Question 1

Do I need an engineer?

Accepted Answer

MAYBE! It depends on the proposed scope of work and the requirements of the building department with jurisdiction over your project. Reach out via the contact form below to schedule a quick phone call, free of charge. I enjoy talking about engineering and construction projects generally, even if it turns out that you don't need an engineer or you end up going with another engineer entirely.

Question 2

How much will engineering for my project cost?

Accepted Answer

IT DEPENDS! I will provide a detailed proposal which includes my fee prior to beginning work. This fee covers all engineering deliverables listed in my proposal, and it will generally include everything up to permit issuance. To determine my fee I look at my hourly rate and estimated hours, estimated construction cost, and project square footage. My engineering fees tend to range between 2% and 10% of construction costs - new construction engineering being closer to 2% and engineering for remodels can be closer to 10%. But it also depends on project complexity and other factors. Step one in determining my fee is reaching out via the contact form below.

Question 3

How long will the engineering for my project take?

Accepted Answer

I DON'T KNOW! It's dependent on the scope of proposed work, my schedule, and your schedule. Once these are determined, I'll include an estimated delivery date for engineering deliverables in my proposal. For things like shop drawing review and corrections from the building department, I tend to drop everything and try to turn those around as quickly as I can. I'll communicate timeframes for these on a case-by-case basis, should they come up. Contact me using the form below and I'll promptly be in touch.

Question 4

My project is in [LOCATION], can you help?

Accepted Answer

POSSIBLY! I'm located in the South San Francisco Bay Area, and I'm a licensed engineer in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Some projects require that I visit the site multiple times to evaluate conditions, while other projects may not require any site visits because conditions are well-documented. Do you have a set of accurate building plans on hand? Can you or your contractor take photos and communicate conditions and issues as they might arise? Small projects located far away may not be feasible. That said, contact me and I'll be happy to discuss your project in any state where I have a license to practice engineering.

Question 5

What is your experience?

Accepted Answer

I've been practicing engineering with an emphasis on structural design for 15 years. In that time I've worked mostly on single-family residential projects, new construction and remodels, and I've also worked on light commercial projects such as restaurants and retail spaces. I also worked as an engineer on larger projects such as deep bore tunnels and highway and rail infrastructure. I have experience designing temporary and permanent shoring (think steep slope cuts, deep foundations, and site stabilization), as well as edge case foundations using pin and helical piles.

Prior to becoming an engineer, I worked 10 years as a carpenter and construction superintendent for residential and light commercial projects. I've worked with planners, architects, contractors, and homeowners on a variety of projects in the Western US, mostly in California and Washington states. My practice now focuses on light frame construction, reinforced concrete, masonry, steel frames and shoring/retaining wall design. Aren't sure if your project is right for me? Contact me using the form below and I'll be happy to discuss.

Structural Engineering Design

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an engineer?

How much will engineering for my project cost?

How long will the engineering for my project take?

My project is in [LOCATION], can you help?

What is your experience?

Contact Form