Were a family owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity, and stands behind our work. We offer over 40 years of industry experience. We specialize in Asphalt Shingle Roofing installation, replacement, and repairs. Our services are customized to the individual project, paying close attention to the details of each project that we're involved with. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!
David was on time and very professional. He spent an appropriate amount of time evaluating the 2 areas we had requested. He documented the inspection w/ photos, measurements, and sketches. He provided a verbal preliminary report and is to provide a written final report w/ specifications for the mods we are proposing. (Removing a wall upstairs and a post downstairs.) We were happy to hear that our mods were going to be less complicated than originally thought and consequently less expensive. We have the peace of mind that the proposed changes are structurally sound and will be done correctly.
"Lucas and Dillon were enthusiastic, responsive, knowledgeable, and creative throughout this whole process. We approached them with a file of basic drawings from a CAD program our son used during his engineering program at VMI. Lucas and Dillon were open to helping us take the basic layout and creating a portfolio of 3D renderings, and all other necessary blueprints and files for submission to a structural engineer for approval and then the ultimate goal to build the house. We worked with them over several weeks and they listened to the ideas and offered creative touches to complete the design. Both Dillon and Lucas are fast paced and most of the times they were waiting on us to give them answers to questions :) I would highly recommend Commonwealth Contractors LLC."
"Contacted me immediately and was very knowledgeable in their field. I was looking for a company that had an engineer available and could install the support beams as well."
"The house is rather cottage looking, and we wanted to use natural material in a natural looking way. Chad was able to follow the idea of what we wanted and ran with it with some embellishments of his own. He used gravel and rocks to create a pull over on a narrow driveway. He built a planting area next to the pullover and around a light post (his idea), which enhanced the look. We had rotting timber on some stairs, which he replaced and evened out the rise on the steps making them easier to use. He created a meandering, gently sloped path from midway down the back yard to those stairs, again, using gravel and rocks. The point at which the path begins had been a gravel and timber raised platform used as a sitting area/patio apart from the house. He put matching gravel and rocks around the area which ties the two structures together. With surplus gravel, he refreshed our front walk (gravel) and added some to the driveway so that the turnout and drive flow seamlessly. These last two he did on his initiative with the result that the overall effect on the front yard makes the new additions blend. We've had positive comments by neighbors on both the front and the back work. We hope to connect the back path to the rear of the house, use preexisting steps leading from the patio as a terraced planter, and replace timber lining the front walk at a later date. We would approach him to do the work.
"I was really under the gun due to a prior Architectural firm not performing their duties per building plan codes. Not only were the plans incomplete but the City Plan Reviewer states(The Worst plans he’s ever seen) they will not make adjustments unless there is an additional charge for Thousands.
Evaluation’s saved my clients and drew our project per code, along with Engineering in less time then they quoted. I highly recommended them, Especially Kirsten. You went above and beyond trying to coordinate this project. The staff was very professional and I will use them on all my projects.
Sincerely,
Frank B
BCM Builders"
Slate Drafting specializes in providing high-quality, affordable house plans for real estate investors and homeowners. With a background in civil engineering and real estate investing, the founder brings practical insight to drafting services, offering a range of designs that combine technical precision with real-world functionality. Whether you're looking to build your dream home or invest in real estate, Slate Drafting is dedicated to making your vision a reality without breaking the bank.
Our sustainable architectural services support clients that are moved by their physical and emotional surroundings and seek affordable and honest expressions of their needs. The design process seeks to push the envelope of enclosure using the tools of practical forces to create aesthetic solutions suitable for today and tomorrow's inhabitants. Each project seeks dynamic interaction with its surroundings while expressing the integrity of its construction and materials. Generally, we strive to create simple, well-articulated forms that have an enduring meaning with materials that provide lasting value and low maintenance. Each integrated, holistic design solution seeks to unify the design interests of the client to find the sweetness of life merged with their changing lifestyle.\n\n We explore together spatial alignments that benefit from established site views and provide designs that benefit from natural day lighting, natural ventilation, grid-tied solar energy, geothermal heating or cooling systems and reuse of stored grey water for site irrigation. In this context, each project compliments the surrounding community's built expressions and adapts to the technological advances that are leading our culture towards an electronically connected network of balanced living and working conditions for family growth.\n\nOn this Web site you will discover innovative designed homes of remarkable strength, economy, and beauty, brought to life by a distinct architecture combined with a source of pollution-free energy. Each built-in biosphere, in gradual but constant motion, draws energy from the sun, and /or geothermal stability from the ground, creating a temperate climate that supports the primary living spaces. These holistic design expressions below represent some of the project solutions for our clients.\n\n
We are a multidisciplinary engineering and design company providing complete architectural, structural, MEP, and civil engineering services across the United States. Our company includes licensed professionals experienced in residential, commercial, and industrial projects ? from concept and planning to fully permitted construction documents.\n\nWe prioritize code-compliant, buildable, and cost-efficient solutions, tailored to each state?s local requirements, AHJ standards, and construction practices. Whether supporting homeowners, contractors, developers, or architects, we deliver accurate plans, responsive communication, and seamless coordination across disciplines.\n\nOur Commitment\nReliable documentation, fast turnaround, remote-friendly collaboration, and high-quality engineering you can build with confidence.
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
Signs of structural damage include foundation cracks, roof leaks, bouncy floors, crumbling concrete, and cracked or leaning chimneys. Structural damage can make itself apparent in various ways, and sometimes, there may not be obvious signs. Inspect your foundation and roof annually to stay ahead of potentially serious structural problems.
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.
If you’re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it’s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren’t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It’s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you’re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.
The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:
Do you have experience working in my specific area?
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
What will your structural report cover?
Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?
How long have you been in business?
Do you have a list of customer references?
Most lenders and homeowner’s insurance companies don’t mandate a structural engineer’s inspection, so in most cases, it’s not required. However, it’s a good idea to have one done anyway to ensure you know what you’re buying. You can use the report to carry out repairs after closing or even to negotiate the sale price before closing.
The Drakes Branch, VA 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.
It can be hard to choose the right pro for any job, but it matters. Learn how to hire a structural engineer who'll get the job done right from start to finish.