Is LVL more affordable than steel I-beams?

• <div><p>Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-steel-i-beam-cost.htm">cost of a steel I-beam</a>, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists. </p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Stahlstown, PA

Q: How do professionals incorporate framing into existing structures?

• <div><p>By careful planning and reinforcement to maintain structural integrity.</p></div>

Q: How much does a structural engineer cost?

• <div><p>The average cost to hire a structural engineer is about $550, with prices generally ranging from $200 to $1,500. Structural engineers may charge a flat rate, by the project, by square footage, or an hourly rate, which is typically between $100 and $250. Many jobs, such as inspections and structural calculations, are billed at a flat rate, which often falls between $300 and $800. The final cost depends on several factors, including the project's type, scope, size, complexity, ease of access for inspection, and your geographic location.</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: If you do the work yourself, how can you be sure your home is still structurally sound?

• <div><p>If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-architect-cost.htm">pay to hire an architect</a> or a structural engineer to ensure your home remains structurally sound. They can help with the planning to make sure everything is up to code and safe for your family. On the other hand, if you&rsquo;re not sure your home will be completely safe when you&rsquo;ve completed the project, let a pro do the job.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Stahlstown, PA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Stahlstown, PA 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 Stahlstown, PA 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 September 10, 2024

Reviewed in September 2024
Daniel is a wonderful and hard working guy. He has done several jobs for me and my rental business and I have always been extremely pleased with his work and with his kind assistance, great explanations of the work and his quotes. I will use This Guy Construction for all my maintenance and...
This Guy Construction
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Reviewed in August 2024
Very professional installers. Clean appearance. Very informative during the installation. They left the site cleaner than when they arrived. It is well worth the additional cost over regular insulation. If you want any additional information, please drop me an e-mail. [email protected]
RetroFoam of Pittsburgh, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2023
Fast Quality was excellent! I would highly recommend them for all roofing needs!
Fast Quality and Service
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Reviewed in June 2023
The project went well from start to finish I'm more then satisfied with my new floors will hire them in the future for any home improvements I need
Recharged Renovations L.L.C
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Reviewed in May 2022
Krain Construction did an awesome job putting a deck on our cottage. Brain and the whole crew were great to work with. They were very friendly and made a deck that was just what we ordered. The work was done on time as promised and to a high level of workmanship. I will be asking Krain...
Krain Construction LLC
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Reviewed in June 2018
Joe DiVittorio and crew were courteous and conscientious. Two large decks resurfaced and completed in a timely manner. Joe DiVittorio was a pleasure to work with. He was very concerned with the esthetics of the decking and went out of his way to resurface all old deck structure with new wood to...
Joseph Divittorio Construction
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Reviewed in April 2018
I called a week ago for an appointment to replace a nonworking toilet water inlet tube with the already-purchased 'Fluidmaster' replacement kit for inlet tube (which was leaking from old age at the top seal. ) the plumber appointment was promised for 3 pm friday 4/6 , with Nevaeh to give a...
Nevaeh Pipe Bursting LLC
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Reviewed in June 2017
We I hired Gary he stated zi would receive an email with the structural report within 48 hours after the inspection. He also stated he would contact me after the inspection for payment arrangements. It was agreed that he would do the inspection at noon. He called me 15 minutes before he was...
Gary J. Miller
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Reviewed in August 2015
This is a stucco house on a slab and they went around the house with a sealant between the house and the sidewalk to prevent rain from seeping through and into the house. <br /> They placed a sealant on the concrete when the concrete had set. <br /> They removed the old debris of the sidewalk....
Lincoln Restoration Services
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Reviewed in April 2015
Our bathroom remodel was a little more than an average bath remodel. It included adding a wall, opening a doorway, electrical repairs, and structural repairs. We were lucky to call John in the dead of winter, so he was able to estimate our job the next day. The estimated amount was almost...
John Morgan Contracting
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Find Structural engineers in Stahlstown

JL & A Structural Engineers

4.0(

)

Serving Stahlstown, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Emergency services offered

"he was very polite, knowledgeable, and customer friendly."

Response time2 days

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving Stahlstown, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Dee is a solid guy and excellent engineer. My project required him to design and create the engineering specs to navigate our town's permitting process. His thoroughness exceeded my expectations. I recommend and trust Dee on any future project."

+10

Response time7 hrs

Recommended by54%of homeowners

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Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

222

)

Serving Stahlstown, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

"Clear specific recommendations to stabilize and correct sinking foundation & leaning walls on my 100 year old solid brick garage. Will implement recommendations. Although engineering report was promised within 7 to 10 days of inspection, it was received in 25 days. Worth the wait, great overall experience."

Response time1 day

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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Gerhart Engineering Company

4.0(

162

)

Serving Stahlstown, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

"Tim, is extremely Knowledgeable in his field. He showed up on time and he was pleasant and nice to work with. Tim put together drawings for a retainer wall I had built. I was very pleased with the drawing. He certified the drawing and signed off. Tim, thanks a lot. I highly recommend Tim if you need an experience Engineer that deals with retainer walls. Wanda. Langhorne, PA -Residence Customer."

Tolans drill rig for extinguishing mine fire

+23

Recommended by91%of homeowners

Serving Stahlstown, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1992

"Great job- fast service- no problems"

Recommended by19%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

By careful planning and reinforcement to maintain structural integrity.

The average cost to hire a structural engineer is about $550, with prices generally ranging from $200 to $1,500. Structural engineers may charge a flat rate, by the project, by square footage, or an hourly rate, which is typically between $100 and $250. Many jobs, such as inspections and structural calculations, are billed at a flat rate, which often falls between $300 and $800. The final cost depends on several factors, including the project's type, scope, size, complexity, ease of access for inspection, and your geographic location.

Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the cost of a steel I-beam, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists.

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.

If you intend to do the majority of the work yourself, you can pay to hire an architect or a structural engineer to ensure your home remains structurally sound. They can help with the planning to make sure everything is up to code and safe for your family. On the other hand, if you’re not sure your home will be completely safe when you’ve completed the project, let a pro do the job.

The Stahlstown, PA 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

Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
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.
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•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
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•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost to Hire? [2026 Data]
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.
Em Norton
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How to Hire a Structural Engineer: Complete Guide
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.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection
Learn why it might be a good idea to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection in addition to a general home inspector when you’re purchasing a home.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?
Structural steel and wood beams ensure your house is structurally sound. Learn the difference between steel and wood beams and how to choose the right one.