Is LVL more affordable than steel I-beams?

• <div><p>Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-steel-i-beam-cost.htm">cost of a steel I-beam</a>, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists. </p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Hastings, MI

Q: How can you tell if a crack is structural?

• <div><p>Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren&rsquo;t uneven across the gap, and don&rsquo;t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don&rsquo;t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if I need a structural engineer?

• <div><p>You need to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-structural-engineer.htm">hire a structural engineer</a> when building or modifying any component with a structural load in your home. Common situations where you would need a structural engineer include home inspections when buying or selling a home, investigating possible issues with your foundation, beams, load-bearing walls, or chimneys, breaking ground on a new home or structure on your property, and renovating an old part of your home that could threaten any structural integrity. Home additions and bump-outs also require an engineer. </p></div>

Q: Is precast concrete reinforced?

• <div><p>Precast concrete can be reinforced with rebar, wire mesh, or other materials to improve its strength and add stability. Precast concrete for large construction projects is often pre-stressed as well for greater structural strength. Reinforced concrete is durable and strong, making it an ideal choice for many construction projects.</p></div>

Q: How do professionals incorporate framing into existing structures?

• <div><p>By careful planning and reinforcement to maintain structural integrity.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Hastings, MI?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Hastings, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Hastings, 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 Hastings, 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 November 20, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
I would like to thank Community construction for the work they did with the remodel / rework job they did on my manufactured home in the Yankee Springs / Middleville Michigan area. I recently have expanded my family and need to convert an extra living room space into a bedroom and a smaller...
COMMUNITY CONSTRUCTION MICHIGAN LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2024
Professional concrete work with beautiful results. My family & friends were as impressed as I was. Curb appeal is exceptional!
Tresemer Concrete & Excavating, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2024
The work is top notch. All limbs and brush were removed and cleaned up. I would highly recommend their services
DPH Tree Services LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2023
Flooring was installed very professionally and it looks great. The installers were hard working, friendly and knowledgeable
BNB Construction LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2023
NEW Pitched and Flat Roof. Our home was built in 1860 and was in dire need of a new roof, with an active leak. When we were ready to move, they worked us into their busy schedule, right before the Labor Day Holiday weekend 2022. They started with the pitched roof, stripping off not only...
Skyline Exteriors, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2021
We had them replace stairs and our lower deck at the lake house. Sales representative was very good and did tell us it would be a while before the work would be started. Took a bit longer than â the whileâ we anticipated based on his estimate and I friend calling to check on the status of the...
Infinity Home Improvement, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2021
Mission Construction and Edward are Outstanding! Does great work we have recommended him to our family and friends.
Mission Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2021
Strongly recommend Bay To Bay Building Concepts www.baytobaybuildingconcepts.com your next project. We had an ice dam back in February. Bay To Bay was one of five roofing companies to come out and bid this job. From the initial inspection and estimate we knew that Bay To Bay were the company to...
Bay to Bay Building Concepts, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2014
<p>Owner was friendly enough before and during the service, but standards for quality were not established nor applied. The finished concrete surface was uneven, and because there was no stone bed laid, no structural joints put in, and no rebar reinforcement over a lengthy patio area, it cracked...
R VALUE CONCRETE STRUCTURES
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2013
Do expect professionalism and a friendly group of experts. A structural engineer, as well as a project manager were involved in the process. Dwight and company drew up blueprints of how to proceed with a severe structural problem on our home, recently purchased on a short sale. <br />
Jacobsen Remodeling Inc
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in Hastings

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Hastings, 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

12 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Hastings, 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

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren’t uneven across the gap, and don’t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don’t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.

You need to hire a structural engineer when building or modifying any component with a structural load in your home. Common situations where you would need a structural engineer include home inspections when buying or selling a home, investigating possible issues with your foundation, beams, load-bearing walls, or chimneys, breaking ground on a new home or structure on your property, and renovating an old part of your home that could threaten any structural integrity. Home additions and bump-outs also require an engineer.

Precast concrete can be reinforced with rebar, wire mesh, or other materials to improve its strength and add stability. Precast concrete for large construction projects is often pre-stressed as well for greater structural strength. Reinforced concrete is durable and strong, making it an ideal choice for many construction projects.

By careful planning and reinforcement to maintain structural integrity.

Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the cost of a steel I-beam, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists.

The Hastings, 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

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.
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
•
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.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
Structural Inspection vs. Home Inspection: Which Is Right for You?
Knowing the difference between structural inspections vs. home inspections is easy with this convenient guide. Learn when you might get each one done.
Em Norton
•
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.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
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.