Get matched with top structural engineers in South Haven, MI

Q: Are all exterior walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria. </p></div>

Q: Are horizontal cracks structural?

• <div><p>Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage. </p></div>

Q: Are ceiling joists load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they&rsquo;re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them. </p></div>

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: Can I do my own structural calculations?

• <div><p>No, it&rsquo;s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in South Haven, MI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in South Haven, 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 South Haven, 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 May 29, 2024

Reviewed in May 2024
I was very pleased with my wood fence. They went above and beyond with any concerns i had with design and layout. I highly recommend this company.
FENCE SOLUTIONS LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
Wonderful experience! Excellent job w/Tree removal and fence repair from storm damage. Already planning next project with them.
James & Son's Construction
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Reviewed in January 2024
Jared at Sweet Home Services installed luxury vinyl plank flooring for my guest house in South Haven. The floor boards are fitted together perfectly and don't feature the gaps and spaces I usually see in other people's houses. The trim work also turned out great as well. Highly...
Sweet Home Services
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Reviewed in January 2024
From the start of the process to the finish, it went very smoothly. I was also impressed with the professionalism of you and your team. Having worked with construction crews before, I think you have the best hands down. I look forward to working with you and your team again in the future.
AIS Construction
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Reviewed in September 2023
Project: Coat concrete floors with Epoxy or Hybrid Polymer This business is fantastic. Such wonderful people, and the job they did on our new garage flooring was EXCELLENT!! They even went four inches up the wall and did our stairs into the house. Such perfection! I would recommend them to...
All American Flooring
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Reviewed in April 2021
Adam and his crew did a wonderful job at removing trees and limbs hanging over our house. They stacked the wood and chipped all of the branches. I highly recommend this company!
All Around Trees
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Reviewed in March 2021
Collins Construction was very professional about the job, along with being very quick and knowledgeable about what he was doing. I would highly recommend and will be doing business in the future!
Collins construction
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Reviewed in December 2020
I highly recommend Bill Mannino for your home inspection. We found Bill independently of our realtor just to be extra cautious when considering a home purchase. Bill did a really thorough inspection. He takes pride in his work and attention to detail. He was also very patient both in person and...
Accurate Inspection Coloma, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2014
We did not contract for the services after having a structural engineer come to the house to further inspect the foundation. <br />
Great Lakes Waterproofing Co
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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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Find Structural engineers in South Haven

Robert Cowles PE

5.0(

)

Serving South Haven, 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

10 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Foundation Specialist, LLC

4.2(

)

Serving South Haven, 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

It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria.

Many horizontal cracks in home foundations result from water and soil pressure from outside of the building or from a footing that is shifting. Under those circumstances, horizontal cracks are a structural problem that requires repair before they become worse and more difficult to fix. However, in very specific cases, thin horizontal cracks may simply be a cosmetic blemish due to concrete shrinkage.

Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they’re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them.

Yes, professionals reinforce the foundation with additional supports or piers to prevent future sinking.

No, it’s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.

The South Haven, 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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