FREQUENTLY
Asked Questions
Information requirement
Basic information required:
- Description of the work required
- Location of the structure
- Desired timeline
Architectural as-builts typically consist of floor plans, elevations, and roof plans showing the existing conditions of the residential structures.
Structural as-builts document all the structural elements by visual observation only (no destructive investigation). Our Engineering Team can help prepare the structural as-builts for your project by performing a structural site survey.
CAD files are the drawing files for a project completed in AutoCAD or a similar program with .dwg extension in order to be viewed and edited by our design professionals.
Soils reports are prepared by geotechnical engineers to investigate the properties of soil and earthworks at a proposed or existing building site.
Service Process
It depends on each project and the scope of work. Upon the signing of proposal, we are committed to providing our services within 3 weeks upon receipt of all relevant project documentation from you. Should there be any exceptions to this time commitment due to extraordinary circumstances, we will communicate with you at the earliest time possible.
Change Orders
Change orders are additional fees associated with work outside of the scope of the original contract. They may be triggered by client requests for major changes or plan check comments on the architectural or construction work that result in a major structural redesign.
Plan Check Process
We will provide the stamped plans / permit sets to you in digital format, which can then be printed and submitted by you (as the owner) or your contractor to your city or county’s Building & Planning department for plan check. The duration of plan check will vary based on your project scope and local jurisdiction.
Our fixed fee includes addressing most city comments on the structural plans until the permit is approved. However, there are some exceptions where a change order may be triggered, including but not limited to when there are plan check comments on the architectural or construction work that result in a major structural redesign. When this is applicable, our Client Engagement Manager will advise you on the additional fee of the change order and seek your approval before our Engineering Team begins the additional work.
Project documentation required:
| Architectural as-builts (in CAD format) | Structural as-builts | Proposed architectural plans (in CAD format) | Soils report | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Service | Structural Engineering Plans / Permit Sets | ✓ (not applicable for new construction) | ✓ (not applicable for new construction) | ✓ | As applicable to your project (often required for hillside lots) |
| Structural Calculations | ✓ (not applicable for new construction) | ✓ (not applicable for new construction) | ✓ | ||
| Structural Site Surveys | ✓ | Not required | Not required | Not required | |
| Onsite Structural Observations | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required | |
| Onsite Structural Evaluations | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required | |
| Structural Analysis | ✓ (not applicable for new construction) | ✓ (not applicable for new construction) | ✓ | As applicable to your project (often required for hillside lots) |