How do you choose a residential structural engineer?

• <div><p>The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:</p><ul><li><p>Do you have experience working in my specific area?</p></li><li><p>Do you have professional indemnity insurance?</p></li><li><p>What will your structural report cover?</p></li><li><p>Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?</p></li><li><p>How long have you been in business?</p></li><li><p>Do you have a list of customer references?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Is LVL more affordable than steel I-beams?

• <div><p>Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-steel-i-beam-cost.htm">cost of a steel I-beam</a>, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists. </p></div>

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Q: Can I cut or drill LVL beams?

• <div><p>It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.</p></div>

Q: Do services include structural reinforcement?

• <div><p>Yes, professionals reinforce the foundation with additional supports or piers to prevent future sinking.</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 Paw Paw, WV

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Paw Paw, 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 Paw Paw, 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 March 18, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
Agile Tree Services did an incredible job of cutting down two large trees in a very small space next to the house. This was done without damaging a brand new fence that was very close to the trees. I thought they were very professional and showed up on time compared to all the contractors that I...
Agile Tree Services
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Reviewed in December 2024
The process was quick, easy and professional! I am very pleased and impressed with how well it went from start to finish and my new fence looks great!
ROCKSTEADY FENCE
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Reviewed in June 2023
It has been 3 years since Prestige Renovations, Inc. installed our new metal roof and it has been perfect. They did a beautiful job. Good people.
PRESTIGIOUS RENOVATIONS INC.
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Reviewed in May 2023
Responsive, efficient, professional, with incredible tree climbing skills.
Rodriguez Tree Service, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2022
Recently had our roof replaced by Modern Renovations after discovering water stains on our living room ceiling. In a panic mode, I contacted them, and Larry was out the next day. Larry was so thorough with all details of contract, that we had no doubt, this was the company we are using. Roof...
Modern Renovations LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
Tondra called me within an hour of my posting. I sent her pictures of what needed to be done. We had had the carpet pulled back from the wall for some levelling work to be done. In addition we had had cement torn up and replaced too. They came within a week and were right on time. Charles...
CTM Carpet Care
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Reviewed in February 2022
Finding myself with over 2,000 sq/ft of tile, mortar, and grout purchased and stored in my garage and two failure attempts to hire someone, I found myself stranded. I remember about ANGI. Went to the website and placed a request for quote. Less than 5 minutes later I received a call from Coast...
Coast to Coast Tile
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Reviewed in December 2021
They were very easy to work with in building my garage. Incredibly hardworking and thorough in execution throughout the project. They are very reasonable and nice. I would contact them again for future work.
LJs Building and Excavating LLC
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Reviewed in February 2021
From when Jack the owner came to our home to give us a quote, to Joe at the office who coordinated things efficiently, to the whole team who came out and did a solid, clean, safe, and thorough job removing trees and stumps, I was completely satisfied with my experience. The whole company worked...
Timber Works Tree Care
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Reviewed in May 2018
Jason and his team at Rain Tight did a detailed evaluation of my roof, provided a competitive quote, found and addressed underlying structural issues, communicated each step they took, and did it all on schedule and for a fair price. These guys are total professionals and executed my job...
Rain Tight Roofing
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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.

Yes, professionals reinforce the foundation with additional supports or piers to prevent future sinking.

The process of hiring a structural engineer starts by finding reliable professionals in your area and comparing quotes from at least three of them. From there, you can narrow down your selection by asking some leading questions:

Do you have experience working in my specific area?
Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
What will your structural report cover?
Do you charge a flat fee for a structural report or by the hour?
How long have you been in business?
Do you have a list of customer references?

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.

Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the cost of a steel I-beam, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists.

The Paw Paw, 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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