"I had an urgent request to get a permit across the line and Pedro was on his A-game and helped me within hours. Very professional, well documented, etc. Other structural engineers I hired only gave me headaches. I'd use Pedro again any day. Thank you very much, and glad to be in business with you!"
"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!"
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren’t uneven across the gap, and don’t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don’t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.
The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between 1.75 inches and 7 inches. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.
A few hours for inspection, with a detailed report following in a week.
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.
Building codes for spiral staircases will vary by your location. Most local codes will specify minimum tread width, riser height, handrail requirements, and headroom. These standards help ensure safety and accessibility for all users. Always check local codes before you begin the installation to ensure compliance and avoid costly modifications or fines.
The Wellington, TX homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Beam installation costs are an important consideration if you’re building a home or doing renovations. Learn about average costs and factors in this guide.
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.
