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>

Is LVL more affordable than steel I-beams?

• <div><p>Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-steel-i-beam-cost.htm">cost of a steel I-beam</a>, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists. </p></div>

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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: Is it okay to drill into a load-bearing beam?

• <div><p>You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it&rsquo;s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that&rsquo;s safe to use.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Saint Joseph, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Saint Joseph, 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 Joseph, 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 March 29, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
FSM performed, crawlspace, encapsulation, and foundation work for my house. Bryce did a great job of putting together the estimate in walking me through the planning and scheduling process. Both crews did a fabulous job, keeping me updated on the work, maintaining the schedule, and explaining...
Foundation Systems of Michigan
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Reviewed in March 2024
We are very pleased with our new roof and looking forward to more projects with them.
Huckins Construction LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
We had Taku from TKZ Architecture design and monitor the construction of our large family home. The experience was excellent. We highly recommend this firm.
TKZ Architecture LLC
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Reviewed in May 2018
Our concrete slab house had existing hardwood flooring that was badly damaged by a major water heater leak and we needed to replace the entire 2k sq. ft house of hardwood flooring. It was a huge job that many we brought by/called to quote turned down on the spot. Cortez Flooring, however, not...
Cortez Flooring Inc
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Reviewed in April 2017
We did not hire this contractor -- our neighbors did. When ever this contractor is in the neighborhood we have a mess to clean up. This is our second house and the third mess. We would NEVER hire this company for fear of the mess they would leave for our neighbors. Still have a mess in the...
NATURE'S WAY LANDSCAPING
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Reviewed in August 2016
Absolutely professional, the tree that came down in the storm was massive and covered 2 structures across 3 properties. Alvaro is the owner and was great to deal with. They did such a great job with the removal and clean up. I would highly recommend them!
Reyes Tree Service
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Reviewed in July 2015
The quality of the cuts for the fit and finish on the metal sheeting is poor and the flashing looks questionable also and it has taken over 1 month to install. They ran out of cap material and had to order more and it will take over a week to get the rest of the material. The pile of material...
Gutter Helmet of Michigan
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Reviewed in May 2013
Dan from Molnar Construction's price was reasonable and the house was built in the 1940s so he was reasonable about upcharges in terms of finding rotten floor joists or whatever that had to be replaced that weren't part of the original quote. He's a good listener and was able to come up with...
Molnar Construction
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Reviewed in April 2013
I hired Bennett construction to pour a new concrete patio and steps in my backyard. I had torn out an pre-existing wooden deck, and wanted to replace with something much longer lasting. While Bennett Construction wasn't the cheapest bid for the job, they were by far the most professional, and...
BENNETT CONSTRUCTION
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Robert Cowles PE

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Serving Saint Joseph, 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

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.

You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

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

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?

Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the cost of a steel I-beam, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists.

The Saint Joseph, 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

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