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>

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>

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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: Do structural engineers do free quotes?

• <div><p>Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home&rsquo;s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.</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: 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>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Dunbar, WV

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Dunbar, 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 Dunbar, 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 October 10, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
I have nothing but excellent things to say about Wimer Tree Service. The owner, Shane, was very kind and helpful in working with my needs, timeframe and staying within my current budget for the service. The crew was professional and they did an amazing job with making sure that nearby...
Wimer Tree Service, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2025
Our family hired MAC Group to correct items found on a structural report we had completed prior to placing our 50 year old family home on the market. We hired MAC Group to repair structural issues as well as a few other issues found with our 50 year old home. Repairs included but are limited...
MAC Group, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2018
Graley Auto gave me a far better price and was more responsive than anyone else I talked to. I have a 10 year old car and the value balance between engine replacement and car replacement has slim margins. Graley Auto made it financially feasible for me to replace the engine and continue to drive...
Graley's Auto
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Reviewed in October 2016
I had a complicated project, that included removal and stump grinding on one large (70 feet tall) tree, partially fallen on my house & fence, shaping and trimming of another large tree next to it, and removal of another smaller tree on a different part of the property. All of this on a small,...
Bailey Tree Company, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2016
<p>The staff at All Starr are always topnotch. Before I ever left the building, Jeff had pulled my van into the garage and had tested by charging system to verify that it was indeed the battery needing replaced and that the alternator was in good working order. He then told me the price and even...
ALL STARR Car Care & Brakes
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Reviewed in November 2015
<p>I just moved in to my new residence. The home inspector told me to have 3 large bushes removed from the side and front of my house because they can retain moisture and cause structural damage to the foundation. </p> <p><br /></p> <p>The men removed all 3 bushes very fast and cleaned up...
Smith's Lawn & Home Care
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Reviewed in September 2015
A family member went here for an oil change and he noticed the check engine light was on, so he went in and asked it to be checked. He is older and was not aware that the gas cap being lose could trigger this. Instead of telling him to check the gas cap they charged him 50 dollars to check the...
MARTY'S TIRE STORE
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Reviewed in January 2015
The engineering was done very well. They were honest and the quality of the product is very good. Extremely pleasant to work with. I would highly recommend them.
E E Moore Co
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Reviewed in December 2013
The clutch on my 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS (6 speed) started to slip badly, just days before Christmas. I found Engine & Transmission Express on Angie's list and chose to give them a call since they were highly rated and close to my home. I also liked that they specialize in Engines and...
Engine & Transmission Express
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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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

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.

Most structural engineers offer free quotes, regardless of the size of the job. For simple inspections when buying or selling a home, engineers typically charge a flat fee that may be based solely on your home’s foundation type and square footage. For larger projects, like new construction and major home renovations, an engineer will either perform an analysis of your project and site and provide you with a formal estimate, or they will do a more in-depth assessment and in-person site inspection before coming up with a per-hour or per-project cost estimate. In most cases, the estimate is free.

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.

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.

The Dunbar, WV homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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