McKinley Lewis Associates, PLLC is a full-service structural engineering firm located in South Boston, VA. We provide a full range of structural engineering services related to analysis and design. We provide a safe, economical, and environmentally sound solution to meet your project�s needs.\n\nWe believe that once you have experienced our level of service you will know you have found a trusted professional to handle all of your residential and commercial analysis and design needs. We take pride in everything we do. Our work is done according to your specifications, and your satisfaction is guaranteed.\n\nContact McKinley Lewis Associates, PLLC today for your structural engineering needs. We look forward to meeting with you and earning your business.
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
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 split-level home is one that has several staggered floors connected by short staircases, while a split floor plan separates the primary bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms. Split floor plans are most often found in single-story homes, while split-level homes are always at least two stories.
In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity.
No, a structural engineer is not the same as a builder. A structural engineer is an expert in all things related to the structural integrity of a building. The structural engineer is responsible for calculating the correct materials in terms of load-bearing capacity and overall structural safety. Structural engineers do not perform the actual building of the house or other structures. Rather, the builder executes the plans and designs specified by the structural engineer.
A structural engineer's report provides a professional assessment of a property's structural condition. It typically includes an evaluation of the foundation, key structural elements like roof trusses, floor joists, studs, beams, and rafters. The report will also contain a detailed description of the engineer's findings, often supported by photographs, and provide recommendations to correct any identified issues. Depending on the scope of the inspection, it might also include an assessment of property drainage, potential issues from environmental conditions like extreme weather or tree placement, and an estimated time and cost for any recommended repairs.
The Glenvar, VA homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Removing columns can open up a space, but you’ll need to exercise caution to avoid damaging your home’s structure. Use these steps to find out if your column is load-bearing.
