Structural Engineering Services for Western North Carolina
IONCON is a structural engineering firm based in Boone, North Carolina, with decades of experience engineering for the mountain environments of Western North Carolina. We understand steep slopes, complex soils, snow loads, wind exposure, water management, and local permitting nuances that can make or break a construction project. From custom homes to commercial structures, IONCON brings practical, site-specific solutions that keep projects moving and budgets intact.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls in the mountains of Western North Carolina face unique structural challenges. Steep slopes, clay-heavy soils, freeze–thaw cycles, and heavy rainfall all increase the risk of wall movement and failure. IONCON provides professional retaining wall assessment, remediation design, and new retaining wall engineering for residential and commercial properties throughout Western North Carolina. Whether your retaining wall is showing signs of distress or you’re planning new construction on a sloped site, we deliver engineer-led solutions focused on safety, longevity, code compliance, and affordability.
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RETAINING WALL ASSESSMENT
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RETAINING WALL REMEDIATION
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RETAINING WALL DESIGN
Retaining walls are structural systems, not landscaping features. Improper design or repair can lead to premature failure, increased costs, and liability exposure. In the State of North Carolina, if a retaining wall is more than 4 feet tall, it must be designed and/or approved by a licensed engineer.
Decks
IONCON’s long-standing presence in the region means we understand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to mountain deck construction. If you’re planning a new deck, dealing with an inspection issue, or concerned about the safety of an existing structure, working with a local structural engineering firm makes all the difference.
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DECK STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS
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DECK REPAIR, REBUILD, RENOVATION​
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MULTI-LEVEL NEW DECK DESIGN
Decks in the mountains of Western North Carolina face challenges that don’t exist in flatter regions. Steep slopes, changing soil conditions, high moisture, and freeze–thaw cycles all place unique stresses on deck structures. At IONCON, we provide structural engineering services for decks specifically designed for the terrain, climate, and building requirements of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With decades of experience working in Western North Carolina, our team helps homeowners, builders, and real estate professionals ensure decks are safe, code-compliant, and built to last.
Schedule an Assessment
Existing decks and retaining walls can experience structural deterioration, shifting, or hidden deficiencies over time. A professional site assessment helps identify safety concerns, evaluate structural integrity, and determine whether repairs or upgrades are required to meet current building standards. Book a site visit with IONCON to receive expert guidance.
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Structural
Analysis
Not every structural problem requires a complete replacement. At IONCON, a licensed North Carolina Professional Engineer can perform detailed structural analyses to identify the root cause of foundation movement, framing deficiencies, deck failures, retaining wall distress, and other structural concerns. Rather than recommending expensive, one-size-fits-all solutions, we develop practical, budget-conscious repair strategies tailored to your property's specific conditions. When repairs are needed, IONCON can prepare clear, permit-ready construction drawings that contractors can confidently bid and build from, helping eliminate unnecessary work and reduce construction costs. Whether you're a homeowner, Realtor, contractor, or property manager, IONCON provides expert structural engineering, practical remediation advice, and efficient repair designs that restore safety while protecting your investment.
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Structural
Engineering
IONCON provides comprehensive structural engineering services for residential, commercial, and light industrial projects throughout North Carolina's High Country and Western North Carolina. Our team designs safe, efficient, and code-compliant structural systems for new construction, renovations, additions, foundations, retaining walls, decks, garages, timber framing, and structural repairs. Whether you're planning a custom home, evaluating an existing structure, or preparing permit-ready construction documents, our team delivers practical engineering solutions tailored to your project's goals and budget. From initial structural analysis and design through sealed construction drawings and contractor support, IONCON combines technical expertise with responsive service to help homeowners, builders, architects, developers, and Realtors complete projects with confidence.
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CONVENTIONAL STICK FRAMING
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STEEL FRAMING
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POST & BEAM FRAMING
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DECK FRAMING
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HEADERS
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GLASS WALLS/SLIDERS
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FOUNDATIONS/FOOTERS
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RETAINING WALLS
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HOT TUB DECKS
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SOLAR PANELS
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GREEN ROOFS
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RUNOFF CALCULATIONS
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HIGH WIND ZONE CONSTRUCTION
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GARAGES/PARKING STRUCTURES
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METAL BUILDING FOUNDATIONS
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PAVILIONS/GAZEBOS
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RESIDENTIAL ELEVATORS
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REMODEL/WALL REMOVAL
Due Diligence Inspections
Need a structural inspection before your due diligence deadline for a real estate transaction? IONCON provides fast, professional structural inspections for home buyers, sellers, and Realtors throughout Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Linville, and North Carolina's High Country. Book online 24/7 for convenient scheduling, quick turnaround times, and evaluations by a licensed North Carolina Professional Engineer.​​
Commercial
Development
IONCON can work with commercial properties in various engineering and design roles, from lighting analysis, UDO runoff certificates, feasibility studies, life/fire safety analysis, zoning application, construction permit application, and more. Contact us directly for commercial project needs.
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RESTAURANTS/BARS
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HOTELS
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RETAILERS
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MEDICAL CENTERS
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MULTI-TENANT HOUSING
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MUNICIPALITIES
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ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEXES
Residential
Design
IONCON has in-house capabilities for custom residential projects ranging from renovations to whole house designs. Our cutting edge architectural software gives the client independent access to 3D models of the project to ensure every detail is right before construction begins.
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CUSTOM HOMES
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RENOVATIONS/REMODELS
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ADDITIONS
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BASEMENT CONVERSIONS
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ATTIC CONVERSIONS
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OUTDOOR LIVING
ABOUT IONCON
IONCON was founded in 2010 by Asheville-area native Patrick Beville, Principal Engineer. We specialize in site-driven design—steep lots, challenging soils, snow and wind loads, and the local codes that govern them. Our deep regional knowledge helps clients avoid surprises, streamline approvals, and build with confidence. Email us about your project and get practical guidance from a structural engineer who truly understands mountain construction.