Engineered foundation drawings

[SuperDave77]

Good day, I'm in the process of applying for permit to erect a 35 x 52 steel building. The drawings for the building have a note describing that I need to have engineered drawings for my foundation. I found a company that sells a D-I-Y foundation kit with certified drawings included for around $7000. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice for me in this situation, 7K seems like a lot of money for the kit but it does include all the rebar and anchor bolts that are needed. I don't have a big budget so I'm trying to do whatever I can do myself within reason. Thanks in advance.

 

[nadogail]

Welcome to the Forum from a city with one of the best beaches in the US.

IMHO, a friendly conversation with your local permitting office will be well worth your time. In my community, the Building Permit and Inspection people would be happier to help you avoid problems than to fight with you about a mistake you made.

 

[nmk_61802]

Are you having someone install the building for you? Do you already have them lined up? How about a concrete contractor? If you have either lined up already, it might help to ask them if they have a local engineer they like to use. Chances are they may, and the local guy's will likely be cheaper.

 

[Chillydog]

I agree, find someone local. Just went through this exact thing about month ago. $1,800 for building and foundation plans. That’s not a kit but calls out footing and pier sizes and rebar size and placement. Likely rebar and concrete will be more than $7,000. Mine will be 50x80x16. 115mph wind rating. Unbelievable how much concrete and rebar it takes. In the scheme of buildings metal buildings are light. Takes big piers to keep it from blowing away.

 

[dcg9381]

Here, an engineered foundation (simple) is about $1500. It requires sampling the ground and having that ground sample (usually several samples in the foundation area) and costs $700-$1100.. The ground analysis is used as a basis for engineering your foundation.

 

[bradpac]

By the time you add in concrete and wood for forms, etc you probably aren't saving that much doing the slab yourself. I would get a few bids with contractors that have engineers they work with as well and see what costs are turn key before putting down 7k on a diy kit.