Get matched with top structural engineers in Saint Helen, MI

Q: What are the signs of structural damage?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/signs-of-structural-damage.htm">Signs of structural damage</a> include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems. </p></div>

Q: Do I need a structural engineer or an architect?

• <div><p>Whether you&rsquo;re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.</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: Why are houses built with crawl spaces?

• <div><p>The primary reason homes have crawl spaces is so the foundation can reach down below the frost line to avoid dangerous soil movement and structural damage when the ground freezes. They&rsquo;re more popular in colder climates where the ground freezes down to a few feet, and slabs are most popular in warmer areas where there is no frost line. Crawl spaces also provide a space for utility lines to run where they&rsquo;re at less of a risk of freezing.</p></div>

Q: How thick are LVL beams?

• <div><p>The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between <b>1.75 inches and 7 inches</b>. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Saint Helen, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Saint Helen, 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 Saint Helen, 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 February 24, 2026

Reviewed in February 2026
They replaced my worn down deck with beautiful trek-boards. New railing installed too! Still looks great 3 years later!
TURN KEY CONSTRUCTION TC LLC
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Reviewed in August 2025
Ellis did a excellent! job on the concrete for our pole barn and approach, they were here early and worked all day, we are very impressed and very very pleased with the job. We definitely recommend Ellis concrete, and we will be using them again
Ellis Concrete
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Reviewed in October 2024
Very easy to work with and Kevinâ s understanding of adding conceptual items into the design was a collaborative effort. End results are great
K&R Woodworking, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2023
Wegreatly appreciate the workmanship and love that went into this project for my family. We enjoy having our own rooms and having organized home again. I highly recommend their service. Great quality work!! Five star!!
Absolutely Everything Services
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Reviewed in August 2023
Anthony also did repairs on exterior of house, excellent job, definitely will hire him again. Very thorough at drywall and home repairs.
Anthony's A+ Drywall
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Reviewed in April 2023
I hired 989 Tree Service to take down a large tree with structures near. They showed up on time, got the job done promptly and safely. I also asked them do a few other miscellaneous, related tasks around my home, and they were helpful and courteous. I would (and likely will) use them again in...
989 Tree Service LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
I would recommend this company to anyone looking for a quality product and great workmanship. This is my second time using this company for home improvement.
All-Weather Seal Company, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2023
I needed some steel pipe fencing repaired quickly and Eric showed up the next day. Beautiful welds and they are still holding strong! He was great to work with and I will call him if I need more steel work in the future!
EMP Welding And Fabrication, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2022
Spray foamed exterior walls in my carlspace. Recommend the company there teams are top notch.
RetroFoam of Michigan Inc.
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Reviewed in November 2022
Troy is very personable and professional he knows a lot about his line of work and not only did he give us an estimate before hand he also explained to us exactly what he was capable of and exactly what we needed to do on our property and for a little bit extra the tree that was not diseased he...
NATO Tree Service
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Find Structural engineers in Saint Helen

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Saint Helen, 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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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Signs of structural damage include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems.

Whether you’re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.

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

The primary reason homes have crawl spaces is so the foundation can reach down below the frost line to avoid dangerous soil movement and structural damage when the ground freezes. They’re more popular in colder climates where the ground freezes down to a few feet, and slabs are most popular in warmer areas where there is no frost line. Crawl spaces also provide a space for utility lines to run where they’re at less of a risk of freezing.

The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between 1.75 inches and 7 inches. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.

The Saint Helen, 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

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.
Timothy Moore
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2026 Data]
Looking to remove load-bearing walls and vertical supports to open up your living space? Learn about what affects the cost to install an LVL 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 3, 2026May 3, 2026
15 Warning Signs That a House Will Collapse
A home doesn’t collapse unexpectedly. Learn the warning signs that a house will collapse, so you can protect your family and your home.
Em Norton
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May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How to Hire a Structural Engineer: Complete Guide
It can be hard to choose the right pro for any job, but it matters. Learn how to hire a structural engineer who'll get the job done right from start to finish.