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 Ludington, MI

Q: How long does a structural assessment typically take?

• <div><p>A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.</p></div>

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: 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: What exactly does a structural engineer do?

• <div><p>A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

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

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Ludington, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Ludington, 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 Ludington, 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 07, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Mike from Green Built Roofing is excellent he explained everything. Was prepared with everything about my house measurements etc. Work has not been done yet but I feel I made the right choice in companies. Definitely would refer them.
Green Built Roofing, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2025
Markin Company was an excellent company to work with, their workmanship was superb, the work was completed in one day with the removal of the old roof and with a new replacement, and the crew was hard working and professional. In conclusion the whole project and staff were organized and very...
Markin Co.
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2025
Premier Roofing Exteriors replaced the shingles and some of the exterior plywood on my free standing workshop. They are very professional in all categories, from the estimator the project managers and the excellent crew. I highly recommend them for your exterior roofing/repairs.
Premier Roofing & Exteriors LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2024
Ezekiel built an awesome composite deck for my home. We were very happy with his work, and we love our new outdoor space.
Keystone Contracting LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2023
We want to give a big shout out to Serden. Its really hard to know that youre getting a good contractor. And we were lucky to get the best ever. From our initial bid from Dennis to the final design and construction it has been nothing but a pleasure to work with such a professional company. We...
Serden Group
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2022
The attention to details was amazing in this company. They took their time and did the project correctly. I never had an issue with them and they did numerous project in our home. I'm completely satisfied with the quality of the work and I would recommend them to anybody whose looking for a...
The Shower Guys
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2022
Mr. Bender and the crew were excellent to work with from the design to the completion of my new garage. The attention to detail was important as we wanted the finished building to match our existing homes architecture. We now have the additional storage we needed and increased the long-term...
Diversified Management Group, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2022
Excellent crew and equipment to make a difficult project easier.
T&M Custom Builders,LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2022
We hired FoamWorks to insulate the roof deck of our 125 year old home. They were exceptionally accommodating as we are doing the rest of the remodel work ourselves. They communicated well, were prompt, professional and left a clean job site. We are very happy with the results! While not cheap it...
Foam Works, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2022
I was so impressed with the immediate response I received from Todd. He was in constant communication with me throughout the project. The work was completed in a timely manner. We are very pleased with the pressure washing and staining of our deck. I highly recommend GroundWorks LLC!
GroundWorks MI, LLC
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in Ludington

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Ludington, 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

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.

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.

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 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.

A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.

The Ludington, 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.
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.
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
•
Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 2026
Structural Engineer vs. Architect: Their Differences and Why You Need Both
Do you have an upcoming construction project and aren’t sure whether hiring a structural engineer vs an architect is better? Find out here.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?
Structural steel and wood beams ensure your house is structurally sound. Learn the difference between steel and wood beams and how to choose the right one.
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.