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: How do I know if I need a structural engineer?

• <div><p>You need to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-structural-engineer.htm">hire a structural engineer</a> when building or modifying any component with a structural load in your home. Common situations where you would need a structural engineer include home inspections when buying or selling a home, investigating possible issues with your foundation, beams, load-bearing walls, or chimneys, breaking ground on a new home or structure on your property, and renovating an old part of your home that could threaten any structural integrity. Home additions and bump-outs also require an engineer. </p></div>

Q: Will a bank finance a house with foundation problems?

• <div><p>It depends on the bank and the extent of the issue. Some banks will lend against homes with minor foundation damage, but most won&rsquo;t if the issue is structural since the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. Banks that offer renovation loans might still finance a home with structural problems. More minor issues like settling cracks and intermittent problems with humidity are unlikely to stop a bank from financing. </p></div>

Q: Do structural engineers do free quotes?

• <div><p>Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home&rsquo;s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Clearwater, NE

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Clearwater, NE 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 Clearwater, NE 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 January 19, 2026

Reviewed in August 2024
Dan was nice and professional when he came to look at the Black Locust tree stump in my yard. He said when he would be able to grind it out and was on time and worked quickly and even cleaned up afterwards.
DJDS Outdoors
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Reviewed in February 2020
John did a great job and the owner said that a second appraisal was not needed. Due to the detail and job well done.
Advanced Appraising, LTD
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Reviewed in December 2018
They did a great job. They were running late but called ahead to be sure it was going to work. I appreciated that very much. Stuff happens!! They fixed the 3 things on my list and we're done! Professional with great personalities.
Roadrunner Plumbing
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Reviewed in March 2016
All repairs were made in about 2 hours. Vince had all of the replacement parts and repairs to do the job. He fully explained how he fixed the washer and the dryer. I would use the Appliance Geek again and recommend him to others.
Appliance Geek Inc
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Reviewed in September 2015
Amazing response. Called Filipe at 10 am one day to repair some popcorn ceiling. By 10 am the next day the work was completed. Filipe and his helpers did a fine job and we're super nice. Definitely recommend them.
TF Construction
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Reviewed in March 2014
Justin is a great worker. He built the first deck in 3 days, the second deck over a weekend, and the room, obviously, took longer, but looked as if it had always been there when it was done. It was a 12x20 room with a cathedral ceiling. We loved it. We have since sold our farm and moved to...
J T Construction
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Find Structural engineers in Clearwater

EHM

4.50(

)

EHM

4.50(

)

Customers say: Quality work

72 years of experience

EHM is a structural moving and elevating company that also specializes in foundation repair and replacement. We have been working in the Midwest since the Great Floods of 1993. We specialize in severely comprised foundation issues. We can elevate, level, pier or replace a wall or your entire foundation. We do not do mudjacking, waterproofing or minor crack repair.

"I did not get the service that we originally talked about I am very unhappy"

Donna S on August 2021

"I did not get the service that we originally talked about I am very unhappy"

Donna S on August 2021

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 need to hire a structural engineer when building or modifying any component with a structural load in your home. Common situations where you would need a structural engineer include home inspections when buying or selling a home, investigating possible issues with your foundation, beams, load-bearing walls, or chimneys, breaking ground on a new home or structure on your property, and renovating an old part of your home that could threaten any structural integrity. Home additions and bump-outs also require an engineer.

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.

It depends on the bank and the extent of the issue. Some banks will lend against homes with minor foundation damage, but most won’t if the issue is structural since the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. Banks that offer renovation loans might still finance a home with structural problems. More minor issues like settling cracks and intermittent problems with humidity are unlikely to stop a bank from financing.

Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home’s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.

The Clearwater, NE homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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