Do I need a structural engineer to knock down a wall?

• <div><p>In many areas, advice from a structural engineer or an architect will be required by your building department before you can remove a wall, but even if it’s not necessary, it’s a good idea. Accidentally removing a load-bearing wall—even if a general contractor advises that it’s safe—can cause major structural damage, putting you and your family at risk and potentially costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Grand Haven, MI

Q: What building materials are used in Neoclassical architecture?

• <div><p>Stone, marble, and brick are common building materials of Neoclassical architecture, though you will also find wood flooring and a range of natural stone tiles. Since several home styles fall under Neoclassical architects' umbrella, a range of building materials&mdash;including traditional wood framing&mdash;will make an appearance.</p></div>

Q: What factors affect assembly costs?

• <div><p>Costs depend on furniture type, size, complexity, and whether additional modifications are needed.</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>

Q: Can a one-story house have a load-bearing wall?

• <div><p>Yes, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.</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

"I'm selling a home in Holland. The appraiser noticed a crack in the poured concrete foundation and asked for further investigation by a licensed foundation expert. Bryan Foster showed up promptly, provided a written report that confirmed no settlement, bowing or water intrusion, and charged a fair price. I didn't need or ask for an estimate, but Mr. Foster provided one free. I appreciate that the estimate was separate from the inspection report."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Stone, marble, and brick are common building materials of Neoclassical architecture, though you will also find wood flooring and a range of natural stone tiles. Since several home styles fall under Neoclassical architects' umbrella, a range of building materials—including traditional wood framing—will make an appearance.

In many areas, advice from a structural engineer or an architect will be required by your building department before you can remove a wall, but even if it’s not necessary, it’s a good idea. Accidentally removing a load-bearing wall—even if a general contractor advises that it’s safe—can cause major structural damage, putting you and your family at risk and potentially costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.

Costs depend on furniture type, size, complexity, and whether additional modifications are needed.

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, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.

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.

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.
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.
Lyle Hendriks
•
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.
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.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
Who Can Check if a Wall Is Load-Bearing?
Before removing a wall, make sure it’s not load-bearing. Learn the benefits of hiring a structural engineer to check if a wall is load-bearing.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection
Learn why it might be a good idea to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection in addition to a general home inspector when you’re purchasing a home.