I am a structural engineer with over 30 years in the industry. I specialize in all types of residential and commercial structural engineering. I have extensive experience wood construction and in evaluating and modifying existing buildings. I am very familiar with the kinds of issues and problems that occur in residential buildings and the most effective and inexpensive fixes. Call me to discuss your problem.
"Outstanding and very prompt. Very quick to respond to the request."
Gary W on April 2023
I am a structural engineer with over 30 years in the industry. I specialize in all types of residential and commercial structural engineering. I have extensive experience wood construction and in evaluating and modifying existing buildings. I am very familiar with the kinds of issues and problems that occur in residential buildings and the most effective and inexpensive fixes. Call me to discuss your problem.
"Outstanding and very prompt. Very quick to respond to the request."
Gary W on April 2023
We are pleased to offer structural engineering services to Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. We have over twenty years of experience in the field and can help provide a reliable, reasonable solution to your structural engineering concerns.
"The engineer did a review of my property save me money in a long run."
Mel D on March 2025
We are pleased to offer structural engineering services to Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. We have over twenty years of experience in the field and can help provide a reliable, reasonable solution to your structural engineering concerns.
"The engineer did a review of my property save me money in a long run."
Mel D on March 2025
Robert Cowles PE is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"Robert was very easy to communicate with and was quick to respond. He was timely with returning the report necessary as well."
ASHLEY V on February 2025
Robert Cowles PE is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"Robert was very easy to communicate with and was quick to respond. He was timely with returning the report necessary as well."
ASHLEY V on February 2025
Omega Construction of Michigan LLC With over 72 years of experience serving the Ann Arbor and surrounding areas, Omega Construction of Michigan, LLC is your solution for all your roofing, construction, siding, waterproofing, remodeling, masonry and chimney needs. Omega takes great pride in our extreme professionalism, timeliness and superior customer service on every job. We make sure to develop a lasting relationship so that the next time service is needed there will be no question on who to call. Your satisfaction guaranteed! Give us a call today, we are happy to help you with your project and look forward to talking to you.
"Critical: Professionalism, Value I called Omega to check out smoke transfer between flues. Al quoted flue top dampers at $900 each and cleanings at $300 each. He said he would need to schedule a day to do the work. Thinking this must be an extensive project, I bought it. Ten days later I finally was called to say they would come that afternoon to do it. After the cleaning they glued dampers to the tops of the flues and were done in about 45 minutes. Al defended his $750/hour labor rate and double cleaning rate, saying it was due to his "high overhead" costs that I didn't understand. I still don't understand. Omega Construction is aptly named, they are the last one you should think of calling. They apparently only maintain their good BBB rating because the BBB doesn't consider "pricing issues" or "buyer's remorse" in their calculations. BBB is basically another way to advertise."
Ryan D on December 2020
Omega Construction of Michigan LLC With over 72 years of experience serving the Ann Arbor and surrounding areas, Omega Construction of Michigan, LLC is your solution for all your roofing, construction, siding, waterproofing, remodeling, masonry and chimney needs. Omega takes great pride in our extreme professionalism, timeliness and superior customer service on every job. We make sure to develop a lasting relationship so that the next time service is needed there will be no question on who to call. Your satisfaction guaranteed! Give us a call today, we are happy to help you with your project and look forward to talking to you.
"Critical: Professionalism, Value I called Omega to check out smoke transfer between flues. Al quoted flue top dampers at $900 each and cleanings at $300 each. He said he would need to schedule a day to do the work. Thinking this must be an extensive project, I bought it. Ten days later I finally was called to say they would come that afternoon to do it. After the cleaning they glued dampers to the tops of the flues and were done in about 45 minutes. Al defended his $750/hour labor rate and double cleaning rate, saying it was due to his "high overhead" costs that I didn't understand. I still don't understand. Omega Construction is aptly named, they are the last one you should think of calling. They apparently only maintain their good BBB rating because the BBB doesn't consider "pricing issues" or "buyer's remorse" in their calculations. BBB is basically another way to advertise."
Ryan D on December 2020
At Great Lakes Gardening LLC, we believe in great design, dependable implementation, and delivering excellent service to our clients. Our team understands that landscapes should be unique and customizable because everyone is different. Since opening in 2015, we've been on a journey to make gardens and landscapes better as a whole. And we will never stop improving. Our gardens are designed to be long-lasting and evolve with time, which is why we've developed tools to help track individual progress, big or small.
"Leveled existing 150 foot driveway, installed new gravel, compacted and leveled. Outstanding customer service, including proactive timing updates. Went out of their way to fix a problem at our mailbox. I highly recommend Great Lakes Gardening."
Patrick G on March 2025
At Great Lakes Gardening LLC, we believe in great design, dependable implementation, and delivering excellent service to our clients. Our team understands that landscapes should be unique and customizable because everyone is different. Since opening in 2015, we've been on a journey to make gardens and landscapes better as a whole. And we will never stop improving. Our gardens are designed to be long-lasting and evolve with time, which is why we've developed tools to help track individual progress, big or small.
"Leveled existing 150 foot driveway, installed new gravel, compacted and leveled. Outstanding customer service, including proactive timing updates. Went out of their way to fix a problem at our mailbox. I highly recommend Great Lakes Gardening."
Patrick G on March 2025
We specialize in masonry services and repairs, brick/stone work, concrete services, hardscaping, retaining walls, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -- or-- click to schedule a free estimate today!
"Shaun was prompt and very communicative. I had a paver patio installed and it is beautiful. Shaun kept me in the loop every step, and helped me choose materials by explaining all the pros and cons."
Jason E on July 2024
We specialize in masonry services and repairs, brick/stone work, concrete services, hardscaping, retaining walls, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -- or-- click to schedule a free estimate today!
"Shaun was prompt and very communicative. I had a paver patio installed and it is beautiful. Shaun kept me in the loop every step, and helped me choose materials by explaining all the pros and cons."
Jason E on July 2024
Super Service Award 2021 - 2016!! Landscape designs using ornamental trees, shrubs, perennials, and herbs to create artistic, unique combinations to beautify the home and outdoor living spaces. Specializing in year round color, container planting, seasonal accents, and event staging. Award winning design. Featured in The Style of The Detroit News, and Detroit Home. Member of The Herb Society of America, Southern Michigan Unit, Cranbrook House & Gardens Auxiliary, MNLA
"Jackie is very talented in designing wonderful landscaping that offers year-round color and beauty; promotes honey bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with a perfect blend of perennials and annuals; and works closely with us to make sure we are included in all of the design planning. We have worked with her for many years and couldn't be happier with our landscaping! She is top notch!"
Lisa B on October 2023
Super Service Award 2021 - 2016!! Landscape designs using ornamental trees, shrubs, perennials, and herbs to create artistic, unique combinations to beautify the home and outdoor living spaces. Specializing in year round color, container planting, seasonal accents, and event staging. Award winning design. Featured in The Style of The Detroit News, and Detroit Home. Member of The Herb Society of America, Southern Michigan Unit, Cranbrook House & Gardens Auxiliary, MNLA
"Jackie is very talented in designing wonderful landscaping that offers year-round color and beauty; promotes honey bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with a perfect blend of perennials and annuals; and works closely with us to make sure we are included in all of the design planning. We have worked with her for many years and couldn't be happier with our landscaping! She is top notch!"
Lisa B on October 2023
Thank you for your interest in our services! Formerly Marsh Maintenance. We recently have re-branded to reflect our new direction. Through dedication to our customers and our commitment to quality, we feel that we can offer you the best service in the construction industry. Every home or business has things that need to be done. At Marsh Contracting we help take the pressure off you, by offering a wide range of services from small repairs to large remodeling projects, Marsh Contracting is the contractor for you. We are licensed, insured and provide free estimates
"Marsh contracting came in and took our 50+ year old bathroom and made it into a great, functional space. I wish I could explain the awfulness of the "before" situation they were facing. Tile and plaster 3 inches thick; square, heavy bathtub that need to be removed; galvanized steel pipes with years of corrosion blocking water flow. They had great suggestions for improvements and helped us stay within our budget while still taking care of the things that needed to be done. They were prompt and worked quickly; the only hiccup was on our side with a delivery issue, and they were able to work around it and keep the project rolling. Bob and his team were upfront with us on everything, and I felt that I had a clear idea of how the project was moving along, next steps, and the timeline for completion. Communication was never an issue, whether via email, phone, or text. And my super picky Father in Law has even complemented the great tile work!"
JoAnn L on January 2019
Thank you for your interest in our services! Formerly Marsh Maintenance. We recently have re-branded to reflect our new direction. Through dedication to our customers and our commitment to quality, we feel that we can offer you the best service in the construction industry. Every home or business has things that need to be done. At Marsh Contracting we help take the pressure off you, by offering a wide range of services from small repairs to large remodeling projects, Marsh Contracting is the contractor for you. We are licensed, insured and provide free estimates
"Marsh contracting came in and took our 50+ year old bathroom and made it into a great, functional space. I wish I could explain the awfulness of the "before" situation they were facing. Tile and plaster 3 inches thick; square, heavy bathtub that need to be removed; galvanized steel pipes with years of corrosion blocking water flow. They had great suggestions for improvements and helped us stay within our budget while still taking care of the things that needed to be done. They were prompt and worked quickly; the only hiccup was on our side with a delivery issue, and they were able to work around it and keep the project rolling. Bob and his team were upfront with us on everything, and I felt that I had a clear idea of how the project was moving along, next steps, and the timeline for completion. Communication was never an issue, whether via email, phone, or text. And my super picky Father in Law has even complemented the great tile work!"
JoAnn L on January 2019
Let Brooks Landscaping turn landscaping dreams into reality. We specialize in landscaping renovations, landscape design, and brick paving, we can create a unique outdoor environment that will compliment your decor and lifestyle.
"Fantastic experience!! Brooks did an amazing job with our paver repair project. Highly recommended!"
Matt O on September 2024
Let Brooks Landscaping turn landscaping dreams into reality. We specialize in landscaping renovations, landscape design, and brick paving, we can create a unique outdoor environment that will compliment your decor and lifestyle.
"Fantastic experience!! Brooks did an amazing job with our paver repair project. Highly recommended!"
Matt O on September 2024
A heartfelt thank you to our frontline heroes! Grays Outdoor Services proudly offers $200 off every $1000 spent as a token of our sincere appreciation for your dedication. For over a decade, our professional team has been committed to delivering exceptional outdoor services throughout the Metro Area, crafting superior quality for countless properties. You can count on us for reliable, on-time service for all your outdoor needs. We value the opportunity to earn and maintain your business. As a full-service company with a dedicated local team, we're ready to provide the professional and timely service you deserve.
"Grays did a great job. They showed up as scheduled, did the job quickly and efficiently. Everyone was pleasant and cleaned up all of the debris before leaving. I was very pleased with their work."
Linda S on October 2024
A heartfelt thank you to our frontline heroes! Grays Outdoor Services proudly offers $200 off every $1000 spent as a token of our sincere appreciation for your dedication. For over a decade, our professional team has been committed to delivering exceptional outdoor services throughout the Metro Area, crafting superior quality for countless properties. You can count on us for reliable, on-time service for all your outdoor needs. We value the opportunity to earn and maintain your business. As a full-service company with a dedicated local team, we're ready to provide the professional and timely service you deserve.
"Grays did a great job. They showed up as scheduled, did the job quickly and efficiently. Everyone was pleasant and cleaned up all of the debris before leaving. I was very pleased with their work."
Linda S on October 2024
You should bring in a structural engineer any time you’re adding or removing something that carries weight—think new construction, a major remodel, or moving a load‑bearing wall. Call one during a real‑estate deal, after storm damage, or when you spot cracks in the foundation, beams, or chimney. An engineer’s report confirms that the structure is sound and tells your contractor exactly what fixes—or reinforcements—are needed to keep the home safe long‑term.
Who you hire depends on the task. Hire an architect to shape the look and layout of your home. Call a structural engineer to verify that load‑bearing elements—walls, beams, foundation—can handle the plan or to diagnose structural issues. Bring in a home inspector for a broad health check during a sale, after a storm, or for an appraisal. Matching the pro to the job keeps costs down and problems in check.
During the visit, the engineer checks your foundation, framing, walls, roof, and insulation, then compares what they see to any existing plans. If the structure matches the specs, you get the all‑clear; if not, the engineer outlines the fixes. Their sign‑off is what lets the next phase of work move forward, so expect clear notes on what’s solid and what needs attention.
Civil engineering is the broad field that covers roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Structural engineers focus on the loads and forces inside a building or bridge—foundations, beams, and walls—while mechanical engineers design and keep power systems running, from elevators and turbines to HVAC equipment. In short, civil handles the big picture, structural makes sure it stands up, and mechanical keeps everything moving.
Most structural engineers offer free quotes. They’ll look at your home’s size and the scope of work to decide whether a flat fee or hourly rate makes sense. Simple inspections are usually priced by square footage; bigger, more complex jobs require a site visit and a detailed written estimate. Getting that number up front lets you nail down a budget before any drawings or inspections begin.
The engineer reviews every load‑bearing part of the home—floors, foundation, walls, roof, and major beams—along with insulation and the soil around the structure. They also factor in local weather risks and nearby water sources. The goal is to confirm that the materials and construction can handle day‑to‑day loads and extreme events alike, and to flag any spots that need reinforcement.