Can you put a doorway in a structural wall?

• <div><p>Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.</p></div>

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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: How much does a structural engineer cost?

• <div><p>The average cost to hire a structural engineer is about $550, with prices generally ranging from $200 to $1,500. Structural engineers may charge a flat rate, by the project, by square footage, or an hourly rate, which is typically between $100 and $250. Many jobs, such as inspections and structural calculations, are billed at a flat rate, which often falls between $300 and $800. The final cost depends on several factors, including the project's type, scope, size, complexity, ease of access for inspection, and your geographic location.</p></div>

Q: Do squeaky floors mean structural damage?

• <div><p>No, squeaky floors do not always mean there is structural damage. The noise is often caused by friction from issues like loose floorboards, gaps between the subfloor and joists, or loose subflooring. While many squeaks are harmless, persistent or worsening noise could indicate a more severe problem. If you notice other signs of structural damage&mdash;such as soft or sagging floors, cracks running from the wall to the ceiling, or horizontal cracks in your foundation&mdash;it's best to have a professional inspect your floor to determine the root cause.</p></div>

Q: What’s the difference between an architect and an engineer?

• <div><p>The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you&rsquo;re designing and building a new home.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Paw Paw, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Paw Paw, 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 Paw Paw, 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 December 21, 2023

Reviewed in December 2023
Overall JV did an excellent job installing our dining room floor (an engineered hardwood floor). The workers were highly skilled and patient with me as I needed to replace a threshhold as I had purchased the wrong one. Our only complaint would be some communication difficulties on the day of...
JV's Flooring
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Reviewed in July 2023
Quality Concrete & Masonry recently did our driveway, walkway and front stoop. They did an awesome job! These are professionals from quote to finished product. We are so happy with the process and the new look for the front of our house! We would hire them again without question!
Quality Concrete & Masonry LLC
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Reviewed in December 2021
Excellent workmanship and was very accommodating to our needs. The construction turned out better than expectations. I am hiring him to do more work for me in the early spring.
Golden Construction
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Reviewed in April 2021
Overall the work went very well with good communication and clear expectations from the quoting process to the installation. Everyone was professional and it was clear they cared about their job. The electrical work done was very good and even the building inspector commented on how well it was...
Service Professor Inc
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Reviewed in March 2019
Kevin was a great engineer for remodeling our basement. He completely built in the basement. Two bedrooms, office, closets, bathroom. Hallway. Painted. Flooring. Paneling, ceiling. Plumbing. Electricity. And added a hearth to fireplace.
Markin Co.
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Reviewed in January 2018
Turnkey identified structural damage in which they were able to correct without interruption to the overall project and at a very reasonable price. It was a huge advantage going with them as a total contractor as opposed to a company who only does roofs.
Turnkey Builders LLC
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Reviewed in November 2016
My wife and I worked with Jon on an extensive renovation/remodel, and addition. A large, complicated project to say the least. Jon stuck with us through many, many, revisions... The entire time being patient and professional. Jon's expertise and knowledge in structure and engineering helped...
Schultz Architecture
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Reviewed in June 2015
Their application could be a good fit for my issue but they never followed up like I requested to provide additional engineering input and to answer my questions. The rep. that visited my house did not leave me with a written quote either. He was unable to address some of my technical...
Groundworks
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Reviewed in January 2014
Suggestions by builder greatly improved overall design and structure. This is the second project Tom Scheffers has done. The first was adding a bathroom to the first floor and converting the previous bath to a pantry. We have discussed Scheffers building a house for us in the future. Now all we...
Scheffers Construction Co
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Reviewed in April 2013
He came in on-budget and on-time. We call him when we have an issue and his subcontractors are just as dependable. He's got both an engineering and an architectural degree, which makes him worth waiting for, because the structure of the house is just great. He used materials that were...
Hoogstraten Builders Inc
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Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Paw Paw, 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 Paw Paw, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great. From the project manager - Bryan Foster - to the crew chief - Shane - I don't think I could have been in better hands. Professional, knowledgeable, polite, hard working, on time, no surprises, and they left the place cleaner than it was before they came!! I highly recommend this company and the individuals I mentioned."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

The average cost to hire a structural engineer is about $550, with prices generally ranging from $200 to $1,500. Structural engineers may charge a flat rate, by the project, by square footage, or an hourly rate, which is typically between $100 and $250. Many jobs, such as inspections and structural calculations, are billed at a flat rate, which often falls between $300 and $800. The final cost depends on several factors, including the project's type, scope, size, complexity, ease of access for inspection, and your geographic location.

Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.

No, squeaky floors do not always mean there is structural damage. The noise is often caused by friction from issues like loose floorboards, gaps between the subfloor and joists, or loose subflooring. While many squeaks are harmless, persistent or worsening noise could indicate a more severe problem. If you notice other signs of structural damage—such as soft or sagging floors, cracks running from the wall to the ceiling, or horizontal cracks in your foundation—it's best to have a professional inspect your floor to determine the root cause.

The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you’re designing and building a new home.

The Paw Paw, MI homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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