Do monolithic slabs have footers?

• <div><p>All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.</p></div>

Can you put a doorway in a structural wall?

• <div><p>Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Jacksonville, TX

Q: How high can you build a single brick wall?

• <div><p>A freestanding brick wall that's only one brick thick can usually stand six to eight feet high. If you need a higher wall, it should be at least two bricks thick for adequate stability, and it might require a footing to support the added weight. Additionally, some areas have regulations and codes dictating how high a brick wall can be, so check with local code enforcers to ensure your proposed wall complies with any regulations.</p></div>

Q: Why hire a structural engineer for home projects?

• <div><p>Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.</p></div>

Q: Is it okay to drill into a load-bearing beam?

• <div><p>You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it&rsquo;s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that&rsquo;s safe to use.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Jacksonville, TX

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Jacksonville, TX 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 Jacksonville, TX 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 July 31, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
I hired this company because they were the first to respond to me and give me a quote. They were prompt, courteous and built two quality structures. They worked with me and my son to build us exactly what we wanted. My porch is beautiful and my son is very pleased with his shed. I will be hiring...
J@S Decks/Patios & Roofing
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Reviewed in February 2024
Jeff builds a great house. He has the best trades in the area. I would highly recommend him for any residential construction project.
McCoy Designers/Builders
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Reviewed in November 2023
Hester Plumbing does all of our work. Very dependable and they stand behind their work. As a builder, it is good to know that things are done right and our customers will be taken care of by Hester for their future plumbing needs.
Hester Plumbing
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Reviewed in August 2023
Amazing quality and the wood is beautiful!!!anyone needing premium cut wood for whatever project. Call these guy !!
Lone Star Contracting and Wood Works LLC
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Reviewed in August 2023
Recently we had damage done to our house with fallen trees from a storm. Justin and his guys came in and replaced sheet rock on the ceiling in two rooms. He found more damage with the rafters and repaired that issue as well. Vick blended and matched the texture perfectly. It's nice to see...
Emerson Construction
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Reviewed in May 2023
Aaron has helped me on various projects and he always performed top-notch workmanship. I'd highly recommend!!!
Kilgore Remodeling Service
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Reviewed in March 2022
Really excited to see the finish project. Burton fencing has great customer service and gets the job done at a fast pace.
Burton's Fencing and Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2021
Mr Bailey and his crew showed up exactly at the time promised and did a wonderful job removing LARGE limbs that threatened our home due to the overhang. They cleaned up and hauled off all the limbs and debris-- probably 6000 lbs. I was very pleased with their performance and price!
Baileys Lawn N Tree Service
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Reviewed in February 2017
Not at all happy with the service we received from this company. If you use them, do not authorize final payment until all work is completed satisfactorily. If your structure includes doors, do not accept the low-quality doors they include as part of the project
Straightline Siding
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Reviewed in July 2016
I am impressed with Brett Callaway and his employees. I only wish I could rate his customer service higher! Brett is the best communicator I have run into over the years. Our project started on time and took the amount of time he said it would. His reputation is important to him and he runs...
Callaway Outdoor Designs
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Find Structural engineers in Jacksonville

PJM Structural

4.9(

)

Serving Jacksonville, TX and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Pedro is a very professional Structural Engineer. Very knowledgeable."

+15

Response time4 hrs

Response rate86%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Jacksonville, TX and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"He was very professional and insightful about the foundation and the slight slope I did not notice until he pointed it out will use him again."

Response time3 days

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Jacksonville, TX and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"The basement king was a pleasure to work with. His knowledge is unmatched in the Texas area for sure. I received multiple quotes and talked to multiple companies and he was the best. He's passionate about his work and the manner in which it's done. If he says something, it happens. An added benefit was their cleanliness. Usually a job site of this size and complexity is a mess, but not with the basement kings. 10/10!"

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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PDK House Leveling and Foundation Repair

5.0(

)

Serving Jacksonville, TX and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The staff was professional and timely. The cost was low compared to other service providers. Also, the free estimates were great!"

+10

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Luke Garcia Concrete LLC

New to Angi

Serving Jacksonville, TX and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We guarantee your satisfaction and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out our services offered and call or click to schedule a free estimate today.

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.

Yes, you can put a doorway in a structural wall; in fact, most exterior doors are set into structural walls. The project is a little more challenging than installing a door in a non-load-bearing wall because you need a structural engineer to assess the wall and make sure it’s safe to create a wall opening. Your engineer’s report will include instructions for your contractor on how and where to install additional supports, like steel headers above the door, to distribute the weight above to the wall on either side of the door.

A freestanding brick wall that's only one brick thick can usually stand six to eight feet high. If you need a higher wall, it should be at least two bricks thick for adequate stability, and it might require a footing to support the added weight. Additionally, some areas have regulations and codes dictating how high a brick wall can be, so check with local code enforcers to ensure your proposed wall complies with any regulations.

Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.

You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

The Jacksonville, TX homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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