Do monolithic slabs have footers?

• <div><p>All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.</p></div>

Is it worth getting a structural engineer?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Q: How can you tell if a crack is structural?

• <div><p>Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren&rsquo;t uneven across the gap, and don&rsquo;t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don&rsquo;t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.</p></div>

Q: Is it worth getting a structural engineer?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re building new construction or adding onto your existing home, hiring a structural engineer is not only worth it but it&rsquo;s probably required by your local building department. Structural engineers will ensure you aren&rsquo;t making your home unsafe in the building process, which is crucial from a safety perspective but also a legal one. It&rsquo;s also worth hiring a structural engineer if you&rsquo;re making changes to structural components, like removing a load-bearing wall.</p></div>

Q: How can I tell if a home I purchased in an earthquake zone is bolted to the foundation?

• <div><p>Generally, you can tell if a home is bolted to the foundation by checking the foundation for plates. If you see that your foundational plates connect to wood or bolts protruding from them, this means that you have a bolted foundation. However, it's always wise to bring a home inspector in to confirm if your foundation is secure.</p></div>

Q: Why hire a structural engineer for home projects?

• <div><p>Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Brookhaven, WV

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Brookhaven, WV 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 Brookhaven, WV 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 January 15, 2025

Reviewed in January 2025
Ryan is a motivated hard worker. He worked through freezing temperatures and created stairs and a deck that is structurally sound and pretty to look at.
Cheat Lake Construction
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Reviewed in April 2024
John responded very quickly to remove our fallen tree. The price was reasonable and he removed all the debris. He was very careful as he worked to prevent damage to structures and other trees on our property and he was willing to cut back some of our overgrown shrubs as well. When asked to...
Tree Frog Arboriculture
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Reviewed in May 2019
Project over-costs were $500 over quote due to structural problems.
Barclay Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2018
Delayed the project due to structural issues. Joel is very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Plan to use him when issues resolved.
Devaney Plumbing & Gas
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Reviewed in February 2017
He arrived on time, and was very honest about the structure of our house. Because of his inspection we were able to fix the structural issue and proceed with our project.
F & D Development Company, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2015
They were great. They were as advertised. They were professional and got it done on time. They kept the historical character of the building. The skill and knowledge of the workers was obvious. They come and do great work. There's no surprises. They know what they're doing. The work looks great....
RAIMONDO A POINTING CLEANING
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Reviewed in January 2015
I highly recommend this company for industrial and Federal engineering work.
STEWART'S ELECTRICAL
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Reviewed in December 2014
Mike and Doug are brothers who have owned this business for many years. The work was delayed about a month due to torrential rains - when they started they made up for it quickly. We live out of town and they kept in touch with us, sending pictures, and texting/calling regularly with updates....
Kinsley Construction Inc
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Reviewed in April 2014
Matt is outstanding in his responsiveness to the customer and in what he does. In a home inspection a foundation issue was identified. I was referred to him from Basement Systems of WV to have him look over the house structure before any work was done. Matt came in and did a thorough inspection...
Matthew Echard
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Reviewed in December 2013
They worked well as a team, and intensely and efficiently from 7-5, with only a short lunch break. Their cleanup at the end of each day was thorough. Communication was easy, cell phone or e-mail messages promptly responded to, and all were courteous, showing respect and flexibility. When I...
Allegheny Restoration & Builders Inc
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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

All foundations have footers, including monolithic slabs. In some cases, the foundation itself acts as the footer, as in the case of a floating slab and a monolithic slab. With a monolithic slab, the footers—which are just the bottom-most portion of the foundation that distributes loads down to stable soil—are a part of the main slab and are constructed with a single pour.

Foundation cracks that are 1/8 inch wide or less, aren’t uneven across the gap, and don’t continue widening over time are usually just normal settling cracks and don’t suggest structural issues. Horizontal cracks and stair-step cracks on foundation walls, any cracks that continue widening, are wider than 1/8 inch, or where one side juts out beyond the other, are often indicative of structural damage.

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.

Generally, you can tell if a home is bolted to the foundation by checking the foundation for plates. If you see that your foundational plates connect to wood or bolts protruding from them, this means that you have a bolted foundation. However, it's always wise to bring a home inspector in to confirm if your foundation is secure.

Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.

The Brookhaven, WV 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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