engineering. "},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/tx/mcallen/joe%27s-sprinklers-reviews-5549903.htm"},"position":1},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"A-Advance House Leveling & Remodeling","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"TX","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Ruth B."},"reviewBody":"Did not use. The saleman was a little too pushy in trying to get contact signed. And, after having a professional structural engineer evaluate the problem I realized I needed to get bids from a couple other companies. "},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/tx/harlingen/a-advance-house-leveling-and-remodeling-reviews-6175325.htm"},"position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"Alco Products Inc","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"TX","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Eleanore F."},"reviewBody":"Zak's estimate was pretty much the lowest estimate we got -- and also the only bid that didn't include vague allowances for "time and materials" on parts of the job. He gave us a flat price and stuck to it. He was also one of the fastest of bidders. We contacted him fairly late in the selection process, and he got his numbers in while one of the first companies we had contacted was asking for more time. His crews worked quickly and efficiently. The one near-crisis was that, due to a mix-up (might have been ours or theirs) I discovered ten minutes before the first panel of siding was to go up that we had the wrong material. We wanted unpatterned siding, and what we had was faux wood-grain. While we were paused to get sorted out, we also decided to go with a different, darker color. In spite of the problem, the crew only lost about half a day, and by rescheduling the order of work a bit, we stayed very close to on time. Just before the work started, while working on another project, we discovered some long-hidden old termite damage. A termite inspector confirmed it was old and inactive. (I think it dates to before our purchase of the house in 1997.) We alerted Zak to the problem. He brought in a subcontractor who evaluated the problem, and coordinated with Zak's crew to do the repairs in a prompt and professional manner, sliding in four new joists to sister in next to the damaged wood, and repairing the exterior wood as well. This was work far outside the job we had hired Zak to do, and he quite fairly charged us extra for it -- but his subcontractor got it done quickly and well, at a reasonable price and in a way that did not interfere with main project. It was very useful and important to have me (the home-owner) on site during the work, in order to make sure that various details (checking the siding material, positioning a decorative band-board, adding a bathroom vent exhaust we'll need pre-installed for a future project, etc.) got done as desired. The team worked fast, and it was a lot more efficient to make sure things gone done the way we wanted the first time, rather than asking for changes after the fact. Just checking up on progress every now and then was very useful. Our house is no longer drafty, and holds temperature much better. The house is also much quieter, with street noise far less noticeable. The old siding was at the point where we were risking water intrusion and substantial damage to the main structure of the house. Now we should be good for at least several more decades. We would certainly tell friends and neighbors to go with Zak and Alco. In fact, we've already signed up with them to do some additional window work.
Structural Engineering reviews from real Angi homeowners in La Joya, TX
Last update on October 15, 2025
Sharon P.
5.0
09/2013
Prompt, professional, courteous. I was super impressed. Joe seemed like he had a degree in engineering.
Ruth B.
3.0
07/2013
Did not use. The saleman was a little too pushy in trying to get contact signed. And, after having a professional structural engineer evaluate the problem I realized I needed to get bids from a couple other companies.
Eleanore F.
5.0
10/2012
Zak's estimate was pretty much the lowest estimate we got -- and also the only bid that didn't include vague allowances for "time and materials" on parts of the job. He gave us a flat price and stuck to it. He was also one of the fastest of bidders. We contacted him fairly late in the...
Caisson Engineers, located in DFW area, provides the best structural engineering services for residential, commercial and industrial projects as well as foundation design and foundation repair plans. Our highly educated engineers with over 25 years of experience can assist clients by preparing the engineering designs in a short time with the most accurate designs conforming to the codes and City requirements. We are an owner-operated firm.
"No one ever contacted me."
Todd D on September 2025
Caisson Engineers, located in DFW area, provides the best structural engineering services for residential, commercial and industrial projects as well as foundation design and foundation repair plans. Our highly educated engineers with over 25 years of experience can assist clients by preparing the engineering designs in a short time with the most accurate designs conforming to the codes and City requirements. We are an owner-operated firm.
Matrix Technology Services is an Oklahoma grown company founded and operated by a born and raised Oklahoma Veteran. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction will not be matched. With over 20 years of experience in electronics and low voltage wiring, we bring a unique combination of abilities and qualifications. We are a Bicsi Certified company. Knowledge and education are an integral part of our operation and philosophy. We seek to provide only the most qualified ICT cabling professionals in the industry. Contact us today to see how we can improve your ICT experience.
Matrix Technology Services is an Oklahoma grown company founded and operated by a born and raised Oklahoma Veteran. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction will not be matched. With over 20 years of experience in electronics and low voltage wiring, we bring a unique combination of abilities and qualifications. We are a Bicsi Certified company. Knowledge and education are an integral part of our operation and philosophy. We seek to provide only the most qualified ICT cabling professionals in the industry. Contact us today to see how we can improve your ICT experience.
Zodiac Structural Engineering specializes in structural engineering analyzes, design and inspections of new and existing residential homes and commercial buildings. We are licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and The Department of Insurance to provide structural engineering services such as windstorm designs and existing foundation inspections. With a combine experience of 15 years, we go beyond guaranteeing the structural safety of your project while communicating and collaborating closely with your team to make sure our design meets your exact needs, budget and timeline.
Zodiac Structural Engineering specializes in structural engineering analyzes, design and inspections of new and existing residential homes and commercial buildings. We are licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and The Department of Insurance to provide structural engineering services such as windstorm designs and existing foundation inspections. With a combine experience of 15 years, we go beyond guaranteeing the structural safety of your project while communicating and collaborating closely with your team to make sure our design meets your exact needs, budget and timeline.
American Value Construction is reliable with over 15 years experience insured and bonded for your protection. We can handle all trades of your project and we guarantee are work. With a dedicated team working together to perform your project and make your building dream come true.
American Value Construction is reliable with over 15 years experience insured and bonded for your protection. We can handle all trades of your project and we guarantee are work. With a dedicated team working together to perform your project and make your building dream come true.
E&G Construction Group has been in business for 20+ years, "Your Full Satisfaction Is Key To Our Success". Our group of certified employees (25) are ready to persevere through any obstacle and work at top performance. We focus on getting it done right the first time. Prioritizing in: time-efficiency, exceptional detail, and a higher standard of deliverence with every project we receive. We provide free estimates and work together with each and every individual customer on a one on one basis. We invite you to check us out and give us the opportunity of earning your trust.
E&G Construction Group has been in business for 20+ years, "Your Full Satisfaction Is Key To Our Success". Our group of certified employees (25) are ready to persevere through any obstacle and work at top performance. We focus on getting it done right the first time. Prioritizing in: time-efficiency, exceptional detail, and a higher standard of deliverence with every project we receive. We provide free estimates and work together with each and every individual customer on a one on one basis. We invite you to check us out and give us the opportunity of earning your trust.
Ortega Engineering has been in business since 1994 in the same place. Total number of employees is three. Our effort is to give you a personalized service.
Ortega Engineering has been in business since 1994 in the same place. Total number of employees is three. Our effort is to give you a personalized service.
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
The early stages of building a house are harder than the later stages; laying the foundation and framing the house are two of the most challenging steps. However, it varies for everyone. Some people have difficulty installing HVAC, plumbing, and electricity, while others find it harder to plan the house and secure the necessary permits.
It’s possible to drill into an LVL beam, but you should always avoid it. LVL beams are major structural components of your home, and drilling into them can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you need to drill into an LVL beam, consult a structural engineer. They’ll know the bit size, depth, and directionality that’s safe to use when drilling.
By careful planning and reinforcement to maintain structural integrity.
The depth of any foundation style depends on your climate and how deep the frost line is, as building code requires that the footers of a foundation—which are built into a monolithic slab—sit at least a foot below the frost line. At the southern tip of Florida, for example, a monolithic slab foundation would only need to sit 12 inches under the soil at the widest parts. On some parts of the Canadian border, the frost line is 100 inches, which would mean a minimum of 112 inches, which is prohibitively deep for a monolithic slab.
Yes, you can build over a stump if the roots are no longer alive. Living roots will continue to grow and may damage your new construction over time. Similarly, you should also remove rotting stumps because they may continue to attract pests and even cause new structures (especially those made from wood) to decompose as well.
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The La Joya, TX homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
Need to open up your living space or make room for a home addition? Use this guide to estimate the cost to remove a wall in your home before you start.
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.