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Engineer structural pros in San Jose

Avatar for Level Engineering San Francisco, CA (Main)

Level Engineering San Francisco, CA (Main)

1390 Market Street, Suite 200
4.61(
269
)
Approved Pro

Level Engineering San Francisco, CA (Main)

1390 Market Street, Suite 200
4.61(
269
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 93% of Angi customers
Recommended by 93% of HomeAdvisor customers
14 local quotes requested

At LEVEL, we are committed to common sense, real-world solutions. We pioneered LEVEL because, after years spent exploring all disciplines of civil and structural engineering in the building industry, we continually encountered the missing fundamentals in our own trade. These lost elements of service culture & exceptional business practice inevitably cost owners & entities untold stress and frustration; contractors lost time & money, realtors & lenders were left unable to satisfy their client's needs. We concluded that our capacity for A&E services could function at a higher level, thus, LEVEL Engineering & Inspections was founded. We serve your interests & provide knowledgeable, expert design, inspections, analysis, forensics, recommendations, and reporting. Whether your need is for permitting, forensics; new, remodel, or repair engineering designs; foundation problems; civil or architecture - let us help you navigate your Civil, Commercial, Residential Structural Engineering needs.

"Gang is super. He’s very knowledgeable and personable. He talking through all my questions and concerns and helped me sort through all the details to arrive at a well reasoned conclusion for what needs to be done next."

Matthew Q on September 2023

At LEVEL, we are committed to common sense, real-world solutions. We pioneered LEVEL because, after years spent exploring all disciplines of civil and structural engineering in the building industry, we continually encountered the missing fundamentals in our own trade. These lost elements of service culture & exceptional business practice inevitably cost owners & entities untold stress and frustration; contractors lost time & money, realtors & lenders were left unable to satisfy their client's needs. We concluded that our capacity for A&E services could function at a higher level, thus, LEVEL Engineering & Inspections was founded. We serve your interests & provide knowledgeable, expert design, inspections, analysis, forensics, recommendations, and reporting. Whether your need is for permitting, forensics; new, remodel, or repair engineering designs; foundation problems; civil or architecture - let us help you navigate your Civil, Commercial, Residential Structural Engineering needs.

"Gang is super. He’s very knowledgeable and personable. He talking through all my questions and concerns and helped me sort through all the details to arrive at a well reasoned conclusion for what needs to be done next."

Matthew Q on September 2023


HC Structural Engineering

117 Bernal Rd, Unit 70-648
4.68(
48
)
Approved Pro

HC Structural Engineering

117 Bernal Rd, Unit 70-648
4.68(
48
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 91% of Angi customers
Recommended by 91% of HomeAdvisor customers
14 local quotes requested

HCSE, Inc. provides a unique "one-stop-shop" located in the Bay Area of California. Founded in 2008, HCSE, Inc. has a diverse team; from licensed designers, structural engineers and general contractors. Our projects range from small residential remodels/additions to commercial tenant improvements and large commercial structures. HCSE, Inc. understands how valuable your time is and we are committed to providing our industry leading expertise, onto your next project. Our team welcomes all challenges; on how we can make the process easier for all our clients and everyone involved. Your journey with us is important, and we take pride in making it memorable.

"Professional review of my damages"

Thomas D on April 2023

HCSE, Inc. provides a unique "one-stop-shop" located in the Bay Area of California. Founded in 2008, HCSE, Inc. has a diverse team; from licensed designers, structural engineers and general contractors. Our projects range from small residential remodels/additions to commercial tenant improvements and large commercial structures. HCSE, Inc. understands how valuable your time is and we are committed to providing our industry leading expertise, onto your next project. Our team welcomes all challenges; on how we can make the process easier for all our clients and everyone involved. Your journey with us is important, and we take pride in making it memorable.

"Professional review of my damages"

Thomas D on April 2023


Avatar for Padir Consulting Engineers Corp.

Padir Consulting Engineers Corp.

5306 Birch Grove Dr
4.75(
24
)
Approved Pro

Padir Consulting Engineers Corp.

5306 Birch Grove Dr
4.75(
24
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: True professional
29 local quotes requested
31 years of experience

Padir Consulting Engineers, is committed to excellence and continues to be an outstanding business in California. The company is in San Jose. Padir Consulting Engineers offers a full range of Architectural and structural services to the construction and building industry to the owners and contractors. Our services are guided by a fundamental principle of quality and innovation which dictates the development of effective solutions that satisfy the unique needs of owners, and developers. Our values and design philosophies are based on: Research on the new technologies, Innovation, Imagination, Experience, Hard work, and Teamwork. Please contact for any of your architectural or structural engineering needs, especially if you are looking for the good deals, cost-benefit project, and an innovative and unique design. Senior citizens, veterans, academics at school or universities, churches, and non-profit organizations are welcome for the discount. We accept all Credit Cards.

"I would rate your engineering design experience as excellent. Your skills in creating detailed drawings, problem-solving, and delivering innovative solutions are highly impressive."

Alen h on September 2025

Padir Consulting Engineers, is committed to excellence and continues to be an outstanding business in California. The company is in San Jose. Padir Consulting Engineers offers a full range of Architectural and structural services to the construction and building industry to the owners and contractors. Our services are guided by a fundamental principle of quality and innovation which dictates the development of effective solutions that satisfy the unique needs of owners, and developers. Our values and design philosophies are based on: Research on the new technologies, Innovation, Imagination, Experience, Hard work, and Teamwork. Please contact for any of your architectural or structural engineering needs, especially if you are looking for the good deals, cost-benefit project, and an innovative and unique design. Senior citizens, veterans, academics at school or universities, churches, and non-profit organizations are welcome for the discount. We accept all Credit Cards.

"I would rate your engineering design experience as excellent. Your skills in creating detailed drawings, problem-solving, and delivering innovative solutions are highly impressive."

Alen h on September 2025


Avatar for Rock N Block - Turf N Hardscapes Santa Clara

Rock N Block - Turf N Hardscapes Santa Clara

2100 S Bascom Ave Ste 1 #524
New on HomeAdvisorNew on HomeAdvisor
Approved Pro

Rock N Block - Turf N Hardscapes Santa Clara

2100 S Bascom Ave Ste 1 #524
New on HomeAdvisorNew on HomeAdvisor
Approved Pro
730 local quotes requested
20 years of experience

Rock N Block Landscape takes great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality regardless of how large or small the job.

Rock N Block Landscape takes great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality regardless of how large or small the job.


Avatar for Geico Builders

Geico Builders

1901 Harrison Street
5.00(
25
)
Approved Pro

Geico Builders

1901 Harrison Street
5.00(
25
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
1709 local quotes requested

Geico Builders specializes in meeting your expectations before, during, and after the project is complete. Our most upstanding quality is our accountability--you can expect us to own the work we complete for your home. Of course, we know accountability means nothing without proof, which is why we are happy to offer a 2-year workmanship warranty to all of our clients. This is a rare quality for this industry, but we wanted to prove to you that we stand by our craftsmanship through our home remodeling construction services. Every Crew at Geico Builders has been professionally trained and will treat your home with integrity and respect.

"We are glad we went with Geico Builders for a full master bath remodel. They were very easy to work with everything went as planned and we were very happy with the results. Diane was our main choice, she knew exactly how to invasion perfect layout of our bathroom remodel. They set up a group chat with everyone to coordinate and they communicated very well. Inspections were schedule very quickly, and they forwarded us the results & paperwork as soon as they received it. Alex, the designer, was helpful in helping to putt together our design and vendor recommendations. She quickly responded to feedback & updates to our design, and she even worked through her vacation on our project. When on of the vendors got our order correctly, the Geico Builders team worked with them to quickly rectify the issue. During construction, the foreman, Tony was very well organized and good to work with. His team was friendly, careful, and they kept the place as clean as they could. They follow up with us throughout construction to ensure that every detail of the construction was built to what we wanted."

Michael C on September 2025

Geico Builders specializes in meeting your expectations before, during, and after the project is complete. Our most upstanding quality is our accountability--you can expect us to own the work we complete for your home. Of course, we know accountability means nothing without proof, which is why we are happy to offer a 2-year workmanship warranty to all of our clients. This is a rare quality for this industry, but we wanted to prove to you that we stand by our craftsmanship through our home remodeling construction services. Every Crew at Geico Builders has been professionally trained and will treat your home with integrity and respect.

"We are glad we went with Geico Builders for a full master bath remodel. They were very easy to work with everything went as planned and we were very happy with the results. Diane was our main choice, she knew exactly how to invasion perfect layout of our bathroom remodel. They set up a group chat with everyone to coordinate and they communicated very well. Inspections were schedule very quickly, and they forwarded us the results & paperwork as soon as they received it. Alex, the designer, was helpful in helping to putt together our design and vendor recommendations. She quickly responded to feedback & updates to our design, and she even worked through her vacation on our project. When on of the vendors got our order correctly, the Geico Builders team worked with them to quickly rectify the issue. During construction, the foreman, Tony was very well organized and good to work with. His team was friendly, careful, and they kept the place as clean as they could. They follow up with us throughout construction to ensure that every detail of the construction was built to what we wanted."

Michael C on September 2025


Avatar for DARCO, LLC

DARCO, LLC

999 West Taylor Street
5.00(
2
)
Approved Pro

DARCO, LLC

999 West Taylor Street
5.00(
2
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
135 local quotes requested

Welcome to DARCO, LLC! We look forward to serving you!

"An Absolute Dream – Our Custom Indoor & Outdoor Kitchens Working with Darco Construction was an absolute dream! From start to finish, their team brought an incredible level of craftsmanship, professionalism, and attention to detail to our project. We wanted a modern, high-end indoor kitchen that felt sleek and functional, and Darco delivered beyond our expectations. Every detail—from the custom cabinetry and luxury finishes to the seamless integration of top-tier appliances—was executed with precision. But what truly sets them apart is their work on our outdoor kitchen. We envisioned a space that felt like an extension of our home—perfect for entertaining while offering the durability needed for an outdoor setting. They created a stunning, fully equipped space with custom stone countertops, a high-end grill station, built-in refrigeration, and ambient lighting that makes it feel like a private resort. Throughout the process, the communication was outstanding. Darwin, Larissa, and the entire team kept us informed, guided us through key decisions, and ensured that everything was done to the highest standard. Their commitment to excellence and thoughtful design made all the difference. If you’re looking for a top-tier contractor who can bring your dream home projects to life, look no further than Darco Construction. We couldn’t be happier with our custom indoor and outdoor kitchens!"

Lorene F on February 2025

Welcome to DARCO, LLC! We look forward to serving you!

"An Absolute Dream – Our Custom Indoor & Outdoor Kitchens Working with Darco Construction was an absolute dream! From start to finish, their team brought an incredible level of craftsmanship, professionalism, and attention to detail to our project. We wanted a modern, high-end indoor kitchen that felt sleek and functional, and Darco delivered beyond our expectations. Every detail—from the custom cabinetry and luxury finishes to the seamless integration of top-tier appliances—was executed with precision. But what truly sets them apart is their work on our outdoor kitchen. We envisioned a space that felt like an extension of our home—perfect for entertaining while offering the durability needed for an outdoor setting. They created a stunning, fully equipped space with custom stone countertops, a high-end grill station, built-in refrigeration, and ambient lighting that makes it feel like a private resort. Throughout the process, the communication was outstanding. Darwin, Larissa, and the entire team kept us informed, guided us through key decisions, and ensured that everything was done to the highest standard. Their commitment to excellence and thoughtful design made all the difference. If you’re looking for a top-tier contractor who can bring your dream home projects to life, look no further than Darco Construction. We couldn’t be happier with our custom indoor and outdoor kitchens!"

Lorene F on February 2025


Avatar for Silverstone Landscaping & Tree Service

Silverstone Landscaping & Tree Service

Martines Rd
4.91(
34
)
Approved Pro

Silverstone Landscaping & Tree Service

Martines Rd
4.91(
34
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Super punctual
Recommended by 97% of Angi customers
Recommended by 97% of HomeAdvisor customers
383 local quotes requested

Owner operated for 15 years.In full operation on tree service industry and landscaping field and renovations , Residential and Commercial driveways walls patios pergolas fences ,and forest care .We are known for paying attention to details and our 5 start customer satisfaction. Give us a call 831 277 7854 for a free quote! Silverstone landscaping and tree service team are here waiting to hear from you to provide the best possible service you deserve!

"It went well. They consulted me to assure I was happy with the trimming. The clean-up was acceptable. The city of San Jose picks up all the green waste, but is a little fussy about the debris piles. I had to restack some of the piles to meet waste company's requirements."

Patrick B on November 2024

Owner operated for 15 years.In full operation on tree service industry and landscaping field and renovations , Residential and Commercial driveways walls patios pergolas fences ,and forest care .We are known for paying attention to details and our 5 start customer satisfaction. Give us a call 831 277 7854 for a free quote! Silverstone landscaping and tree service team are here waiting to hear from you to provide the best possible service you deserve!

"It went well. They consulted me to assure I was happy with the trimming. The clean-up was acceptable. The city of San Jose picks up all the green waste, but is a little fussy about the debris piles. I had to restack some of the piles to meet waste company's requirements."

Patrick B on November 2024


Madriz Gardening

4.90(
10
)
Approved Pro

Madriz Gardening

4.90(
10
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: True professional
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
168 local quotes requested

We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Our team has quality experience in this industry, and we make sure our customers are happy before we leave. Call or click to schedule an estimate today!

"Martin was great! He was reasonable and transparent about pricing, he responded quickly, and he was experienced and skilful enough to be able to identify our problem and repair it on the spot. Thank you!"

Katharina P on September 2025

We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Our team has quality experience in this industry, and we make sure our customers are happy before we leave. Call or click to schedule an estimate today!

"Martin was great! He was reasonable and transparent about pricing, he responded quickly, and he was experienced and skilful enough to be able to identify our problem and repair it on the spot. Thank you!"

Katharina P on September 2025


Avatar for SPR Landscaping Inc

SPR Landscaping Inc

P.O. Box #1463
5.00(
10
)
Approved Pro

SPR Landscaping Inc

P.O. Box #1463
5.00(
10
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
557 local quotes requested

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 our services offered and call or click to schedule a free estimate today. Family owned business with over 10 years of experience.

"When you need your project completed on time and within budget, I recommend Arciga Gardening. The Arciga Team have completed multiple projects for me and my neighbors, and everyone is happy with the professional high quality service."

Finn p on January 2024

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 our services offered and call or click to schedule a free estimate today. Family owned business with over 10 years of experience.

"When you need your project completed on time and within budget, I recommend Arciga Gardening. The Arciga Team have completed multiple projects for me and my neighbors, and everyone is happy with the professional high quality service."

Finn p on January 2024


Avatar for Landscape Solutions

Landscape Solutions

15530 Benedict Lane
4.34(
105
)
Approved Pro

Landscape Solutions

15530 Benedict Lane
4.34(
105
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
906 local quotes requested
33 years of experience

Landscape design and installation. All phases (softscape/hardscape). Owner operated. Multi -year Angie's List Super Service Award winner. Cal-poly trained landscape architecture designers. Free design consultations. Free written estimates and proposals. All sized projects. Sprinkler and other landscape repairs. New sod lawns. Hand selected guaranteed nursery stock planting, drought tolerant landscaping, synthetic turf. Serving the entire Silicon Valley. Fast turn-around. Friendly service. Fully insured. Accepting all major credit cards and online payment apps. State of California licensed landscape contractor (C-27) since 1993 (CSLB #682755). Quality-Value-Service "Great landscaping designed to budget!" "The art and science of great landscaping!" Composite and wood decking. Arbors and pergolas. Drought friendly landscaping, Automatic drip and spray irrigation systems. Irrigation timer clocks/controllers. Redwood and composite decking. Interlocking pavers. Retainer walls. Concrete. L.E.D. low volt landscape lighting. Drainage. Flagstone. Brickwork. Outdoor kitchens. Firepits. Gravel. Mulch. Tile. Water features. Boulders, River rock. Pool decks. Pool Removal. Pergolas. Arbors Irrigation and landscape lighting repairs, fences and gates. ...and more! ask about our new "Express Build" "Complete landscaping in record time!"

"In September 2024, I contracted with Scott C. McIntyre, the owner of Landscape Solutions to do landscaping work at my residence in Los Altos, Ca. The work consisted of replacing existing retaining walls and steps in my back yard and installing a new patio on an already flattened area on the hill in my back yard. Mr. McIntyre declared the work completed on November 4, 2024 although there remained issues with incomplete and substandard work and failure to adhere to rules imposed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). I have filed a complaint (currently not resolved) with the CSLB. I paid Landscape Solutions $56,385.41 of a Total Contract Estimate cost of $58,790.00 (with a not to exceed clause of $60,000) with final payment to be made when the project was completed to my satisfaction. The project was never completed to my satisfaction with some (not all) of the outstanding issues described in this review. ISSUES WITH WORK QUALITY - NON-CODE COMPLIANT, SUBSTANDARD, NOT COMPLETE 1. The Guard Rail over the lower retaining wall is not building code compliant. The most serious issue with the work that Landscape Solutions did was that the guard rail built over a retaining wall does not meet building code and is not child safe. A picture of the guard rail is shown in the review I posted on Yelp (posted with a one star rating on January 20, 2025), but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The guard rail is made up of vertical posts spaced approximately 45 inches apart and two horizontal rails between the vertical posts. The upper horizontal rail above the surface of the newly built patio forms the top of the guard rail. A second horizontal rail below it is halfway between surface of the patio and the top of the guard rail, leaving two large gaps between the horizontal rails, each gap approximately 19 inches wide. Code dictates the maximum gap in the guard rail is 4 inches. A child could easily fall through the large gap in the guard rail to the level below. A baby crawling on the patio could plunge head first off the patio to the lower level and be seriously injured. I emailed a picture of the completed retaining wall and guard rail to my city's Building Code Enforcement Division and inquired if it was building code compliant. A Code Enforcement Division representative replied with an email message (Client can provide the actual email message). Following text is from the email message: "The rail needs to be 42" high and there needs to be a maximum of 4" between the horizontal rails. The fence as shown does not meet the standards and intermediate rails need to be added." -----End of quote from email message sent by city's Code Enforcement Division------- NOTE: ALLOWING A CONTRACTOR WHO DOES NOT KNOW THE BUILDING CODES TO BE LICENSED PUTS THE PUBLIC IN DANGER. 2. Incomplete and substandard work i. There are areas with no pavers, just dirt, adjacent to the lower retaining wall. Contractor fixed some but not all areas along the newly built lower retaining wall. A picture showing an example of this issue is shown on my Yelp review but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The picture shows where paving stones should have been installed next to the retaining wall. ii. Gate not installed in lower retaining wall. The retaining wall that was being replaced had a gate. I called this to Mr. McIntyre's attention in a reply message to his message that the project was complete. He replied in an email message that he would replace the gate. iii. In doing the work, Landscape Solutions workers moved items (e.g., wooden glider bench, other patio benches, chairs, patio table, an umbrella stand) from the flattened hill area to other parts of the back yard. I requested that the items be returned to their original locations. Mr. McIntyre, in an email message, agreed to do so. This was not done. Returning items moved to their original location should be a standard part of Landscape Solutions clean-up work upon completion of a project. ISSUES WITH NON-ADHERENCE TO CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD REGULATIONS In items 3 and 4 below, quoted text is from Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Contracting for Success", which was downloaded from the CSLB website. 3. Contractor did not give buyer a copy of the signed contract as CSLB requires. "Before any work is started, the contractor must give the buyer a copy of the contract signed and dated by both the contractor and the buyer." 4. On the day work began, Contractor asked for payment of $15,000 along with the signed contract. "Except for a down payment, a contractor can't demand or accept payment for work or materials until the work is actually done or the materials are delivered. The down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract amount, whichever is less." Contractor gave following reason why he asked for $15000 at start of project. Quote is directly from an email message he sent client. Client can provide the actual email message. Text of email message from Mr. McIntyre, in quotes: "My son is out of state at college and it is very expensive. My cash flow and bank account funds do not allow me to pay for your materials before delivery and pay my payroll in advance of getting paid by you if this is what the CSLB requires." --------End of quote from email message sent by Mr. McIntyre-------------- 5. Contractor made additional changes not in contract without a change order being added to the contract. Contractor's office manager then billed client for the unauthorized work. The Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Terms of Agreement A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts" (downloaded from the CSLB website) states the following: "Extra Work and Change Orders become part of the contract once the order is prepared in writing and signed by the parties prior to the commencement of any work covered by the new change order.""

Terry E on February 2025

Landscape design and installation. All phases (softscape/hardscape). Owner operated. Multi -year Angie's List Super Service Award winner. Cal-poly trained landscape architecture designers. Free design consultations. Free written estimates and proposals. All sized projects. Sprinkler and other landscape repairs. New sod lawns. Hand selected guaranteed nursery stock planting, drought tolerant landscaping, synthetic turf. Serving the entire Silicon Valley. Fast turn-around. Friendly service. Fully insured. Accepting all major credit cards and online payment apps. State of California licensed landscape contractor (C-27) since 1993 (CSLB #682755). Quality-Value-Service "Great landscaping designed to budget!" "The art and science of great landscaping!" Composite and wood decking. Arbors and pergolas. Drought friendly landscaping, Automatic drip and spray irrigation systems. Irrigation timer clocks/controllers. Redwood and composite decking. Interlocking pavers. Retainer walls. Concrete. L.E.D. low volt landscape lighting. Drainage. Flagstone. Brickwork. Outdoor kitchens. Firepits. Gravel. Mulch. Tile. Water features. Boulders, River rock. Pool decks. Pool Removal. Pergolas. Arbors Irrigation and landscape lighting repairs, fences and gates. ...and more! ask about our new "Express Build" "Complete landscaping in record time!"

"In September 2024, I contracted with Scott C. McIntyre, the owner of Landscape Solutions to do landscaping work at my residence in Los Altos, Ca. The work consisted of replacing existing retaining walls and steps in my back yard and installing a new patio on an already flattened area on the hill in my back yard. Mr. McIntyre declared the work completed on November 4, 2024 although there remained issues with incomplete and substandard work and failure to adhere to rules imposed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). I have filed a complaint (currently not resolved) with the CSLB. I paid Landscape Solutions $56,385.41 of a Total Contract Estimate cost of $58,790.00 (with a not to exceed clause of $60,000) with final payment to be made when the project was completed to my satisfaction. The project was never completed to my satisfaction with some (not all) of the outstanding issues described in this review. ISSUES WITH WORK QUALITY - NON-CODE COMPLIANT, SUBSTANDARD, NOT COMPLETE 1. The Guard Rail over the lower retaining wall is not building code compliant. The most serious issue with the work that Landscape Solutions did was that the guard rail built over a retaining wall does not meet building code and is not child safe. A picture of the guard rail is shown in the review I posted on Yelp (posted with a one star rating on January 20, 2025), but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The guard rail is made up of vertical posts spaced approximately 45 inches apart and two horizontal rails between the vertical posts. The upper horizontal rail above the surface of the newly built patio forms the top of the guard rail. A second horizontal rail below it is halfway between surface of the patio and the top of the guard rail, leaving two large gaps between the horizontal rails, each gap approximately 19 inches wide. Code dictates the maximum gap in the guard rail is 4 inches. A child could easily fall through the large gap in the guard rail to the level below. A baby crawling on the patio could plunge head first off the patio to the lower level and be seriously injured. I emailed a picture of the completed retaining wall and guard rail to my city's Building Code Enforcement Division and inquired if it was building code compliant. A Code Enforcement Division representative replied with an email message (Client can provide the actual email message). Following text is from the email message: "The rail needs to be 42" high and there needs to be a maximum of 4" between the horizontal rails. The fence as shown does not meet the standards and intermediate rails need to be added." -----End of quote from email message sent by city's Code Enforcement Division------- NOTE: ALLOWING A CONTRACTOR WHO DOES NOT KNOW THE BUILDING CODES TO BE LICENSED PUTS THE PUBLIC IN DANGER. 2. Incomplete and substandard work i. There are areas with no pavers, just dirt, adjacent to the lower retaining wall. Contractor fixed some but not all areas along the newly built lower retaining wall. A picture showing an example of this issue is shown on my Yelp review but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The picture shows where paving stones should have been installed next to the retaining wall. ii. Gate not installed in lower retaining wall. The retaining wall that was being replaced had a gate. I called this to Mr. McIntyre's attention in a reply message to his message that the project was complete. He replied in an email message that he would replace the gate. iii. In doing the work, Landscape Solutions workers moved items (e.g., wooden glider bench, other patio benches, chairs, patio table, an umbrella stand) from the flattened hill area to other parts of the back yard. I requested that the items be returned to their original locations. Mr. McIntyre, in an email message, agreed to do so. This was not done. Returning items moved to their original location should be a standard part of Landscape Solutions clean-up work upon completion of a project. ISSUES WITH NON-ADHERENCE TO CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD REGULATIONS In items 3 and 4 below, quoted text is from Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Contracting for Success", which was downloaded from the CSLB website. 3. Contractor did not give buyer a copy of the signed contract as CSLB requires. "Before any work is started, the contractor must give the buyer a copy of the contract signed and dated by both the contractor and the buyer." 4. On the day work began, Contractor asked for payment of $15,000 along with the signed contract. "Except for a down payment, a contractor can't demand or accept payment for work or materials until the work is actually done or the materials are delivered. The down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract amount, whichever is less." Contractor gave following reason why he asked for $15000 at start of project. Quote is directly from an email message he sent client. Client can provide the actual email message. Text of email message from Mr. McIntyre, in quotes: "My son is out of state at college and it is very expensive. My cash flow and bank account funds do not allow me to pay for your materials before delivery and pay my payroll in advance of getting paid by you if this is what the CSLB requires." --------End of quote from email message sent by Mr. McIntyre-------------- 5. Contractor made additional changes not in contract without a change order being added to the contract. Contractor's office manager then billed client for the unauthorized work. The Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Terms of Agreement A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts" (downloaded from the CSLB website) states the following: "Extra Work and Change Orders become part of the contract once the order is prepared in writing and signed by the parties prior to the commencement of any work covered by the new change order.""

Terry E on February 2025

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FAQs for engineer structural projects in San Jose, CA

The timeframe for installing an LVL beam depends on your project's complexity and scope. Factors affecting the timeline include whether walls need removal, the beam's size, and whether electrical or plumbing modifications are necessary. Your contractor should provide a specific timeline estimate based on your home's unique circumstances and the specific requirements of your installation.

Financing options are available for structural improvements like LVL beam installations. Many homeowners use home equity loans or lines of credit, often offering favorable interest rates for home improvement projects. Some contractors partner with financing companies to provide payment plans directly. When gathering quotes, ask potential contractors about financing partnerships they maintain or recommendations for lenders experienced with home renovation projects.

LVL beams become necessary when you need to span greater distances without support columns or when supporting substantial loads. Traditional lumber can't span more than eight to 12 feet without support, while LVL beams can extend up to 30 feet. LVL provides the necessary strength to create truly open concept spaces or support upper floors without columns. Consulting with a structural engineer helps determine the appropriate beam type for your specific requirements.

Beyond the core installation, the budget for build-back costs totals $400 to $2,000, depending on the extent of affected finishes. If foundation reinforcement becomes necessary, allocate $1,000 to $3,000 per pier. Permit fees ranging from $100 to $500 should also be anticipated. For installations affecting utilities, factor in electrician rates of $50 to $130 per hour and plumber rates of $45 to $200 per hour if rerouting is required.

The San Jose, CA homeowners’ guide to engineer structurals

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.