And where did your spreadsheets come from?
Exactly how long does it take to call your spread sheet up on screen?
You said it ALL when you said "reduce my liability".
Here in the Real World, I can shoot 10 pictures, email them to a Licensed PE and have printable stamped drawings back inside 2 hours because Time costs MONEY when a job stops. Inspectors are a joke. The government building inspector got the job as a lateral transfer from his former job as dog catcher. Insurance carrier inspectors are college interns who are lucky their hardhat doesn't fall in the ditch they're looking at. The owner's inspector has his hand out looking for a donation 75% of the time.
I write my own spread sheets based on the code, that way I can know they are correct. Most engineers do this.
My computer can load a spread sheet in about 10 seconds. Having the correct information to put in the spreadsheet depends on the job. Most times I require a site visit to verify the information.
Thats why people hire engineers, its to reduce liability. You dont think I am going to do the same thing? I should just trust you that your situation is what you say it is?
I work in the real world. Most of my clients have the engineering done up front, so they dont have to stop jobs and do a hasty design to get you going again.
If its a project I have already designed and there are issues, then I can usually resolve over the phone. If a new stamped drawing is required, i can agree that can be done in a couple hours.
Not sure why you are ranting about inspectors. I am not an inspector.
How much does your PE charge per hour, or is he on retainer?
Just because engineering is a service and not a commodity, does not mean it should be free.
