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Construction Materials

QUESTIONS TO ASK &
FREQUENTLY ASKED Qs

Questions to Ask

These are questions you should ask your Engineer to make sure they know their stuff.

  • HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AS A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?

The experience of a structural engineer is important. The types of projects and exposure to different parts of the building process, will significantly influence the length of time it takes for your drawings to be produced. Most engineers are fully capable of creating drawings and calculations, but the time it takes for them to complete them can vary drastically.

  • WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU WORKED ON IN THE PAST?

Engineering projects vary a lot. Projects vary vastly by their size and materials used. An engineer that is great at designing steel skyscrapers, may know very little about design for wood homes and vice versa.  If you are getting work done on your home, you want to make sure that your engineer is familiar with timber design in your area of the country.

  • WHAT IS YOUR BACKLOG?

Knowing your engineer's backlog, will help you to plan your project. Many engineers will do a site visit with you or discuss your project with you on the phone, but that that does not mean they have the time to start on your drawings and calculations right away. Engineer's backlogs can be a month or two long and this could throw off your schedule.

  • MAY I SEE YOUR ENGINERING LICENSE?

In order for any work on your home to be permitted, the drawings and calculations need to be stamped and signed by a licensed civil engineer or structural engineer. Additoinally, licensed engineers are held to a strict code of ethics that makes sure they work with you in a truthful and informative way.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? We’ve got answers!

  • HOW DO I KNOW I SHOULD HIRE A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?

A structural engineer is required for just about any modification made to a structure including repair, remodel, and additions. Find a structural engineer if any of the following occurs:​ sloping floors, concrete cracks, termite damage, water damage, or wall and ceiling cracks. Wondering if a wall in your home can be removed ? Want to expand your bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen? Call a structural engineer.

  • HOW MUCH IS MY PROJECT GOING TO COST?

Costs of engineering range based on the scope of the project. It is important that you and the engineer determine the full scope of the project and discuss the costs before starting any work. By law, an engineer cannot start work until there is a signed contract.

  • WHAT DOES A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER PROVIDE?

Typically, a structural engineer will provide stamped and signed structural drawings to you, and a set of calculations for the local jurisdiction. The drawings contain all the pictures and instructions for the architect and contractor to do their jobs. The calculations are provided to support the drawings. At the very least, it is the responsibility of the engineer to provide their professional opinion and guidance.

  • DO I NEED TO GET PERMITS?

Yes. If you intend to make any structural modifications or repairs, you chould apply for a permit with the city's building department. Getting a permit ensures that all of the work done on your structure is checked by the city prior to any construction and inspected during construction. It also prevents having to tear down anything installed incorectly. Most of the time, when you don't get a permit, it becomes much more costly in the future to fix.

  • DO I NEED TO GET AN ARCHITECT?

An architect is only necessary when changing the layout of walls within your structure or if you are changing the outside appearance of your structure. Architects are experts in how to layout a home to get the right feel and use out of a specific space. They also know the best way to layout roofs and windows so that your structure looks aesthetically pleasing.

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