Are there benefits to consulting an engineer before home modifications?

• <div><p>Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won’t compromise structural integrity.</p></div>

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Q: Are walls on the top floor load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor&rsquo;s foundation.</p></div>

Q: Are there benefits to consulting an engineer before home modifications?

• <div><p>Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won&rsquo;t compromise structural integrity.</p></div>

Q: How do you know if a wall is load-bearing?

• <div><p>The easiest way to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/load-bearing-wall.htm">tell if a wall is load bearing</a> is to check if it&rsquo;s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don&rsquo;t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you&rsquo;re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.</p></div>

Q: Can I build over a stump?

• <div><p>Yes, you can build over a stump if the roots are no longer alive. Living roots will continue to grow and may damage your new construction over time. Similarly, you should also remove rotting stumps because they may continue to attract pests and even cause new structures (especially those made from wood) to decompose as well. </p></div>

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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Pellston, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Pellston, 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 Pellston, 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 October 19, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
I hired Anthony to finish a basement kitchen with drywall, cupboards, drop ceiling, tile etc. The project turned out great!
Building for Christ LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
I needed help setting up furniture last minute and 5-mile creek construction was up to the job. It was nice to have everything done so quickly and easily. I would work with them again.
5-Mile Creek Construction
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Reviewed in November 2023
Ulises and his team struck that rare balance of creativity and function with our stamped concrete patio and stone driveway. They took the necessary time to establish slope and grade in complex terrain using precision laser measure and experience to transform our very rough existing driveway and...
Prestige Landscape Projects
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Reviewed in August 2023
I am thrilled to write this testimonial for the exceptional tree trimming job recently completed by Stuckman Inc.. Their expertise and professionalism truly exceeded my expectations. From the start, their team displayed excellent communication and punctuality, ensuring that the project proceeded...
STUCKMAN INC.
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Reviewed in March 2023
Tony from AF Construction was easy to work with, on time, and was very knowledgeable about the job. He floored, tiled and installed fixtures for our new shower in just one week time! The work he did looks amazing and very professional! I’m already looking for another house project so I can...
AF Construction
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Reviewed in March 2023
Extremely professional, timely and attentive to detail. Highly recommend this company!
Bay to Bay Building Concepts
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Reviewed in February 2023
Excellent service. Did a great job trimming many large trees (20 plus)on my property. Hard working crew. Shredded and removed all debri. I got quotes from other companies and this was a great value for all of the work that was done. I highly recommend. Jose and his father were very professional...
Ramirez Tree Care LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
They did a fantastic job on rebuilding our deck. It turned out beautiful. It was very professional done. Would recommend them to anyone.
Renewit Group
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Reviewed in May 2021
Mr. Stone and his crew installed my new flagpole for my new house. Very professional and very polite. I have other projects that I will be hiring him to help me out with around my new home. Extremely satisfying. 5 stars!
LH Stone Enterprises
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Reviewed in May 2007
Air Engineers were really nice people. They came to my home, did a free estimate of what was needed to repair my pump and replaced the faulty pump all in the same day. The price was well within the range I thought it would be.
Air Engineers Service Experts
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Robert Cowles PE

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Serving Pellston, MI and surrounding areas

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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."

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor’s foundation.

Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won’t compromise structural integrity.

The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.

Yes, you can build over a stump if the roots are no longer alive. Living roots will continue to grow and may damage your new construction over time. Similarly, you should also remove rotting stumps because they may continue to attract pests and even cause new structures (especially those made from wood) to decompose as well.

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

The Pellston, MI homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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