Are foundation walls load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.</p></div>

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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: How do you know if a wall is load-bearing?

• <div><p>The easiest way to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/load-bearing-wall.htm">tell if a wall is load bearing</a> is to check if it&rsquo;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&rsquo;t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you&rsquo;re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.</p></div>

Q: What are the signs of structural damage?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/signs-of-structural-damage.htm">Signs of structural damage</a> include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems. </p></div>

Q: What is the typical process architects follow from concept to completion?

• <div><p>The process involves initial consultation, concept development, detailed planning, regulatory approvals, and integration of contractor work for project execution.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in West Milton, OH

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in West Milton, 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 West Milton, 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 April 21, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
We couldn’t be happier with our new deck! From the first consultation to the final walkthrough, the entire process was smooth and professional. Stevie showed up on time, communicated clearly, and paid attention to every detail. The craftsmanship is outstanding—the structure feels solid, the...
TAILORED CUSTOM STRUCTURES LLC
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Reviewed in April 2025
Customers beware! This review is for JK Custom Builders located in Arcanum OH. The Owner/Operator is also the GC/estimator. We hired this General contractor to complete a 16x30 addition onto our home. This entire project was a disaster from the start to an incomplete job. We eventually had to...
JK Custom Builders LLC
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Reviewed in November 2022
Outstanding, best value, I have been a customer for over twenty years. They have always been very fair and reasonable. They designed and installed a new system in a new house that was built. They also reengineered an existing system and improved it to a new size. They have always been very fair...
Aqualon, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2021
I'm a senior engineering consultant supporting WPAFB, and so I have quite a bit of experience working with contractors to upgrade highly complex military aircraft. At my home in Tipp City, I'm adding a hot tub, and needed a company to install the electrical wiring. My professional background...
Vizion Electric
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Reviewed in March 2021
I'm a senior engineering consultant supporting WPAFB, and so I have quite a bit of experience working with contractors to upgrade highly complex military aircraft. At my home in Tipp City, I'm adding a hot tub, and needed a company to install the electrical wiring. My professional...
Vizion Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2021
The Kitchen Brothers were fabulous! I couldnâ t be happier with our project. From the very beginning Nolan, the co-owner and designer, was respectful, easy to work with, and professional. He listened to our needs and considered our budget when designing our kitchen. He made the process fun...
Kitchen Brothers,LLC
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Reviewed in September 2019
My retaining wall was engineered for permanence and beautifully constructed to enhance my property. Earth Works Incorporated is your best bet for a happy landscaping outcome.
Earth Works, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2019
He used to be an engineer and is very methodical. It really shows in the work he does. He built a shed for me in the back yard a while back and when the inspector came out to check things out, they even said that he was very thorough. He is very responsive and prompt, he is there when he says he...
DanTec, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2019
On 10/03/2016 we purchased our home in Tipp City, Ohio, on that date, the seller provided us with paperwork on the improvements they had done or contracted to have done which included the installation of a new roof with 25 year shingles in 2003. Subsequently in April 2017 we discovered leakage...
SCHAEFER & CO
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Reviewed in March 2019
James was personable. He had a full portfolio of the products that would be installed on my roof. Not just the roof colors/patterns, but products under the shingles. James attempted to get the project going the weekend after we accepted his estimate, but the distributor could not get the...
Primo Exteriors LLC
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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.

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.

Signs of structural damage include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems.

The process involves initial consultation, concept development, detailed planning, regulatory approvals, and integration of contractor work for project execution.

The West Milton, OH homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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