Get matched with top structural engineers in Grand Haven, MI

Q: How does an engineer assess a building’s structural integrity?

• <div><p>Through detailed analysis of load paths, materials, and existing damages.</p></div>

Q: How can I tell if a home I purchased in an earthquake zone is bolted to the foundation?

• <div><p>Generally, you can tell if a home is bolted to the foundation by checking the foundation for plates. If you see that your foundational plates connect to wood or bolts protruding from them, this means that you have a bolted foundation. However, it's always wise to bring a home inspector in to confirm if your foundation is secure.</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: Is a pier and beam the same as a crawl space?

• <div><p>Although the two terms are closely related and often used interchangeably, pier and beam foundations and crawl spaces are different things. A pier and beam foundation is made up of concrete piers and wooden beams and creates a space under the home known as a crawl space. There are several types of foundations that create crawl spaces, often collectively known as &ldquo;crawl space foundations,&rdquo; but the crawl space itself is separate from the foundation. </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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Grand Haven, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Grand Haven, 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 Grand Haven, 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 October 09, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
MNM Building Services did a great job painting my room and doing drywall work in my bathroom. Everything was done the same day, and they were very professional. The negotiation was fair, and the results turned out great. Highly recommend!
MNM Building Services
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Reviewed in May 2025
I was very pleased with the work that was done. The crew was professional and attention to detail was obvious. The quote was fair, and the building process was explained in a straight forward and helpful manner. I would highly recommend Remarkable to anyone for any home construction project.
Remarkable Renovators, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2025
We have hardy plank siding that needed repairing and the team at Four Corners was super helpful and knowledgeable. They did a fantastic job doing the repairs as well as replacing the roof on two of our structures.
Four Corners Exteriors LLC
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Reviewed in December 2024
Available Construction did an amazing job on our basement. Very professional, respectful of property, great communication and attention to detail. Showed up on time everyday until the job was done. I recommend this company.
Available Construction
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Reviewed in July 2024
Once the work started, it was discovered that there was significant hidden damage to the structure of the roof. They did a quality job of repair of my SIP structure roof including 34 sheets of OSB, and then completed the underlayment, drip edges, and shingle installation, all within one long...
Skyline Exteriors, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
It can be daunting trying to find a trustworthy and reliable construction service, but you don’t have to think twice when considering this company. We highly recommend Remarkable Renovations. Due to their integrity and excellence. The work they did for us was really well done. Jamey, the owner,...
Remarkable Renovators, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2020
They we're very fast and at a very reasonable price. However a week afterwards I noticed my engine knocking!! I took it to a friend who is a mechanic. We checked the oil and when we pulled the filter it was collapsing on itself!! The oil was also very very black. When I called, the manager/owner...
MUFFLER MAN
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Reviewed in August 2017
Great communications, responsive to any questions/concerns. Very happy with the work that was done along with identifying some structural issues I need to address. Would definitely hire again.
JJ Express Painting Plus
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Reviewed in April 2017
I had wood floors installed in my upstairs hallway, stairway, and two other rooms. The results were beautiful. There were some existing structural issues with the subfloor which they fixed and my floors no longer squeak. The crew was courteous and the owner always wanted to make sure I...
Kairos Construction Services
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Reviewed in March 2016
Very prompt,professional and courteous. Rendered a structural engineering review that covered the issue in question,and provided both an e-mail and official,sealed response to us and our buyers. I would give Steve Fogt and his firm my highest rating and recommendation.
F & D Development Company, Inc.
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Find Structural engineers in Grand Haven

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Grand Haven, 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

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Foundation Specialist, LLC

4.2(

)

Serving Grand Haven, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great. From the project manager - Bryan Foster - to the crew chief - Shane - I don't think I could have been in better hands. Professional, knowledgeable, polite, hard working, on time, no surprises, and they left the place cleaner than it was before they came!! I highly recommend this company and the individuals I mentioned."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Through detailed analysis of load paths, materials, and existing damages.

Generally, you can tell if a home is bolted to the foundation by checking the foundation for plates. If you see that your foundational plates connect to wood or bolts protruding from them, this means that you have a bolted foundation. However, it's always wise to bring a home inspector in to confirm if your foundation is secure.

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.

Although the two terms are closely related and often used interchangeably, pier and beam foundations and crawl spaces are different things. A pier and beam foundation is made up of concrete piers and wooden beams and creates a space under the home known as a crawl space. There are several types of foundations that create crawl spaces, often collectively known as “crawl space foundations,” but the crawl space itself is separate from the foundation.

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.

The Grand Haven, MI homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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

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