Are there benefits to consulting an engineer before home modifications?

• <div><p>Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won’t compromise structural integrity.</p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Thaxton, VA

Q: Are brick houses safer in an earthquake?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/urmwalls/#:~:text=Houses%20built%20of%20unreinforced%20masonry,and%20the%20roof%20is%20critical.">Earthquake Country Alliance</a>&mdash;a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness&mdash;reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn&rsquo;t as stable as other building materials and methods.</p></div>

Q: Are dormers load-bearing?

• <div><p>Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.</p></div>

Q: Are there benefits to consulting an engineer before home modifications?

• <div><p>Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won&rsquo;t compromise structural integrity.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if cracks are structural?

• <div><p>The best way to determine if ceiling cracks are structural is to hire a ceiling contractor to inspect the cracks and provide a professional opinion. That said, you might be able to make an educated guess based on the size and appearance of the crack. Larger cracks, cracks accompanied by sagging or discoloration, and cracks that travel from the ceiling down the walls are all signs of structural issues.</p></div>

Q: What exactly does a structural engineer do?

• <div><p>A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Thaxton, VA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Thaxton, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Structural Engineering companies in Thaxton, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

Last update on February 16, 2023

Reviewed in February 2023
Hunter and his team are far and away one of my favorite contracting companies in town. I’ve called on them for help with numerous homes that I’ve renovated, and as a realtor, I recommend APP to any clients that need structural repair, waterproofing, etc. Not only do you get a prompt response to...
Appalachian Property Preservation, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2021
We saw them on March 8, 2021 and discussed what we would like and viewed several options. Our Rockfab representative was very helpful and took our information to give to her cabinet engineering department. We did not hear anything from Rockfab until April 28th, 2021. They did not call us to...
Rockfab Kitchen & Bath
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Reviewed in March 2020
called about an enclosed back porch that needed some remodeling. found out that the porch was structurally unsound. david and his crew demolished and rebuilt the porch and added some ouside stairs. the process went well and david worked with me and provided different options. we had a few minor...
Classy Clean LLC - Home Facebook
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Reviewed in November 2017
Friendly Service advisor thoroughly and expertly explained and discussed problem. Engine had slipped timing possibly damaging both or either valve train /pistons. Woods evaluated damage and determined that both valves and pistons were damaged. They advised that repair costs would exceed book...
Wood's Service Center
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Reviewed in November 2017
I had a moderate oil leak on my vehicle. I assumed it was the rear main seal (common on this engine after 15 years) and authorized work to fix it. During seal replacement they discovered true source of leak, bad oil pan gasket at the seal area and replaced those as well. Total labor was what...
J&W The Shop
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Reviewed in June 2016
John was very easy to reach by phone, discussed what I needed, he offered to pick up the mower and deliver back to me. He picked up the mower within a few days and delivered back within a week! I also had asked John if he could give me a "brief" refresher course on using my Zero Turn as my son...
JOHN'S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR
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Reviewed in September 2015
Installation of gutter guards were satisfactory. The gutter installation was marginally executed due to: installation of the pop outlets without attaching them to the gutter or caulking to prevent leaking; the gutter leaked when raining; and the manner in which the drip edges were cut and roof...
The Brothers That Just Do Gutters
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Reviewed in October 2014
Even though they had worked at my property last year, they used GPS and went to a wrong address. They did not start work until 10 AM, took about 45 minutes in lunch and work breaks, and quit at 5 PM for a work day of 6 1/4 hours. I suspect that the quote for this job would have been in this...
Danny Mason's Tree Service
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Find Structural engineers in Thaxton

McKinley Lewis Associates, PLLC

3.5(

)

Serving Thaxton, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

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.

Recommended by78%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

Dormers must be able to bear the load of their own construction and the added window. The style of the dormer, however, will determine where the weight loads onto your home's structure. A gable dormer bears the weight on the side walls whereas a shed dormer bears it on the front walls.

Absolutely, as it ensures designs are viable and won’t compromise structural integrity.

The best way to determine if ceiling cracks are structural is to hire a ceiling contractor to inspect the cracks and provide a professional opinion. That said, you might be able to make an educated guess based on the size and appearance of the crack. Larger cracks, cracks accompanied by sagging or discoloration, and cracks that travel from the ceiling down the walls are all signs of structural issues.

A structural engineer evaluates any structural components, like floors, foundations, walls, and roofs, to ensure they can support the structure. They also consider the soil quality in your area, potentially extreme weather conditions, and proximity to bodies of water and groundwater to ensure your building can withstand any stresses placed on it by the surrounding environment. Structural engineers work on both new and existing buildings.

The Thaxton, VA homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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