"I'm absolutely delighted with the transformation Architect Zach Schweter brought to my house. His masterful touch seamlessly combined aesthetics and functionality, resulting in a space that's both visually stunning and highly practical. The attention to detail in every aspect of the design is truly commendable. Zach's innovative ideas and expertise turned my kitchen into a true masterpiece. From the initial concept to the final execution, his team displayed remarkable professionalism and creativity. I'm beyond satisfied with his work and wholeheartedly recommend him for anyone seeking an architect who excels at turning dreams into reality."
"Doug Cutler is a very professional, experienced architect who was incredibly responsive. He has an engineer in-house, which made the process of our kitchen renovation even easier."
"The search for a structural engineer was difficult,after being turned down by several engineering offices. M.Gillespie & Associates Consulting Engineering P.L.L.C was found,needs were described and a meeting was scheduled with Michael G, immediately. Within a couple of hours, the report was ready. The service was quick, and the price is affordable. The staff is very courteous. Their service is highly recommended and the office wil be used again for the next project."
"I am having a full master bath and kitchen remodel done with new layouts in both rooms and knocking out a wall. Evolution worked with me to quickly get a drawing done of the new layouts so that the contractor could get started on the project. They made sure to include me in the process so that the design would be done exactly as my wife and I envisioned. They communicated effectively throughout the process and were always courteous and professional. I recommend them to anyone with drafting needs."
We have a single mission: Complete Customer Satisfaction! We have consistently focused on the needs of our customers, providing personalized attention and a stress-free experience.\nYou will find us to be competitively priced with close attention to the details.\nOur reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.\nWe look forward to building a lasting relationship and guarantee your satisfaction!\n
"Our experience with Preservation Design Group was first rate all the way. From start to finish, the architect was responsive, attentive, creative and professional. We were impressed by Dan Koplowitz's attention to detail and willingness to listen to what we wanted to achieve with the project, which added over 1500 square feet, relocated bathrooms and renovated and enlarged the kitchen. Dan worked diligently to meld the exisiting house with the new and provided plans that our town approved without requiring modifications and the building dept. is quite strict. The builder Dan recommended was excellent and they worked well as a team."
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
No, squeaky floors do not always mean there is structural damage. The noise is often caused by friction from issues like loose floorboards, gaps between the subfloor and joists, or loose subflooring. While many squeaks are harmless, persistent or worsening noise could indicate a more severe problem. If you notice other signs of structural damage—such as soft or sagging floors, cracks running from the wall to the ceiling, or horizontal cracks in your foundation—it's best to have a professional inspect your floor to determine the root cause.
The primary reason homes have crawl spaces is so the foundation can reach down below the frost line to avoid dangerous soil movement and structural damage when the ground freezes. They’re more popular in colder climates where the ground freezes down to a few feet, and slabs are most popular in warmer areas where there is no frost line. Crawl spaces also provide a space for utility lines to run where they’re at less of a risk of freezing.
The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.
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.
Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.
The Somers, NY homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.
Spotting deep foundation cracks or sagging floors? Learn about structural engineering costs, serious warning signs, and how to hire the right local pro.
It can be hard to choose the right pro for any job, but it matters. Learn how to hire a structural engineer who'll get the job done right from start to finish.
