Structural engineers focus on the designing, planning, and management of new construction projects. During a home renovation, a structural engineer inspects the home to determine which areas need to be remodeled. Moreover, a structural engineer will make sure that a homeowner’s plans for remodeling are feasible and won’t compromise the structure of the home.
Finding a Structural Engineer
Experts like Pedram Zohrevand believe that the right structural engineer is an essential step to guarantee that your remodeling plans go smoothly. Read on to learn six tips to hire the best structural engineer for your home remodeling projects.
1. Know What You Want
The search for a reliable structural engineer starts with understanding which renovations you plan to begin. Each structural engineer has their own specializations, so you’ll need to take this into consideration when searching for a structural engineer. Residential structural engineers are experts for renovations that require more intensive changes to the home.
Deciding which major renovations you’re willing to invest in will help you refine your search. Structural engineers often work with remodels like changes to the sunroom, decks, detached rooms, and the like as they help you design, construct, and manage your projects.
2. Ask for Recommendations
In your search for the right structural engineer, be sure to ask around for reliable recommendations. Start compiling a list of 10 – 12 structural engineers with recommendations from neighbors, family, friends, and coworkers. With every recommendation you get, be sure to read reviews online to gain a better understanding of past clients’ experiences and their work ethic.
Once you’ve settled on a lengthy list of structural engineers, Pedram Zohrevand recommends scheduling phone calls with each of them. The goal is to settle on 4 – 5 engineers that you want to interview in person. During your phone conversation, pay attention to the engineer’s level of professionalism, how focused they are, and if they answer questions directly.
3. Interview in Person
When meeting with a structural engineer in person, it’s important that you ask the right questions. This will ensure that you choose the most professional engineer to work with. Avoid signing any documents or agreeing to a contract prior to hearing satisfactory answers from multiple engineers.
Too often, homeowners find engineers and contractors that are scam artists. Avoid this type of situation by holding a thorough interview. Important questions to discuss during your interview include asking about each engineer’s level of experience, their permanent address, whether or not they have insurance and licenses, and any details about permits that you may need.
4. Negotiate Your Payment
Once you’ve settled on an engineer that you’d like to work with, the next step is to discuss the price and method of payment. While there may not be much negotiation when it comes to the price, it’s important that you both agree on the budget and payment plan. Though there isn’t a one-size-fits-all industry standard for payment plans, there are two basic options for compensating structural engineers.
Popular payment plans for structural engineers include the “cost plus a flat fee” model or a “bid-basis” payment plan. An engineer that uses the “cost plus flat fee” model will charge a fee for coordination and management as well as estimated costs for each stage. The “bid-basis” payment plan involves the budget for the entire project and a specific payment schedule.
5. Decide on a Contract
Before you agree to a payment plan and hire your structural engineer, it’s essential that you draw up a contract. An air-tight contract will make it possible to take legal action should anything go wrong during the renovation process. As you create your contract, be sure to include important details like the engineer’s contact information, the timeline for the project with a specific start and end date, a finance and payment plan, detailed schedules for various stages of your project, a detailed list for all materials, a guarantee for permits, potential time conflicts, and the names of every worker, supplier, and any company that you’ll work with.
6. Keep Records Throughout the Project
In addition to having an air-tight contract, it’s also essential that you keep detailed records throughout the entirety of the remodeling process. In addition to the records that the engineer keeps, be sure to take photographs during every stage, save all documents, and record any verbal correspondence that you engage in with the engineer or other workers. Moreover, having a checklist on hand will help you stay on track with your project as it comes to a close.
Make sure your remodeling project goes as planned with the expertise of a qualified structural engineer. Let this information guide you as you work to find the right structural engineer for the job
