Get matched with top structural engineers in Honor, MI

Q: Are beams and joists the same?

• <div><p>No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.</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: Will a bank finance a house with foundation problems?

• <div><p>It depends on the bank and the extent of the issue. Some banks will lend against homes with minor foundation damage, but most won&rsquo;t if the issue is structural since the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. Banks that offer renovation loans might still finance a home with structural problems. More minor issues like settling cracks and intermittent problems with humidity are unlikely to stop a bank from financing. </p></div>

Q: What building codes apply to spiral staircases?

• <div><p>Building codes for spiral staircases will vary by your location. Most local codes will specify minimum tread width, riser height, handrail requirements, and headroom. These standards help ensure safety and accessibility for all users. Always check local codes before you begin the installation to ensure compliance and avoid costly modifications or fines.</p></div>

Q: What are the signs of structural damage?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/signs-of-structural-damage.htm">Signs of structural damage</a> include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Honor, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Honor, 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 Honor, 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 September 2025
Zac and team did an excellent job on a big tough project. I highly recommend them as they did high quality work on a very reasonable schedule and with fair pricing.
Peak Painting
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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 2021
If you want professional, quality work that comes in on agreed price and in a timely manor this is the company you want. My job was not an easy one (lots of drywall damage) but it all looks brand new. I highly recommend Definitive Paint and Design.
Definitive Paint & Design
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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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Reviewed in June 2015
We kept losing coolant in the car we purchased. They tried everything, and they finally got Subaru to put a whole new engine in the car. The sales people were very helpful and the guys in the shop were great. Everyone ended up doing a good job, and we were very pleased.
WARES AUTOMOBILE SALES INC
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Reviewed in May 2015
I knew that the front windshield wiper blade needed replacement as it had begun to separate from the metal assembly of which it is a part. I also knew that the left rear parking light was inoperative. <br /> When the vehicle sits still for about 48 hours, the battery is discharged to the point...
SULLIVAN-PARKHILL AUTOMOTIVE
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Reviewed in May 2013
We thought we were getting glass from the manufacturer but he put his own, cheaper glass in. He also did not get a building permit and we didn't discover all of this until all 3 doors were leaking. We called the manufacturer and the installer. They would not acknowledge that they did anything...
NATURAL FLOW WINDOWS AND DOORS
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Reviewed in May 2013
They were a fair price. They were recommended by a professional engineer. They had a crew that came in and they installed 3 doors over 4 days in an ocean front condo. They were prompt. They were clean. The prior problem was that they were leaking and they did a complete water test afterwards and...
Robert Hershberger Construction
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Reviewed in February 2013
I have been searching for a home of my own since May 2011 and had read and heard from numerous sources the importance of getting a home inspection. For a first time home-buyer, this was imperative. The first home I came across in October 2011, had everything on my wish list and showed...
ABSOLUTE HOME SERVICES
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Find Structural engineers in Honor

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Honor, 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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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.

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.

It depends on the bank and the extent of the issue. Some banks will lend against homes with minor foundation damage, but most won’t if the issue is structural since the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. Banks that offer renovation loans might still finance a home with structural problems. More minor issues like settling cracks and intermittent problems with humidity are unlikely to stop a bank from financing.

Building codes for spiral staircases will vary by your location. Most local codes will specify minimum tread width, riser height, handrail requirements, and headroom. These standards help ensure safety and accessibility for all users. Always check local codes before you begin the installation to ensure compliance and avoid costly modifications or fines.

Signs of structural damage include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems.

The Honor, 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.
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.
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.
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
•
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.