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 Ravenswood, WV

Q: Can I do my own structural calculations?

• <div><p>No, it&rsquo;s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.</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 split-level and a split-floor plan the same thing?

• <div><p>A split-level home is one that has several staggered floors connected by short staircases, while a split floor plan separates the primary bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms. Split floor plans are most often found in single-story homes, while split-level homes are always at least two stories.</p></div>

Q: How do contractors cut a doorway in a concrete block wall?

• <div><p>First, most contractors will have a structural engineer create a report and plan for your project to ensure it&rsquo;s safe to cut into the load-bearing wall. The contractor will then excavate around the wall, if necessary, measure the opening&mdash;allowing for additional space to fit and level the door, and then cut the doorway out. They will likely install a steel lintel as a header over the door for support. Once the doorway is cut out, they&rsquo;ll demolish the concrete using sledge hammers and masonry chisels, clean up the surrounding concrete, and seal around the door with masonry mortar. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Ravenswood, WV

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Ravenswood, 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 Ravenswood, 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 22, 2026

Reviewed in January 2026
Jarrod and his team at Adkins Plumbing did a fantastic job putting in drains on our property. Very knowledgeable in many areas of construction and plumbing. Highly recommend.
Adkins Plumbing & Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2025
Fast, Professional, effective, and incredibly knowledgeable. We would reccomend this company for anyone needing a top notch inspection.
DEW RIGHT HOME INSPECTIONS, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Had several different projects done by Voiers home service new ceiling and remodel of finished basement, kitchen remodel, and deck build just to name a few. Work done was always great and done in the time frame stated. Would and have recommended to anyone needing any home repairs.
Voiers Home Services
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Reviewed in November 2023
Wilson's Welding and Fabrication is one of the best at what services this company provides . I'm very satisfied.
Wilson Welding and fabrication
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Reviewed in May 2023
The people at Superior Home Specialists were very professional. They showed up on site and had the old roof removed and the new roof installed by the end of the day.
Superior Home Specialists, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
This company, it's owner and employees were all great to work with. They installed a chain link fence around my property and a vinyl privacy fence on the front side facing the road. They were done in two days and it was a big job!
Alco Fence Company of Central West Virginia
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Reviewed in December 2021
We hired Andrew And crew to trim back a huge water maple and to remove two Bradford pear trees. They did an excellent job on everything including cleanup in my yard and the neighbors. Very professional I would highly recommend them.
Rood Feller
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Reviewed in December 2020
Torren built a mini two story house on our property, with electrical and plumbing. We were very impressed with, he showed up every day and on-time, which is hard to find these days, and he is very dependable.
Mountain Contracting Company LLC - Home Facebook
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Reviewed in January 2016
The company was very knowledgeable and thorough in explaining what needed to be done and why. The crew was excellent. The young men who came were polite and hard working. They did a great job on the installation and cleaning up. The job looks very well done, but I have not needed to use the...
Ohio Basement Authority
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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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J. Casey Consulting

4.7(

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Serving Ravenswood, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

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"Structural engineering of house construction blueprints."

Response time4 days

Recommended by94%of homeowners

Serving Ravenswood, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

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Emergency services offered

"Dustin done a great job."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

No, it’s not legal for unlicensed individuals to conduct structural calculations for buildings or building repairs. Not only do licensing requirements prevent DIYers from tackling this project, but mistakes can also be extremely dangerous and put your property and anyone inside or near it at risk of severe injury or even death. You should always hire a licensed and certified local structural engineer to make structural calculations.

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.

A split-level home is one that has several staggered floors connected by short staircases, while a split floor plan separates the primary bedroom from the rest of the bedrooms. Split floor plans are most often found in single-story homes, while split-level homes are always at least two stories.

First, most contractors will have a structural engineer create a report and plan for your project to ensure it’s safe to cut into the load-bearing wall. The contractor will then excavate around the wall, if necessary, measure the opening—allowing for additional space to fit and level the door, and then cut the doorway out. They will likely install a steel lintel as a header over the door for support. Once the doorway is cut out, they’ll demolish the concrete using sledge hammers and masonry chisels, clean up the surrounding concrete, and seal around the door with masonry mortar.

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)

The Ravenswood, 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

Alison Kasch
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall? [2026 Data]
Do you have a load-bearing wall standing between you and your projects that you want to remove? Learn about the cost of removing a load-bearing wall.
Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
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.
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.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Structural Steel Beam vs. Wood Beam: Which Is Right for You?
Structural steel and wood beams ensure your house is structurally sound. Learn the difference between steel and wood beams and how to choose the right one.
Rachel Hoffman
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
15 Warning Signs That a House Will Collapse
A home doesn’t collapse unexpectedly. Learn the warning signs that a house will collapse, so you can protect your family and your home.