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.
"},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/md/north-bethesda/alco-products-inc-reviews-2295837.htm"},"position":3},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"Five Star Builders","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"TX","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Lazlo P."},"reviewBody":"Lousy, and to boot although they have been at it for over seven months they are still not finished and refuse to give any hint of when this project will be completed. This contractor was brought in to finish the restoration project begun in September 2008 by another shoddy contractor, Disaster America, located in Houston, Tx. (these guys are storm/insurance proceed chasers). 5 Star Builders was subsequently brought in to finish the project approximately mid April 2009. The craftsmanship is so sub par, as to lead one to believe that we actually do live about twenty miles south in Mexico!! The use of subcontractors and personnel who are not qualified to construct a teepee let alone homes. these items include; electrical, drywall, plumbing, tape and float and sand DW compound, painting/staining. The vast majority of the workers are definitely, (by their own admission) undocumented (PC way of saying illegals) workers. An example of substandard work would be; while replacing the drywall from the floor slab up 4'. they 1.) used the wrong size drywall, 2.) the taping floating and sanding of the drywall has gone from the normal 3-5\" width to approximately 18\" wide now, and it was textured prior to painting, however all the taping is still readily visible, despite texturing!! They are currently in their fourth attempt to fix this situation) The plumbers did not provide shutoff valves in the various water lines they installed, moved hotwater heaters in to positions that hinder the opening of doors, tried to place interior plastic piping, visibly tacked onto the buildings exterior siding, to replace the flow to the outside hose faucet which they had previously cut off from the main when they were redoing some of the interior water piping. Even though this was repeatedly brought to their attention prior to the drywall being put back up, (this was not, and to date has not been corrected) thus the need for their creative outdoor solution. The various contractors put multiple scratches in the new formica counter tops by carelessly throwing used parts and tools on top of it, with no protection for the exposed surfaces. Took out good, working electrical fixtures and replaced with the cheapest materials possible. Covered over electrical/cable outlets. also, incorrectly wired many of the fixtures. Paint and stain dropplets and smears are everywhere, including, floor, walls, trim, cabinets, doors. Lack of using dropclothes, proper prep taping, and immediate clean up of spilled paint/stain has resulted in spots and smears everywhere. (oh, I better not forget the window blind which came up missing after the painter was done, which he tried to tell me that he had not moved, however all the screwholes from the fixture mounts were painted over). They replaced a sliding window but never chaulked the inside. Chipped a brand new faux marble bathroom countertop, and didn't say a word about it. never removed, or covered over some light fixtures prior to painting. So there is both paint/stain on the glass fixture but it is obvious that they never painted the visible wall behind the fixture either. Worst of all, the contractor does not return phone calls, repeatedly is out of town leaving no one in charge to keep the work going. Better yet, they'll tell you they will be back the next day, and then they do not return for days to weeks at a time. A project that should have taken approximately 4-5 months from start to finish, is now at fifteen months and counting. (I am basing this on my twenty some years in the commercial construction and building trades as both a skilled tradesman [journeyman/mechanics] worker and contractor, as well as my civil engineering degree, with construction as my specialty). I could go on with numerous other blatant examples of but this grows very tiresome and I have many more important things to do ....... on a scale of 1 - 10 (10 being the best) this contractor would get about a 2 - 2 1/2 maximum score at best."},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/tx/port-isabel/five-star-builders-reviews-2285834.htm"},"position":4}]}
Structural Engineering reviews from real Angi homeowners in Port Isabel, 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...
Lazlo P.
1.0
10/2009
Lousy, and to boot although they have been at it for over seven months they are still not finished and refuse to give any hint of when this project will be completed. This contractor was brought in to finish the restoration project begun in September 2008 by another shoddy contractor,...
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.
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
Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.
Structural engineers draw structural plans, which include detailed drawings of the structural components of a home only. Complete house plans will require additional work from an architect or draftsperson, whose drawings will take the structural drawings into account. They’ll also include more details about the finishing materials and layout of a home, including everything from roofing and flooring materials to the position of furniture, light fixtures, switches, and plumbing fixtures.
A construction manager is particularly useful in the case of a large-scale build with custom design elements, so it’s usually worth it to hire one. They can help manage your budget, maintain quality control, oversee timelines, and navigate unexpected hurdles. While construction managers are pricey, they can actually save money in the long run by identifying cost-saving opportunities and ensuring the project stays within budget.
Yes, a one-story house can have a load-bearing wall. The load-bearing walls in a single-story home are usually the exterior walls. If the house has a basement with exposed walls, the arrangement of the beams can help indicate what walls are load-bearing.
You need to hire a structural engineer when building or modifying any component with a structural load in your home. Common situations where you would need a structural engineer include home inspections when buying or selling a home, investigating possible issues with your foundation, beams, load-bearing walls, or chimneys, breaking ground on a new home or structure on your property, and renovating an old part of your home that could threaten any structural integrity. Home additions and bump-outs also require an engineer.
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The Port Isabel, 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.
Looking to expand your ceiling and send claustrophobia running for the hills? This guide covers the cost to vault a ceiling and factors that impact estimates.
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.