Are there benefits to consulting an engineer before home modifications?

• <div><p>Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won’t compromise structural integrity.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Lackawanna, NY

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: Are walls on the top floor load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor&rsquo;s foundation.</p></div>

Q: Are there benefits to consulting an engineer before home modifications?

• <div><p>Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won&rsquo;t compromise structural integrity.</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: Can a one-story house have a load-bearing wall?

• <div><p>Yes, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Lackawanna, NY

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Lackawanna, 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 Lackawanna, 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 May 26, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Highly recommend. Troy and his crew were a delight to work with. From the beginning stages of planning, budgeting, customer service, craftsmanship, and friendly attitude; Troy provided us with a stress free renovation. I could not be happier with the experience and outcome of their services....
WNY Remodeling
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Reviewed in December 2024
I hired Evolves Construction Inc. to do a kitchen remodel, and I?m so happy with the results. The crew was skilled and made sure to address all my concerns. The project was completed on time, and the quality of work was outstanding.
Evolves Construction
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Reviewed in November 2021
I really was apprehensive using ANGI again! Nickle City Property Management did through and concerned work on my ton of leaves! It’s quite the job, 1/2 acre w 13 trees and 2 structures. Called when expected, showed up when expected, completes entire job as expected! High regards and also very...
Nickel City Property Maintenance
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Reviewed in April 2021
We had 2 big projects. Complete bathroom remodel and vinyl planking over tile in kitchen and living room. Both were completed timely and look beautiful! Very impressed with the expertise and professionalism the entire crew exhibited. Would highly recommend Josh and MS Rogers. Thank you!
M.S. Rogers Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2021
I highly recommend Cortese Construction Services. They installed our Better Living Sunroom and attached vinyl deck. The project was completed earlier than originally projected and within budget. The quality of workmanship and materials was excellent. Nick’s customer service and personal...
Cortese Brothers Constr Co Inc
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Reviewed in March 2021
Concrete Innovations is just what their name says. They are innovative, do wonderful work on time, and on budget
Concrete Innovations, Inc.
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Reviewed in December 2020
We hired Russell Renovation to finish a 1300 sq ft unfinished basement. Tim, Seth and the crew exceeded my expectations. We hired them based on reading reviews online, we had 1 recommendation from a friend of a friend, and after meeting Tim he showed us 2 basements he did. They created a...
RUSSELL RENOVATIONS WNY INC.
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Reviewed in November 2019
Review for LeakMaster, A month after we moved into a house in 2016, the roof blew off. We had never experienced this before so we went to the Home Show hoping to find a roofer. We talked to Mike Seibold and found him sincere and honest. He told us he keeps the same crew all year; they are...
Seibold Construction Inc. // Leak Master
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Reviewed in February 2019
New Age Deveopment installed a vinyl engineered floor for our cabin. The floor is a gray lifeproof rigid core. It looks very good in our new cabin! They did a great job cleaning up after themselves too. I didn t have to do a thing. They were very attentive to answer any questions I had in a...
Doty's Painting & Staining, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2017
March of 2010 entered a contract with Mark J McClosky to rebuild my home after a fire in the amount of $78,000.00 with total move-in condition after completion. In March 2010, work began on the house after the initial deposit of $26,000. Work was done, the building was stripped internally of...
New Life Contractor & Restoration
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Find Structural engineers in Lackawanna

Everything Outdoors

4.3(

)

Serving Lackawanna, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

"Great! They were very professional and did excellent work.
"

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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Thornton Engineering, PC

5.0(

)

Serving Lackawanna, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1960

"very positive. he was candid and knowledgable"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Parker Bay Engineering

2.6(

)

Serving Lackawanna, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Emergency services offered

"Very professional. The process was smooth and comprehensive. Still have a ways to go but, so far, so good."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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VHS Engineering

New to Angi

Serving Lackawanna, 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

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.

Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor’s foundation.

Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won’t compromise structural integrity.

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, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.

The Lackawanna, 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

Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
A damaged main support beam can cause serious structural damage to your house. Learn how much it costs to replace a main house support beam.
Dan Simms
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
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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.
Em Norton
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Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
Everything to Know About LVL Beams
What is an LVL beam? Read about LVL beams to determine if this material is safe and suitable for your project.
Rachel Hoffman
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May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
What to Expect From a Structural Engineer Foundation Inspection
Identify potentially serious problems with your foundation with an inspection from a structural engineer.
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Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
Structural Inspection vs. Home Inspection: Which Is Right for You?
Knowing the difference between structural inspections vs. home inspections is easy with this convenient guide. Learn when you might get each one done.