Professional Plans

[Ponygarage]

Hello, I am looking to start construction in the spring on my garage. But before this happens I need plans. Can anyone point me to a place to get custom plans done in Minnesota? I have used BigHammer for my drawings, but I am going to incorporate a ridge beam design, but the software doesn't have that option. So I imagine that I need to have a professional hammer this out. Thanks.

 

[EricVonHa]

One idea is to call a local lumber yard and ask them what firm in their area does truss design.

Another avenue is contact an architect through the AIA of your area. I don't know how large of a garage you are thinking of building. Though, if it is huge, this may be the way to go.

Here is a link to find an an architect: https://www.aia-mn.org/firm-directory/

 

[dw1]

Are you building this yourself? or subbing it out yourself? if you price trusses or buy a kit package, see if they can provide the stamped/engineered drawings, but beware, it will cost you $$. If they will not, see if you can get load drawings of the trusses, see if there is a local architect around that will do it (also a fee) Good Luck

 

[Jlbc212]

A structural engineer is another option. In my experience I've found structural engineers to be more practical, easier to work with and less expensive, particularly if you can do some of the plan drawings yourself.

 

[Boyd]

Try elance.com. It's a website where engineering/design/software/etc professionals advertise their skills and bid on freelance work. I researched it for a while and just submitted my first job request today - a 20x40x9 garage.

I already received a bid by a licensed structural engineer to design, draft, and stamp a set of construction drawings for the structure and the foundation. I can accept his $480 bid or wait and see if I get any lower bids.

 

[PAToyota]

The first thing would be to make sure you understand the requirements of your local jurisdiction. This is particularly important if you’re going online for plans. I recently had a potential client telling me how I had to be able to meet the price of an online plan house. I countered by pointing out the disclaimer on their website:

The plan purchaser is responsible for assuring the plan meets local codes and regulations. It is the responsibility of the plan purchaser to obtain any and all structural analysis, engineering and specifications that may be required in the municipality in which it is to be built. Plan purchaser is to verify all lot conditions and measurements before construction. Purchaser is responsible for additional expenses incurred in order to meet local code and engineering requirements.

Customer understands that the following conditions in your specific area may require additional engineering:

1. Wind / hurricane / tornado
2. Seismic / earthquake
3. Heavy snow
4. Flood potential
5. Soil instability

Customer understands that these plans include electrical that is limited to the location of outlets, lights and switches plus plumbing fixture locations. Heating and/or cooling equipment is based upon local climate and as such are not included in the typical drawings.

I explained that those plans were not much more than pretty pictures. So, basically, after buying those plans the client would still be responsible for a site design, confirming that the engineering for the structure met the local codes, HVAC design, and review of plumbing and electrical. Plus, those plans were “as is” for the layout. If you wanted any changes, that was an extra - whereas he wanted me to include in that price review and changes as we went along.

Basically, that “good deal” price he was seeing online was at most only a quarter of the work I’d put into a typical project.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Where are you located in Minnesota? My engineering firm doesn't do residential work, but if I knew what corner of the state you were in I may be able to suggest a firm that does.