I'm considering some home additions and would like to take on the role of general contractor (GC) myself, given that my county permits it. I've put together some basic drawings and checked in with the city planning department to confirm I'm in compliance with zoning laws and building regulations. Now, I'm a bit lost on how to proceed. I know I need stamped structural drawings for my building permit, so I'm thinking of reaching out to engineering firms for quotes. I'm not sure what questions to ask or if I should look at larger firms or smaller independent engineers. What standard deliverables should I expect from a structural engineer? Any general advice on how to approach this would be super helpful!
1 Answer
Hey! Don't stress too much about the initial steps. Just call up a couple of engineers and ask them their rates and what they'd need from your sketches to turn them into stamped drawings. That’s basically what contractors do too. I've had a good experience with engineers—just keep it simple: 1) Give them a call, 2) Ask what they charge, 3) Explain what you want done. You’ll be fine!“},{