"ESG Design was great to work with. I contacted them through Home Advisor for an impartial assessment of the cause of cracks in my ceiling, plus a few other issues. Eli, the engineer, did a thorough inspection and developed a solid plan for repairs. ESG also offered two levels of fees, which was extremely helpful for my budget. Thank you ESG for the service and peace of mind!"
"I've been fortunate to work with him for 20 years.He is an extremely qualified structural engineer and a competent individual! You can trust Mike to do a great job!!!"
"We built a 500 sq ft addition to our small home. They were meticulous about our project schedule and made sure we got exactly what we wanted. They also made sure workers did quality work. Recommended!"
"Josh has always been prompt and communicative with every interaction we've had. I initially got in touch with him about new construction design questions, and when we discovered that our current home porch posts had rotted through due to faulty design by the original home designer, Josh jumped into action. He had his engineer and construction crew to our door within 24 hours to take a look and put together a plan. He took my design ideas and brought them to life. He was transparent about all parts of the cost (to include his profit), and gave us to option to lower the cost by hauling away debris and painting the porch (which we were more than willing to do). Any delays with the work were met with a phone call and followup email if he didn't get through to either my husband or I immediately, and the construction crew did very high quality work. We were beyond pleased with his customer service! We will definitely use Revival Home Designs in the future when we decide to build our forever home."
"I used Triple V as the Project Engineer for a garage conversion to single family residence for my son’s family. Vic not only did the engineering for us, he also did the structural drawings we submitted to the county as part of our permit package. He delivered the plans promptly, and worked collaboratively with us to resolve issues we identified and revise the drawings accordingly. The county building department approved the plans and issued the permit. During the project construction Vic patiently responded to questions from us (we’re DIY’ers, not professional builders) and offered/provided certifications to revisions we jointly agreed to. Overall, Triple V provided what was promised at an outstanding value."
"I am having a full master bath and kitchen remodel done with new layouts in both rooms and knocking out a wall. Evolution worked with me to quickly get a drawing done of the new layouts so that the contractor could get started on the project. They made sure to include me in the process so that the design would be done exactly as my wife and I envisioned. They communicated effectively throughout the process and were always courteous and professional. I recommend them to anyone with drafting needs."
Luke has spent the past 15 years immersed in the art of architecture—developing what one client called a “rare combination” of astute design sensibility, technical know-how, and client-centric service.\n\nLuke’s experiences span the country, ranging from rural and coastal estates, homes in garden districts and urban areas, historic renovations, institutional buildings such as schools and churches, hospitality, and commercial mixed-use buildings. In each circumstance, he applies a passion for design and a genuine desire to make people happy.\n\nAs another client stated, “He has impeccable taste and [aesthetic judgment] – which combined with his architectural skills and passion result in the collaboration of a lifetime.”
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
It's safe to assume that all exterior walls are load-bearing, or at least have load-bearing characteristics. Some older homes feature porches or bump-outs that don't rest on the home's foundation. However, they still must carry the weight of the roof section they support. Walls containing floor-to-ceiling glass or other non-structural elements must use post and beam configurations to meet load-bearing criteria.
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.
The process involves initial consultation, concept development, detailed planning, regulatory approvals, and integration of contractor work for project execution.
It depends on the bank and the extent of the issue. Some banks will lend against homes with minor foundation damage, but most won’t if the issue is structural since the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. Banks that offer renovation loans might still finance a home with structural problems. More minor issues like settling cracks and intermittent problems with humidity are unlikely to stop a bank from financing.
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.
The Vashon, WA 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 in Seattle, WA.
Find out the average beam installation cost in Seattle, WA. Learn what you can expect to pay for local structural support services and plan your renovation.
Find out the average architect cost in Seattle, WA. Learn what you can expect to pay for local architectural design services to plan your next home build.
Spotting deep foundation cracks or sagging floors? Learn about structural engineering costs, serious warning signs, and how to hire the right local pro.
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.
