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>

How do you choose a residential structural engineer?

• <div><p>The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:</p><ul><li><p>Do you have experience working in my specific area?</p></li><li><p>Do you have professional indemnity insurance?</p></li><li><p>What will your structural report cover?</p></li><li><p>Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?</p></li><li><p>How long have you been in business?</p></li><li><p>Do you have a list of customer references?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: Do services include structural reinforcement?

• <div><p>Yes, professionals reinforce the foundation with additional supports or piers to prevent future sinking.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take for water to cause structural damage?

• <div><p>Water can seep into porous materials like wood beams, floor joists, and roof rafters within minutes, but they&rsquo;ll need to see prolonged exposure before you have structural damage. Mold can start growing within 24 hours, and mold can eat away at the structural components over time. Wood rot is more of a concern, though. Wet and dry rot are fungal infections that set in in moist conditions and rapidly deteriorate wood, causing major structural damage within just a few months in some cases.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Rapid City, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Rapid City, 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 Rapid City, 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 09, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
I was purchasing a pre- built portable storage shed and needed a foundation put in before it was delivered. I was able to be worked into the schedule and they did a fantastic job. The guys were professional and friendly. I would definitely hire them again.
North West Home Solutions, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2025
Ray, Ryan and Jeanine were fantastic!They repaired the siding our home builder did not install correctly. They sided our 40 year old garage with siding that matched our house perfectly. They cleaned up after themselves, and were professional and personable. Highly recommend!
RAY'S SIDING
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Reviewed in October 2024
Chris Peplinski came out and gave us a fair and honest estimate on fixing our foundation. Alex and crew arrived and installed helical piers to shore up our foundation and you couldn’t tell they were even here. Everything from the first call to the install was top notch! Highly Recommend!
Groundworks
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Reviewed in April 2024
I have used them for several projects from installation and maintenance of a rock revetment, installation of stairs from the top of our bluff to the water below, plantings on our slope, and yearly installation and removal of a removal set of stairs that connect the major stairs over the rock...
The Greener Good Outdoor
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Reviewed in September 2023
They did a fantastic job from the start to the finish. I think that they went above and beyond from the site work all the way through to the end of the job very professional and made a lot of suggestions on things that should be done to make it a much better building I couldn’t be happier with...
Cherryland Contracting Services
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Reviewed in June 2023
I highly recommend Northern Earth Works and Construction whom we engaged to build a detached garage with bonus space, finish a walk-out basement and construct a patio. We are very pleased with the project as it progresses and attribute our positive experience to Caden's leadership and...
Northern Earthworks & Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2021
Installed a chain link fence and did some excavating. They are experienced and detail oriented. I was very satisfied with the work performed.
R.A.W. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
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Reviewed in March 2021
Mike did a terrific job remodeling my house. He also built new decks outside. Dependable hard working skilled contractor.
Mike Nichol General Contractor
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Reviewed in March 2021
Diamondwood is a great choice for a quality builder. Having a builder with an eye for detail and pride in their work super important.
Diamondwood Inc
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Reviewed in February 2018
The work they did has taken care of our water issues which has made those spaces usable and is helping to protect the integrity of the foundation of our home. They have their headquarters in Livonia and an office and operation in Traverse City as well. Our service was done out of the Traverse...
Foundation Systems of Michigan
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Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

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Serving Rapid City, 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, professionals reinforce the foundation with additional supports or piers to prevent future sinking.

Water can seep into porous materials like wood beams, floor joists, and roof rafters within minutes, but they’ll need to see prolonged exposure before you have structural damage. Mold can start growing within 24 hours, and mold can eat away at the structural components over time. Wood rot is more of a concern, though. Wet and dry rot are fungal infections that set in in moist conditions and rapidly deteriorate wood, causing major structural damage within just a few months in some cases.

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.

The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:

Do you have experience working in my specific area?
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
What will your structural report cover?
Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?
How long have you been in business?
Do you have a list of customer references?

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 Rapid City, 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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