Do monolithic slabs have footers?

• <div><p>All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.</p></div>

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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: Where are most load-bearing walls located?

• <div><p>Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.</p></div>

Q: Can water damage affect the structural integrity of my walls?

• <div><p>Yes, water damage can affect your walls' structural integrity. If the water or moisture sits on the walls for an extended period, it can weaken the drywall, plaster, wood framing, and other materials supporting the wall. That's why it's critical to dry out the area as soon as you notice it.</p></div>

Q: Is a structural engineer the same as a foundation engineer?

• <div><p>Structural engineers specialize in all aspects of a building&rsquo;s structural integrity, including the foundation. Foundation engineering is a critical part of structural engineering, so structural engineers are experts in foundation design. Many foundation repair companies either have a structural engineer on staff or one they work closely with, so be sure you look for that when deciding <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/who-do-i-hire-foundation-repair.htm">who to hire for foundation repair</a>.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Paris, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Paris, 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 Paris, 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 June 15, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
For Concrete of any need -they should be your first Call/Text/Email For New Build - Call/Text/Email For Remodel - Call/Text/Email For Roofing and Gutters - Call/Text/Email For Pole Barns - Call/Text/Email Griffes Construction Inc. of Big Rapids does it all. They did Roofing and Gutters for us as...
Logan Griffes Construction LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
Absolutely great! Cliff, Dana, and their crew were dependable, careful, courteous, cleaned up the construction site every evening. We will be hiring them for another project this spring.
Ouellette Construction
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Reviewed in December 2023
They do good work at fair prices. Had them do various projects including painting, landscaping, skirting our deck, remodeling a family room, roof repair and sealing and other general repairs. Will have them do future siding and kitchen remodeling projects this winter.
Honey Do For You
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Reviewed in July 2023
The owner of this business has a positive attitude and strong work ethic. He pays close attention to detail. He did a lot of painting and assisted with other renovations at my business. He cleaned his work area after he was done which I greatly appreciated. He is incredibly reliable &...
Andrade Painting Services
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Reviewed in February 2023
Excellent and meticulous. The owner is a very hard working young man. He is honest. The work was done on time and itâ s beautiful. He built a tree deck on our lake cottage. Definitely a great choice in builders. The pricing was very fair.
Andrizo Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
Our 3500sq ft 1890 Italianate home is both old and extravagant requiring unique carpentry repair work and 8 custom paint applications. The work involved extreme detail in Gables, Corbels, Spindles, Dentils, Posts, Bay Windows and more. We appreciated the large number of workers Reyes Builders...
Reyes Builders and Painting LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
I've hired them to do several projects for me. He had done my loader, cement approach, Vinyl siding, walkway and vehicles.
Supra Clean Power Washing
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Reviewed in February 2022
They Installed a metal roof on my cabin in Big Rapids. The color was a barn red. It turned out real nice.
Green Built Roofing, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2021
This company cares about you as the customer. They are extremely experienced and professional and could not have asked for a better team to put a new roof on my house
Big Rapids Roofing, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2016
Owner Jesse Roman was very professional, safe and considerate in the removal of 1 huge maple tree which was in a very risky fall zone. He and his men removed the tree safely and in a timely manner. They also removed a 90 foot spruce tree that was right next to the house without incident or...
Roman Empire Tree, LLC
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Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Paris, 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

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Foundation Specialist, LLC

4.2(

)

Serving Paris, 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

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.

Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.

Yes, water damage can affect your walls' structural integrity. If the water or moisture sits on the walls for an extended period, it can weaken the drywall, plaster, wood framing, and other materials supporting the wall. That's why it's critical to dry out the area as soon as you notice it.

Structural engineers specialize in all aspects of a building’s structural integrity, including the foundation. Foundation engineering is a critical part of structural engineering, so structural engineers are experts in foundation design. Many foundation repair companies either have a structural engineer on staff or one they work closely with, so be sure you look for that when deciding who to hire for foundation repair.

All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.

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