Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Wakeman, OH

Q: How much weight does a 4-inch concrete slab support?

• <div><p>A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you&rsquo;re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.</p></div>

Q: Do I need to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection?

• <div><p>Most lenders and homeowner&rsquo;s insurance companies don&rsquo;t mandate a structural engineer&rsquo;s inspection, so in most cases, it&rsquo;s not required. However, it&rsquo;s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you&rsquo;re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing. </p></div>

Q: Can I cut or drill LVL beams?

• <div><p>It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.</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 I do my own structural calculations?

• <div><p>No, it&rsquo;s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Wakeman, OH

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Wakeman, OH 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 Wakeman, OH 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 December 18, 2020

Reviewed in December 2020
Very happy with the work they did in my basement and chimneys! The price was fair and the quality was good. My basement is overall much less creepy now and structurally sound.
Cme concrete
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Reviewed in December 2018
Cramer Engineering responded quickly to my request for an estimate and got the repairs done very quickly which I appreciated.
Cramer Engineering, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2016
It went very well. Antonio George, the owner, was thorough and professional is his work. He took the time to give a free estimate, explained several options if unexpected problems were uncovered, provided contractor license verification and proof of insurance. He explained the process and costs...
Unique Tree Services Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2016
The day after I had my truck tuned-up here, the engine light came on. I took it back to inform them about the issue and all they wanted to do was schedule me to have it looked at. They said, "It has nothing to do with the tune-up." These people are only interested in taking as much money from...
JAKE'S RADIATOR INC/NAPA
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Reviewed in June 2015
Derek and his sidekick notified me approximately 1 hour ahead of their arrival to let me know what time they would be pulling in the drive. They were on time and went right to work. They did an outstanding job of ensuring the flooring was structural sound and completed the entire job in about...
Daniels & Sons LLC
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Reviewed in April 2015
<p>Driver & crew were courteous and hard working at both ends of the move. They showed up on time and had an adequate number of workers at both ends to get the job done. Two major items were broken: a wrought aluminum patio table and a 42" tv. Both items I believe were mis-handled/packed. I...
D&D Moving Inc
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Reviewed in March 2015
This was my first time using Angie's list! It could not have gone better. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Linda at Ross Appliance Service quickly responded to my online request for a service visit. I did not expect late weekday hours to be available so I requested a weekend. Linda sent back a...
Ross Appliance Service
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Reviewed in June 2014
<p>C Francis really helped me out of a bind. They stepped into a bit of a mess I had in my home construction, and put it on the right path. Chris worked with me as I had to work through changes and corrections to the existing structure, and he always focused on getting it completed...
C. Francis Builders
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Reviewed in June 2014
We interviewed three window companies. The sales rep from Radiant was the most experienced and knowledgeable. He steered us away from some overly-engineered options we were considering and we wound up with the most practical and view-maximizing option. He stressed that Radiant had its own...
Radiant Windows LLC
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Reviewed in March 2014
Stated no problems with home ... Questioned him about attic .. He stated he couldn't assess it he was too big to go up in opening .. The house garage and surrounding structure was infested with termits .. The wiring between the three units were crossed and wired into different boxes ... So nonne...
Dutch's Mold Inspections LLC
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Find Structural engineers in Wakeman

Betts Structural Engineering LLC

4.5(

)

Serving Wakeman, OH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Construction company and consulting engineering firm for residential, industrial, commercial, institutional, and retail clients.

Response time12 hrs

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Cramer Engineering, LLC

3.8(

149

)

Serving Wakeman, OH and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Credit card accepted

Cramer Engineering, LLC, is a comprehensive structural engineering consulting firm that serves multiple industries such as commercial, industrial, and residential. We specialize in structural and forensic engineering on any project, big or small. We can provide engineering for commercial buildings, residential homes, foundations, basements, roofs, retaining walls, and bridges. We provide inspections for professional and unbiased opinions. We work hard to deliver our projects on time and under budget so that our clients are successful and satisfied. We work throughout Northeast Ohio.

Design Build Bridge by Cramer Engineering

+29

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Montgomery Home Repair

5.0(

)

Serving Wakeman, OH and surrounding areas

Home repair contractor with 12 years experience in home improvements. Due to many years experience, lack of incompetency will never be an issue when you choose Montgomery Home Repair.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Synergy Engineering Services, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Wakeman, OH and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Synergy Engineering Services, LLC is a full service structural engineering firm based in Medina, OH. We are a family owned business and have serviced the Ohio area since 2011. Past projects have stretched as far as Columbus, Cleveland, Akron and beyond. We always like to hear about new ideas and concepts people have in mind as well as addressing current structural issues you may have. Give us a call today and we'd be happy to go over what you have in mind, thank you.

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.

Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing.

It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.

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.

No, it’s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.

The Wakeman, OH 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

Timothy Moore
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2026 Data]
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What Is a Structural Engineer and Do You Need One?
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Do you have an upcoming construction project and aren’t sure whether hiring a structural engineer vs an architect is better? Find out here.
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Who Inspects Home Foundations?
Foundation problems can be dangerous and expensive. Hire a structural engineer who inspects home foundations to catch any potential problems early on.