Why should I pick steel for my new support beam?

• <div><p>You should pick steel for your new support beam for a few reasons. While steel is more expensive than other materials, such as laminated veneer lumber or glulam, it offers the following benefits:</p><ul><li><p>Fire-resistant</p></li><li><p>Unaffected by pests</p></li><li><p>Longer-lasting</p></li><li><p>Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Davisville, WV

Q: Why hire a structural engineer for home projects?

• <div><p>Provides expert analysis, ensuring safety and compliance with building codes.</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: Is it okay to drill into a load-bearing beam?

• <div><p>You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it&rsquo;s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that&rsquo;s safe to use.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Davisville, WV

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Davisville, 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 Davisville, 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 June 01, 2024

Reviewed in June 2024
MOV Foundation Repair was quick to get me in, explained in detail what all of my options were, (basement wall was bowed) and helped me decide which option was the best for me.
MOV Foundation Repair LLC
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Reviewed in February 2023
I am so happy I found this company. We needed gutters because ours were falling off after all the wind and storms. We were so lucky to find Superior Home Specialists. From the time I contacted them till the completion of the job I was so impressed. They were very professional. I will...
Superior Home Specialists, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2022
Bryant Contractors and Transport did a wonderful job fixing our Tub and Shower Faucets.. They were able to get to us quickly and completed our job professionally and within a reasonable time frame. We are very happy with Bryant Contractors and Transport, we plan to contact them again for our...
Bryant Contracting and Transport, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2021
Excellent job! Saved my house which had major foundation issues. Helix piers and a complete rebuilding of footers/block wall on 2.5 foundation walls (two were not easy access either), waterproofing block and footer/downspout drains. This company is well worth the wait as they are experts in...
Moran Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in May 2021
They installed jacks and concrete piers under my foundation. They also put a french drain on that side of my house. I was very pleased with the work performed and the crew doing it. would use them again or recomend the company.
MOV Foundation Repair, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2021
I had a large stairstep crack in my garage wall that needed addressed. I had Alford give me a quote along with 2 other companies. Alford was by far the best all around, not only were they more affordable they were on time and very professional. The crew that came were knowledgeable and hard...
Alford Foundation and Crawl Space Repair
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Reviewed in August 2014
I took my truck to Randy's to get interior, exterior, and engine cleaning. They did a great job and got a very large stain out of my front seat. Very happy with their work
Randy Given'S Car Care Center
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Reviewed in August 2014
Mr. Whaley is an intelligent, articulate and polite young man who seems to know a good deal about engineering and construction. Unfortunately, associating these qualities with competence and character ended in our loss of over $16,000 in advance payments, an engineering report, and pending...
CORE Construction LC
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Reviewed in June 2014
<p>The shutting off problem was a short in the wiring and the check engine light was due to a problem with my A/C unit. They were able to repair both items an my car and they only kept it for two days. I feel I got my moneys worth and they were quick about it and kept me appraised with the...
PETE & LIBBY'S AUTO REPAIR
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Reviewed in November 2012
Moran Construction is wonderful to work with. They did an excellent job. All of our questions and concerns were addressed. They kept us informed of what they were doing and contacted the engineer we had hired to make sure that the repairs were done correctly. The crew was friendly and courteous....
Ram Jack West Virginia
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Find Structural engineers in Davisville

J. Casey Consulting

4.7(

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Serving Davisville, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Credit card accepted

"Structural engineering of house construction blueprints."

Response time4 days

Recommended by94%of homeowners

Serving Davisville, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Dustin done a great job."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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

You should pick steel for your new support beam for a few reasons. While steel is more expensive than other materials, such as laminated veneer lumber or glulam, it offers the following benefits:

Fire-resistant
Unaffected by pests
Longer-lasting
Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)

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.

You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

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.

The Davisville, WV 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

Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
A damaged main support beam can cause serious structural damage to your house. Learn how much it costs to replace a main house support beam.
Lyle Hendriks
•
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.
Timothy Moore
•
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.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
Who Can Check if a Wall Is Load-Bearing?
Before removing a wall, make sure it’s not load-bearing. Learn the benefits of hiring a structural engineer to check if a wall is load-bearing.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 2026
Structural Engineer vs. Architect: Their Differences and Why You Need Both
Do you have an upcoming construction project and aren’t sure whether hiring a structural engineer vs an architect is better? Find out here.
Dan Simms
•
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.