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>

How do you choose a residential structural engineer?

• <div><p>The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:</p><ul><li><p>Do you have experience working in my specific area?</p></li><li><p>Do you have professional indemnity insurance?</p></li><li><p>What will your structural report cover?</p></li><li><p>Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?</p></li><li><p>How long have you been in business?</p></li><li><p>Do you have a list of customer references?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Marcy, NY

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 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: 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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Marcy, NY

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Marcy, 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 Marcy, 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 05, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
We needed a split rail fence replaced, Ray gave good advice and options as to materials. He and his crew did a great job, ahead of schedule and the price was very good. It was a pleasure dealing with an honest and capable professional.
Rightway Fencing
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Reviewed in May 2025
William Moore, owner of Patriot Contracting is amazing! Nobody would commit to a complete 1880's home renovation at the height of the pandemic. He figured out relocating a stairwell that 6 other contractors and a structural engineer never got. He and his crew were hardworking, honest, and...
Patriot Contracting Services Of Central New York
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Reviewed in August 2023
Project consisted of tearing down 26 6x8 panels and replacing with new wood. I'm completely ecstatic with the job they did, and how fast it was completed. Bryce and his crew are fantastic.
BD Fence Solutions
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Reviewed in May 2023
Wratten Contracting was very fast in taking care of my project. Excellent work and very reasable prices. Highly recommend them. They will be my go-to contractor for future work.
Wratten Contracting
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Reviewed in June 2022
Andrew and his crew (Dan) did a fantastic job repairing our foundation and parging and painting our basement. Andrew responded to my request promptly and was out to the house within a day to provide an estimate. This level of professionalism and communication continued throughout the entire...
The Masonry Doctor, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2022
Very knowledgeable on all aspects of home building and repair
Johnston's Home Improvement
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Reviewed in November 2021
Alex, Tim and Vinny are all hardworking professionals. They discussed all parts of the projects with us as they built an addition as well as a deck with railing and steps. They did excellent work with an eye for detail, clean and neat and removed all debris themselves. I would recommend this...
Mahoney's Services
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Reviewed in January 2021
We are thrilled to have found Elegant Interior Remodeling, LLC! Serge takes pride in his work, providing beautiful product and impeccable service. We first hired this company to do a complete remodel of our kitchen. We were so impressed with the outcome, we hired him again for our complete...
Elegant Interior Remodeling, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2017
Tim and his crew were there all day, every day until the work was finished. They did a beautiful job on most things: they're fantastic with structural and electrical work, and the new ceilings, windows, and fence all look great. A few of the finishing touches weren't as high-quality as the rest...
Yerdon Construction & Associates
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Reviewed in September 2013
on the 1st day most of the old structure was removed by backhoe. area cleaned up before leaving. the next day same 5 men returned and used jackhammers to finish. Again area cleaned up before leaving. a day delay due to rain. the next day forms put in place. the next day concrete poured,...
Putrello and Sons and Daughter Masonary
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Find Structural engineers in Marcy

Northshore Engineering and Design

4.9(

)

Serving Marcy, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Northshore responded quickly to our inquiry and was able to complete the structural analysis we needed within a week. We received our report quickly. Everything was thorough and professional."

+29

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Thornton Engineering, PC

5.0(

)

Serving Marcy, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1960

"very positive. he was candid and knowledgable"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Northshore Engineering and Design

5.0(

)

Serving Marcy, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Credit card accepted

"Very good quality work, custom design, knows the industry practice well. Happy with the final design."

Response time11 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Badger Engineering, PLLC

New to Angi

Serving Marcy, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Badger Engineering is 100% committed to provide you a timely, custom quality, code compliant designs ensuring complete customer satisfaction, guaranteed. Each design is unique and we are committed to working with you providing quality Engineering Services starting with your idea to create a conceptual design and final detailed design which can then be made constructed making your dream a reality. We can assist you with all aspects of your construction project including selection of a contractor, obtaining building permits and engineering oversight through construction. Committed to the environment through alternative energy system design. Licensed PE in NY and CA. Veteran owned and operated. \n\nJoshua 24:15

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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)

The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:

Do you have experience working in my specific area?
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
What will your structural report cover?
Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?
How long have you been in business?
Do you have a list of customer references?

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.

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.

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.

The Marcy, NY homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
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Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?
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Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
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Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
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Before removing a wall, make sure it’s not load-bearing. Learn the benefits of hiring a structural engineer to check if a wall is load-bearing.