Where do you look? Who do you call? Are there ones for just residential homes, or do they do it all? ie commercial.
2006-12-16 19:58:24 · 4 answers · asked by messier 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
I suggest calling an architect. Architects are schooled in structural engineering though not to the extent that PE's (Professional Engineer) are.
The ploy is to ask the architect for a PE reference that would be suitable for your job. Most residential architects usually wouldn't be bothered to take solely some structural stuff and would be happy to refer you to someone appropriate. Most commercial architects rarely do their own engineering and typically have an in-house PE or a good list of PE's they could refer you to.
My experience is that PE's can do everything from small residential to large commercial - though the ones who specialize toward the type of project you have will give you better results because they are more informed with what types of materials and methods would be most appropriate for your project.
2006-12-17 03:50:55 · answer #1 · answered by Richard 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look in the phone book under "Engineers". The terms engineer and architect are sometime interchangeable. Usually, an architect designs a building and the plan are approved by local (or state) approval. Engineers usually design the material that the buildings are made of (e.g.: roof trusses, laminated beams, etc.)
If your contractor is licensed and reputable, you should not need to consult an engineer and this may be overkill, as they can charge a pretty good price for consulting. If you have questions regarding the stability of the house, contact the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (zoning commission, building inspector, etc.) and ask the questions.
Good Luck.
2006-12-17 01:11:38 · answer #2 · answered by tim r 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is any part of the house which should be signed of by an engineer then,if you want him to check it he will.Otherwise there is no point to call him,unless unsafe structure.It will cost you.
2006-12-16 20:09:11 · answer #3 · answered by chascicc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why would you want an engineer?what you want is a conttractor most of which are not engineers.you might want to look up the definition
2006-12-16 20:04:04 · answer #4 · answered by jgmafb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋