Structural Engineer FAQ: Straight Answers from Johnson Broderick Engineering
These are the questions we’re asked most often on a first phone call, answered the way we’d answer them on the phone. We’re consulting structural and civil engineers in Eugene, Oregon. If your question isn’t here, call us; that’s what we’re here for.
Cost & process
How much do your services cost?
We bill time and materials against a deposit that we discuss with you before starting. For new projects the deposit is generally $2,500 to $3,500. As the scope takes shape, we give you an estimate to complete the project, and you approve it before any additional work is done. More in what does a structural engineer cost in Oregon?
Why can't you give me a fixed price over the phone?
Because what a project costs depends on what it involves, and that isn’t known until we’ve done some research, preliminary design, site visits and coordination with other consultants. A price given before that would be a guess. We’d rather give you an estimate we can stand behind.
What happens to the deposit if I don't use all of it?
We refund it, and that happens often. Sometimes the deposit covers the whole project. If a project is cancelled, the remaining balance is refunded too.
What if the scope of my project changes?
We prepare a scope amendment with a fee estimate and discuss the cost with you before doing the extra work. No surprise bills.
How long will my project take?
Small projects can usually be turned around in two to three weeks. Larger new construction, complicated as-builts and other involved projects can take one to three months, depending entirely on the scope. We don’t sign a contract and go quiet: you get regular updates and milestone dates throughout.
What happens after I call you?
We take down your project details and open a file. Our whole engineering team reviews new projects at our Tuesday meeting. Then we call you back, either to move forward with a scope of work and deposit estimate, or with a referral, where we can, if the project is outside our expertise.
Do you handle emergencies?
Yes. When something goes wrong, such as storm, fire or other damage, we can advise on structural stabilization and temporary measures to keep the situation safe until repairs are made. Our team has taken FEMA training in post-earthquake rapid visual screening, used to judge whether affected buildings can be occupied. We also step in when a construction schedule hits an unexpected problem. See disaster and insurance restoration.
Permits & as-builts
Do I need a structural engineer for my project?
You do if your project changes how a building carries its loads, or if it’s large, tall, custom or commercial. Common triggers include openings in load-bearing walls, retaining walls taller than 4 feet (including the footing), involved remodels, disaster restorations, and new commercial work. The full list is in do I need a structural engineer in Oregon?
I got a letter from the county about a structure built without a permit. Can you help?
Yes. This is one of the most common calls we get, and local jurisdictions know us for it. The county usually wants engineered plans for the structure submitted for permit, with inspections along the way. We visit the site, meet the county to get its requirements in writing, then present your options, a timeframe and a fee estimate. The as-built deposit is generally $3,500. Read got a county letter about unpermitted construction? or see as-built permits.
What happens if I ignore the county's letter?
The county will eventually issue fines. The compliance order usually warns of daily fines until the situation is resolved.
Will I have to tear the structure down?
Usually not. Occasionally an unpermitted structure is in a condition where fixing it isn’t cost-effective, and demolition is the only reasonable path. We don’t recommend it lightly, but when it’s the right answer we say so, and we prepare the demolition permit documents if you agree.
I have plans a designer drew up. Can you engineer and stamp them?
Usually not as they are. Designers aren’t licensed design professionals, so they can’t stamp plans, and Oregon law doesn’t allow us to stamp plans prepared by someone else. In many cases the design also doesn’t meet code and has to be re-engineered from the beginning. Starting with a licensed engineer costs less than paying twice. More in why designer plans get rejected at permit review.
My old header has never moved. Why does the code say it needs replacing?
Because the building code and common sense don’t always agree. A 2×6 header may never have caused a problem and still fail under the code’s provisions. The building department reviewing your permit will look for it and won’t let it slide.
Services
Do you offer civil engineering as well as structural?
Yes. We have a great deal of civil experience: subdivisions, parking lots, storm systems, paving, grading, roads and ramps. We provide civil engineering on its own or alongside structural work. See civil engineering and site development.
Do you provide residential engineering?
Yes. We handle load-bearing wall removal, additions and remodels, ADUs, garage conversions, decks, foundations, retaining walls and seismic upgrades. See residential structural engineering.
Can you inspect a foundation for a home that's being bought or sold?
No. We don’t currently provide foundation evaluations for real estate transactions, because of the risk. Much of a foundation is below grade or otherwise hidden, so a full assessment isn’t possible, and one crack may mean movement or simply poor installation. We can’t in good faith prepare a document for a sale to rely on. We’re still glad to talk through what might be going on.
Can you give me a second opinion on a foundation repair quote?
Yes. We get requests from homeowners holding foundation repair quotes, often for tens of thousands of dollars, and we can often present a measured “wait-and-see” alternative. If there’s no quote yet, you may save money by calling a contractor first.
Do you help with land use and planning?
Yes. We prepare land use applications and help with project planning, ADA compliance, building envelope work, dampproofing and waterproofing, energy code compliance, drainage, egress studies, occupancy and change of use. We’re not architects, but we have a lot of experience with these items and work with licensed architect subconsultants when a project needs one. See land use and planning support.
Can you do a stormwater infiltration test and design a stormwater facility?
Yes, we design stormwater and drainage facilities. See stormwater and drainage design.
Can you help develop a new tower site?
Yes. We handle the civil, land use and structural work needed to develop a new tower site. See tower and telecom engineering.
Working with us
Will you join our design team as structural or civil engineer?
Yes. We work with architects regularly and model our projects in Revit so drawings move easily between architect, client and engineer. Call us with the project and schedule.
What should I have ready before I call?
Whatever you have: sketches, plans, drawings, rough ideas, measurements, photos, your goals, scope and schedule, anyone else you’ve talked to, and any special circumstances. Most of all, a willingness to let us ask questions so we can understand what you need.
What's the best way to reach you?
Email info@jbe.us.com is best, because you can attach plans, photos and documents. You can also call 541-338-9488 or use the contact form. We’re open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
How quickly will you get back to me?
We return every new inquiry the same day if possible, and by the next business day at the latest. If we can’t get to the phone, leave a message and we’ll call you back.
Where do you work?
Anywhere in Oregon. We’re based in Eugene, and we’re licensed in Oregon, Washington and California. Distance may increase the cost of site visits, but much of the design and project administration can be done remotely.
Can you review plans someone else prepared?
Plan review on its own is difficult for us, because we can’t stamp documents we didn’t produce, and we generally need to prepare the documents we’re reviewing. Call us to talk through your situation.
What if you're not the right firm for my project?
We’ll tell you, and we’ll try to point you to someone who can help. We’d rather give you a straight answer than take on work we’re not suited for.