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 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>

Q: Why hire a structural engineer for home projects?

• <div><p>Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.</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: What do structural engineers look for when doing an inspection?

• <div><p>Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:</p><ul><li><p>Dry rot</p></li><li><p>Infestation</p></li><li><p>Shifting or<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/quarter-inch-crack-my-foundation-major-concern.htm"> cracking foundations</a></p></li><li><p>Erosion</p></li><li><p>Water damage</p></li><li><p>Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Kent, NY

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Kent, NY 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 Kent, NY 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 06, 2025

Reviewed in January 2025
I will only ever use AI Developers Masonry. They were upfront, professional and knowledgeable. I had them do some repairs on my historic brick house. They sont photos every step of the way. When they were finishing a section they would have us come out and inspect their work and make sure we...
AI Developers Masonry
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Reviewed in June 2024
Very skilled and professional. Great people. They completed the much needed support of our 20â x15â roofed porch. Porch is 8â above our concrete patio below. Installed a 12â x20â main beam , cut the concrete and poured 3 concrete footers, and installed 3 8x8 high strength support...
Scalia Development
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Reviewed in July 2023
Andy Patten of Patten construction is a breath of fresh air after less than stellar experiences with contractors. Absolutely reliable, trustworthy, and went above and beyond in delivering results that exceeded every expectation for my renovations.
Patten Construction
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Reviewed in June 2023
They responded quickly to my request. Asked the questions needed to review and submit an offer to do the work. Basically a tear out and replacement in three days total. I highly recommend this company for anyone needing cement work
True Line Construction LLC.
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Reviewed in May 2023
Recon demolition gave me a competitive offer on the job and had extremely accurate timing estimates for job. Completed demolition of two story barn garage structure in 2 hours and hauled it away. Overall would 100% recommend them to anyone looking for a demolition project!
Recon Demolition & Renovation
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Reviewed in November 2022
I had already purchased the materials, and it was a different product than they had worked with in the past, but that was not an issue with NLRR. Great communication and very flexible with scheduling the work so it was convenient for us. The work was excellent and Paul and Logan made sure we...
New Life Remodel Rochester
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Reviewed in July 2021
Tom does outstanding work. I've used him more than once. For the first project, he removed a load bearing wall as part of a complete kitchen remodel. This second time he did a complete kitchen and bath remodel. He works fast, shows up on time, communicates very well, and maintains a clean...
The Remodeling Center, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2020
This was a big job. It is an old Victorian house that, as the engineer said prior to our purchase, "had a lot of deferred maintenance on the exterior". The body was covered in cement/asbestos shingles that had never been painted and the paint on the trim was so chipped and faded that a lot of...
Whelehan Painting
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Reviewed in June 2015
Original home built by Lennar Homes in 2010. Bought by my husband and I <br /> in early 2013. Arrived home in 3/2015 to find several floor tiles <br /> heaved and 'tented' throughout the house. Called Lennar as the home was <br /> not quite 5 years old. Told me that they had HEARD of this...
LENNAR HOMES AT SWEET LAKE
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Reviewed in October 2014
We contracted to have a 3d drawing of our kitchen made with Tony Piccirillo from the ad on Angie's List. Tony came out and did some measurements and gave us some ideas about the project. We explained that we were trying to renovate our kitchen as economically as possible and that the drawing...
Piccirillo Enterprises
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Find Structural engineers in Kent

Thornton Engineering, PC

5.0(

)

Serving Kent, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1960

"very positive. he was candid and knowledgable"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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VHS Engineering

New to Angi

Serving Kent, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Offers commercial services

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

Response time1 hour

Response rate94%

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.

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.

Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:

Dry rot
Infestation
Shifting or cracking foundations
Erosion
Water damage
Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support

The Kent, NY 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

Lyle Hendriks
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
Beam installation costs are an important consideration if you’re building a home or doing renovations. Learn about average costs and factors in this guide.
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost to Hire? [2026 Data]
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total.
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•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
Kyle Schurman
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who to Hire to Replace a Sill Plate?
A sill plate needs to be replaced when it starts to rot out. Use this guide to help you know who to hire to replace a sill plate at your home.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection
Learn why it might be a good idea to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection in addition to a general home inspector when you’re purchasing a home.
Kate Fann
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.