competent. This project required electrical, plumbing as well as reconstruction and drywall. They were able to do it all. Communication was excellent and the project came in at budget and ahead of schedule.
TimberRidge Pro
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Reviewed in December 2023
Amy and Daniel came out an took care of all of our repairs. They were here at the time agreed upon an they are very polite and professional. I definitely recommend them and I will call them for any future repairs I need.
DEA Handyman Services
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Reviewed in September 2022
I hired Tony to insulate and drywall my garage. I also had him install a pull down ladder to create a storage area in the rafters. The work was completed professionally and in a timely manner. I would, and have hired Tony for other construction projects around my home.
AF Construction
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Reviewed in May 2022
Showed up to do as promised. Polite work crew, conscientious.. Owner Tom answered all my questios throughly. Highly recommend M&S Construction.
M & S Construction
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Reviewed in October 2021
They are a young hard working company, very professional and skilled. They are fair on their prices. We had tree cut and removal,
Tree Trunks
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Reviewed in April 2021
Liquid Construction did a fantastic job. They were fast, efficient, professional, and an all around pleasure to work with. Their work is the highest quality. We only wish we had found them earlier for other home construction needs (they do much more than roofing).
Liquid Roofing and Construction
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Reviewed in January 2017
At the onset of the project, I sat down with Don and went over the plans and my expectations. I am an automotive engineer with 30 years of experience and I was really impressed with Don and his amount of experience, building skills, and extensive knowledge of construction techniques. What really...
Precision Built Construction
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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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Robert Cowles PE

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Serving Gaylord, 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."

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

The early stages of building a house are harder than the later stages; laying the foundation and framing the house are two of the most challenging steps. However, it varies for everyone. Some people have difficulty installing HVAC, plumbing, and electricity, while others find it harder to plan the house and secure the necessary permits.

You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

You should pick steel for your new support beam for a few reasons. While steel is more expensive than other materials, such as laminated veneer lumber or glulam, it offers the following benefits:

Fire-resistant
Unaffected by pests
Longer-lasting
Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)

If your home's foundation was damaged due to shifting soil, the same problem will reoccur unless you stabilize the structure by adding posts in the bedrock.

While concrete walls do not need to "breathe" in the traditional sense of the word, they do require waterproofing and dehumidifying methods, particularly in basements below the water table. Concrete both contains moisture from its initial installation and can absorb water when exposed. Ensuring proper basement ventilation , installing a vapor barrier, and controlling water exposure are all important tasks.

The Gaylord, 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

Timothy Moore
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2026 Data]
Looking to remove load-bearing walls and vertical supports to open up your living space? Learn about what affects the cost to install an LVL beam.
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]
A damaged main support beam can cause serious structural damage to your house. Learn how much it costs to replace a main house support beam.
Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
Kate Fann
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.
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.
Em Norton
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May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How to Hire a Structural Engineer: Complete Guide
It can be hard to choose the right pro for any job, but it matters. Learn how to hire a structural engineer who'll get the job done right from start to finish.