Get matched with top structural engineers in West Alexander, PA

Q: Why are studs 16 inches apart?

• <div><p>In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called &quot;on-center&quot; and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called &quot;advanced framing&quot;. This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity. </p></div>

Q: How do material selection and structural changes influence the cost of a garage remodel?

• <div><p>Costs depend on material choices, labor, and the extent of structural modifications.</p></div>

Q: Are split-level and a split-floor plan the same thing?

• <div><p>A split-level home is one that has several staggered floors connected by short staircases, while a split floor plan separates the primary bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms. Split floor plans are most often found in single-story homes, while split-level homes are always at least two stories.</p></div>

Q: Are walls on the top floor load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor&rsquo;s foundation.</p></div>

Q: For which type of foundation cracking should a structural engineer be recommended?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.nahb.org/">National Association of Home Builders</a> requires repair of any foundation crack of more than one quarter of an inch, although local regulations may vary. In general, any visible crack that is growing in size, allowing water through, or that you have just noticed, is a good reason to call a structural engineer. Cracks can be a sign of a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/sinking-foundation.htm">sinking foundation</a>, so an inspection is a good idea for your peace of mind.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in West Alexander, PA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in West Alexander, 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 West Alexander, 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 November 03, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Excellent workmanship. We had interior stairwell railing installed . They did a beautiful job, the finished project was flawless. Also, the Moser team removed old aluminum railing on our front porch and installed vinyl railing, again the completed work was exactly what we wanted! I would...
Moser Construction
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Reviewed in October 2022
Jacob shows up. He returns text messages and phone calls. As a contract engineer, Iâ ve worked with a variety of contractorsâ ¦.and Timber and Nail is a unicorn in this business. It explains why theyâ re so busy, and why you may have to wait your turn in line to get your project completed....
Timber and Nail
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Reviewed in September 2022
Highly recommend Behrmarc construction! They recently built our back deck and the work was done to absolute perfection; both presentation and structure. They took their time to make sure we were getting exactly what we wanted, and were fast and efficient when getting it done. I have a strong...
Behrmarc Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2017
Glenn was very knowledgeable on the structure of my home. The company is very professional.
Gary J. Miller
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Reviewed in April 2016
George has inspected two houses for us. He's very thorough and takes his time explaining as he goes along. His lovely wife works in the background entering information and checking the operation of each window. The report came by email quickly and detailed the condition of the house. As it turns...
NATIONAL PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
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Reviewed in October 2015
The workers were professional, and took the time to protect surrounding structures. I was very pleased with the results and cleanup. <br />
NEWMANS LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICE
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Reviewed in January 2015
Was prompt, reviewed the structural issue and wrote a report within 24 hours. Very satisfied.
Gerhart Engineering Company
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Reviewed in August 2013
I had contracted with Engineered Foundation Solutions after getting no responses from 1 contractor and a too good to be true job estimate from another. I chose EFS because I felt they were very professional and up front with the scope of the job required. <br /> Jeff and Fred both came to my...
Engineered Foundation Solutions
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Reviewed in June 2012
<br /> This was the worst experience ever.In the beginning he stated it would be a 2 week job and he was eager to work and answered all of my phone calls.When he started work he never showed up until after 8:30am and left before 2 on the days that he did show up. He took many days off using...
Knox Remodeling
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Reviewed in April 2012
When ordering the steel and measurments Mr. Ruckman helped out and explained what was needed. He even ordered the steel from the company and worked with their engineer. I added a cover to my front porch and my back sun room and they got the steel here quickly and it turned out great.
RUCKMAN REMODELING
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Find Structural engineers in West Alexander

JL & A Structural Engineers

4.0(

)

Serving West Alexander, 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 West Alexander, 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 West Alexander, 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 West Alexander, 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 West Alexander, 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

In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity.

Costs depend on material choices, labor, and the extent of structural modifications.

A split-level home is one that has several staggered floors connected by short staircases, while a split floor plan separates the primary bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms. Split floor plans are most often found in single-story homes, while split-level homes are always at least two stories.

Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor’s foundation.

The National Association of Home Builders requires repair of any foundation crack of more than one quarter of an inch, although local regulations may vary. In general, any visible crack that is growing in size, allowing water through, or that you have just noticed, is a good reason to call a structural engineer. Cracks can be a sign of a sinking foundation, so an inspection is a good idea for your peace of mind.

The West Alexander, 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

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