Structural Engineering Services for Western North Carolina
Local structural engineering firm for mountain construction.
IONCON is a structural engineering firm built on decades of hands-on experience designing in the mountain environments of Western North Carolina. We understand the realities others miss—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. If your project is in the mountains, call an engineer who’s been solving these challenges for years—not learning them on your dime. IONCON’s long-standing presence in the region means we understand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to mountain construction.
Structural
Analysis
IONCON can provide a structural assessment of cracked foundations, structural beams, differential settlement, retaining walls and un-level floors or decks to determine if the damage is significant to warrant repair. This type of engineering assessment can be done when buying or selling a property, during construction or renovation, or whenever structural concerns arise. Clients can choose a verbal report provided at an hourly rate, or a written report provided for a flat fee.
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Structural
Engineering
IONCON can provide design and engineering services for individual components or full structural systems including foundations, retaining walls, framing, decks, wind walls, ridge beams, headers, posts, and cantilevers. IONCON offers a full range of deliverables from specific component details to complete construction document sets. Proposals are based on individual needs.
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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
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.
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
Legal
Consulting
Patrick Beville, IONCON's Principal Engineer, has been called as expert witness in many cases involving structural deficiencies in the High Country. His expertise in design & construction and structural systems can help Litigators & General Counsel. Structural damage can be at the center of a lawsuit due to numerous reasons.
IONCON may provide insightful information for cases involving such issues regarding construction engineering, home inspection, weather damage, failure analysis, building design, building repair, remodeling, restoration, construction management, workplace safety, general contracting, geotechnical engineering, cost estimating, construction scheduling, civil engineering, risk assessment, architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical contracting, building defects, construction defects, and other numerous issues, as each may be at the focus of a possible court case related to structural damage. Failing to adhere to proper building code compliance may also lead to structural damage and be cause for litigation. Patrick can provide site research and detailed forensic studies in identifying the causes of these structural failures.
CLIENTS
IONCON works directly with Homeowners, Landowners, Developers, Realtors, Architects, General Contractors, Manufacturers, and Municipalities to help take projects from vision to reality.
Some of our Clients include:
