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>

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Q: What do structural engineers look for when doing an inspection?

• <div><p>Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:</p><ul><li><p>Dry rot</p></li><li><p>Infestation</p></li><li><p>Shifting or<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/quarter-inch-crack-my-foundation-major-concern.htm"> cracking foundations</a></p></li><li><p>Erosion</p></li><li><p>Water damage</p></li><li><p>Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support</p></li></ul><p></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: Do I need a structural engineer or an architect?

• <div><p>Whether you&rsquo;re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.</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 thick are LVL beams?

• <div><p>The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between <b>1.75 inches and 7 inches</b>. 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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Ridgeway, WI

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Ridgeway, WI 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 Ridgeway, WI 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 May 05, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Customer service was phenomenal. My brick was peeling away from the house due to water damage. The repair was top-notch. I highly recommend!
Ravens Nest Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in April 2026
This company was great! The windows are of such high quality! The whole process was so professional. They came at the designated time for measurements, the windows were done in the time frame given, and the installation was amazing - they even washed the windows inside and out!
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in January 2026
Max was very knowledgeable with the layout. He was prompt and courteous. I would highly recommend.
Unstoppable Electric LLC
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Reviewed in April 2025
A quality product, manufactured locally in a timely fashion, at a reasonable price. Even accommodated a last minute design change! Zoom in on the finely crafted spiral twists on the vertical spindles that were fabricated in house. Very professional crew.
Specialized Metalworkings Inc
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Reviewed in February 2024
Arneson Contracting did several projects for us. Each project was excellent! Will was prompt, very knowledgeable and professional.
Arneson Contracting
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Reviewed in May 2023
Fantastic job! House never looked better. Quick and efficient. Will definitely use them again.
Accurate Power Washing
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Reviewed in November 2021
We've hired Tom and Trudy for several projects since purchasing our home two and a half years ago, and we've never been disappointed. For our latest project they replaced three doorsâ front door, back door off the garage, and the door between the house and garage. It turned out to be...
Troll Home Maintenance and Makeover
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Reviewed in August 2021
The young men of Sconnie Landscaping were professionals from start to finish. All I had to do was ask questions and I got answers right away. They are thorough and efficient.
Sconnie Landscaping
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Reviewed in August 2021
Norman Mast and his team were stellar! Norman really listened to what our end goal was and executed the details beautifully. The construction was exact with amazing attention to detail. My partner is a building inspector and took pictures of his work to show others how it should be done. ...
N. Mast Construction
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Reviewed in December 2020
A very professional team that made our master remodel manageable. As first time homeowners our first renovation seemed overwhelming , physically and financially. While not a budget remodel company like others you see we feel the value was worthwhile and would consider using them again for an...
Daniel Company Bathrooms
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Find Structural engineers in Ridgeway

Fauerbach Surveying & Engineering

New to Angi

Serving Ridgeway, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

Fauerbach Surveying & Engineering is a client-focused company that strives to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction.

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

Structural engineers typically conduct inspections during a home sale or renovation, looking for signs of structural damage in various structures throughout the building, such as load-bearing walls, joists, beams, roofing trusses, foundations, and chimneys. Some of the warning signs that structural engineers check for include:

Dry rot
Infestation
Shifting or cracking foundations
Erosion
Water damage
Sagging, shifting, or damaged walls, ceilings, or roofing support

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.

Whether you’re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.

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

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.

The Ridgeway, WI homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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

See all articles

Lyle Hendriks
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May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How Much Does Beam Installation Cost [2026 Data]
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.
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost to Hire? [2026 Data]
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.
Timothy Moore
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install an LVL Beam? [2026 Data]
Looking to remove load-bearing walls and vertical supports to open up your living space? Learn about what affects the cost to install an LVL beam.
Kyle Schurman
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who to Hire to Replace a Sill Plate?
A sill plate needs to be replaced when it starts to rot out. Use this guide to help you know who to hire to replace a sill plate at your home.
Rachel Hoffman
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May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
10 Signs of Structural Damage in Your Home
Keeping your home safe and structurally sound should be a top priority. Learn to recognize the signs of structural damage you should never ignore.
Dan Simms
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Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
Why You May Need to Hire a Structural Engineer for a Home Inspection
Learn why it might be a good idea to hire a structural engineer for a home inspection in addition to a general home inspector when you’re purchasing a home.