Why should I pick steel for my new support beam?

• <div><p>You should pick steel for your new support beam for a few reasons. While steel is more expensive than other materials, such as laminated veneer lumber or glulam, it offers the following benefits:</p><ul><li><p>Fire-resistant</p></li><li><p>Unaffected by pests</p></li><li><p>Longer-lasting</p></li><li><p>Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Schoolcraft, MI

Q: How much weight does a 4-inch concrete slab support?

• <div><p>A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you&rsquo;re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.</p></div>

Q: Are dormers load-bearing?

• <div><p>Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.</p></div>

Q: Are split-level and a split-floor plan the same thing?

• <div><p>A split-level home is one that has several staggered floors connected by short staircases, while a split floor plan separates the primary bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms. Split floor plans are most often found in single-story homes, while split-level homes are always at least two stories.</p></div>

Q: What types of projects require a structural engineer’s expertise?

• <div><p>Structural engineers are necessary for projects involving alterations to load-bearing structures, foundation work, and compliance with safety standards. This includes home expansions, retaining walls, and significant repairs that impact a property's integrity.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Schoolcraft, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Schoolcraft, 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 Schoolcraft, 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 April 2021
We had a flat porch roof with water accumulating in one corner and damaging porch structure underneath. We were given a proposal that mentioned rebuilding the roof structure to prevent future pooling. The old rubberized roof was pulled off and a new one put in place but we were disappointed at...
Stronghouse
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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 January 2018
Due to a growing family we needed room. My wife and I decided to expand in our existing home rather than move out of the area we love. We added a family room, two bedrooms with egress windows and a full bathroom to out basement. Having worked in the electrical contracting industry for over 20...
Larrabee Construction
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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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Reviewed in January 2013
All work was completed in a timely manner (a rare event in my experience <br /> with builders) and was satisfactory in almost all aspects. In <br /> retrospect, however, I should have used someone else for this particular <br /> job. I am very picky about finish; the person who did the finish...
VanDam & Krusinga Building & Restoration
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Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving Schoolcraft, 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

13 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Foundation Specialist, LLC

4.2(

)

Serving Schoolcraft, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I'm selling a home in Holland. The appraiser noticed a crack in the poured concrete foundation and asked for further investigation by a licensed foundation expert. Bryan Foster showed up promptly, provided a written report that confirmed no settlement, bowing or water intrusion, and charged a fair price. I didn't need or ask for an estimate, but Mr. Foster provided one free. I appreciate that the estimate was separate from the inspection report."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

You should pick steel for your new support beam for a few reasons. While steel is more expensive than other materials, such as laminated veneer lumber or glulam, it offers the following benefits:

Fire-resistant
Unaffected by pests
Longer-lasting
Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)

A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.

Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.

A split-level home is one that has several staggered floors connected by short staircases, while a split floor plan separates the primary bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms. Split floor plans are most often found in single-story homes, while split-level homes are always at least two stories.

Structural engineers are necessary for projects involving alterations to load-bearing structures, foundation work, and compliance with safety standards. This includes home expansions, retaining walls, and significant repairs that impact a property's integrity.

The Schoolcraft, 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

Haley Nothstein
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
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