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It’s possible to drill into an LVL beam, but you should always avoid it. LVL beams are major structural components of your home, and drilling into them can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you need to drill into an LVL beam, consult a structural engineer. They’ll know the bit size, depth, and directionality that’s safe to use when drilling.

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.

A structural inspection report will include a detailed description of the structural engineer’s findings, applicable photographs, and recommendations to correct the issue. The contents of the report may depend on the scope of the inspection but might also include a time and cost estimate for recommended work to correct any structural problems found during the inspection. 

Trusses and rafters each have advantages and disadvantages, so one isn’t necessarily better than the other. For example, trusses are more affordable and often come in prefabricated kits, so they’re easier to build than rafters. However, rafters are available in a variety of designs, so it’s easier to find one that fits your style preferences. Plus, if you want to build an attic at some point down the line, it’s far easier to do that with rafters rather than trusses.