How to find and qualify a structural engineer?

[haugy]

I'm building another shop so I'm back at it in here. Moved houses, need shop. This time though I'm building on a slope. My back wall just for the pad will be 6' high.

I need a structural engineer to help make sure this is going to last. Problem is, I have no idea how to find one, and if I do, how to ensure they aren't crackpots.

I can go to google and all I get are "The best 20 SEs in your area" stuff.

Two questions:

1) How do you find a good SE? I plan on trying the city permitting office and see if they know some names.

2) Once I find some names, what questions should I ask to verify qualifications? And what should something like designing a pad/concrete footer wall cost? Building plans will be made already.

I know this group has answers. Any help is appreciated.

 

[firebirdparts]

The state regulates them pretty sharply, (through an office in Nashville) FWIW, but I admit it’s after the fact if something falls. I’ve seen some they were always behind Schedule, and I’ve seen youthful ignorance, but I’ve never seen a crackpot. There are always a lot of variables with something like holding back gravity, so they might work in your preferred solution. My take on CMUs is the mortar will always crack no matter what you do. It’s more important that it doesn’t move, and that is attainable.

You just want somebody who has a license and designs a lot of foundations don’t you? Tennessee is pretty hilly so they ought to have relevant experience.

 

[sberry]

This is not to be a smart azz or suggest you dont need one but this might be so simple its not really needed if its not for permits. First time I did it had it done and second I copied with a little simple and one of my buds comes by and cheapened it quite a bit due to different size. I dont know why it didnt dawn on me at the time it was a lot smaller, or bit different design. Also, the higher the wall or cement the cheaper the structure.
One of the main reasons to use an engineer is cost,,, we worry about failure but often when we fly solo we over build. I had one was as little as 400$ and did some soil tests I am now familiar with could be doing with a rebar and 4 pound hammer.
A little more footer is not all that much cost in some cases and walls are often built for size and shape and are soooooo much stronger than the actual need especially if you have some rod poured over in to the floor.

 

[sberry]

I also agree not so many flakes in that biz, they want repeat business. This is routine, they have any experience in that area they can do it from memory. Whats often as useful as the actual drawing is if you get a chance to talk to the guy a little, lots of them have tips so to speak makes things easier. I paid as little as 400 in 92 maybe?

 

[ace10]

Check for a local or state PE professional association. They may have a referral list of members who are willing to do smaller and/or homeowner jobs.

I went that route for a mod I was making to my foundation.

 

[GMCGarage]

I'm building another shop so I'm back at it in here. Moved houses, need shop. This time though I'm building on a slope. My back wall just for the pad will be 6' high.

I need a structural engineer to help make sure this is going to last. Problem is, I have no idea how to find one, and if I do, how to ensure they aren't crackpots.

I can go to google and all I get are "The best 20 SEs in your area" stuff.

Two questions:

1) How do you find a good SE? I plan on trying the city permitting office and see if they know some names.

2) Once I find some names, what questions should I ask to verify qualifications? And what should something like designing a pad/concrete footer wall cost? Building plans will be made already.

I know this group has answers. Any help is appreciated.

Basically you have a cantilevered retaining wall that needs designed. If all other plans are done, I would charge around $600 for the design and a couple of sketches.
Not sure what an engineer in Nashville would charge, but if over $1000, find another one.

Are you going to step the wall up along the sides?

Try this link, the local SEI group. https://www.asce.org/templates/membership-communities-branch-detail.aspx?branchid=000000882861

 

[readhead]

What kind of construction is going on top? Steel will be a different design than wood because of loading. Who did the plans? Was it someone local? If so they should be able to suggest someone.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

I concur with readhead, Draftsman and architects use structural engineers a lot and know who is really good (and only designs for what is needed) and who over-design to cover their ***, which ends up costing the builder more.
I was a framing contractor for 32 years, and I've experienced both. You can also ask local builders who is good vs. over-build.

 

[haugy]

Basically you have a cantilevered retaining wall that needs designed. If all other plans are done, I would charge around $600 for the design and a couple of sketches.
Not sure what an engineer in Nashville would charge, but if over $1000, find another one.

Are you going to step the wall up along the sides?

Yes, in essence that's the wall type. And yes, the plan is to tie in the sides with a gradual step up format. Thanks for the information and general ranges of costs.

What kind of construction is going on top? Steel will be a different design than wood because of loading. Who did the plans? Was it someone local? If so they should be able to suggest someone.

Pole barn on top, but a big one. 50x50x16 with min 4" pad and 6" at the lift. So it's a lot of dirt to bring back in and fill, which means a lot of pressure. Plans are coming from the barn builder.

 

[dcg9381]

Might ask where you're getting construction materials... And if you're buying enough material, they can often outsource to their own engineer.... To me a "good one" is one that will provide a stamp... (most use software)

 

[Chaznsc]

I'm building another shop so I'm back at it in here. Moved houses, need shop. This time though I'm building on a slope. My back wall just for the pad will be 6' high.

I need a structural engineer to help make sure this is going to last. Problem is, I have no idea how to find one, and if I do, how to ensure they aren't crackpots.

I can go to google and all I get are "The best 20 SEs in your area" stuff.

Two questions:

1) How do you find a good SE? I plan on trying the city permitting office and see if they know some names.

2) Once I find some names, what questions should I ask to verify qualifications? And what should something like designing a pad/concrete footer wall cost? Building plans will be made already.

I know this group has answers. Any help is appreciated.

PM me, we have an office in Nashville.

 

[manwithtools]

I'm not sure the price ranges are all that, Nashville is booming. PE's will charge the local rate. Not many bargains to be found there. I'm visiting this week after being gone 16 months - Nashville building boom is crazy!

 

[Stuart in MN]

I can go to google and all I get are "The best 20 SEs in your area" stuff.

In the old days, a person could just grab the Yellow Pages and easily find companies...there are online phone directories, but some of them are just as bad. This one seems to be legitimate and provides a list of structural engineering firms in your area. https://www.yellowbook.com/s/structural-engineering/nashville-tn/

Note that some firms may only work on commercial projects, so you still may have to work through the list of phone numbers to find one that will work on a residential project.