Structural
When do I need structural engineering?
You need structural engineering when designing or modifying a building or any other structure to ensure it is safe and stable. This includes new constructions, renovations, or when altering an existing building (like removing a load bearing wall or adding heavy loads). A structural engineer will assess the design, materials, and safety of the structure to make sure it can withstand various forces like weight, wind, and proposed uses.
What do I need to provide for structural engineering design to be undertaken?
When we begin the structural engineering design, you should provide as much information as you have so we can best tailor the design. At a minimum you'll need to provide project details such as architectural drawings, site surveys and soil reports, but if you can, also provide any relevant building or environmental information, such as landscaping plans, existing building drawings, proposed loads or site service information. Any specific requirements or constraints should be shared to ensure the design meets your needs. We can assist with providing the above information or recommending other local business that can assist.
How do I check the engineer is certified and registered?
To check if an engineer is certified and registered in Victoria, you can verify their registration with the National Engineering Register (NER) through Engineers Australia. You can search for their details on the Engineers Australia website or contact the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) for further confirmation. Ensure that the engineer holds the appropriate qualifications and is registered with the relevant professional body.
Who do you usually work for?
We typically work with homeowners, builders, architects, building designers and developers on residential projects, as well as select commercial projects, government projects, school buildings, and churches. Our clients range from those undertaking renovations or extensions to those building new homes, small-scale commercial developments and public infrastructure. We collaborate closely with all parties to ensure that the structural design meets safety standards, building codes, and the specific needs of each project.
Why do my structural engineering quotes vary so much in cost?
Structural engineering quotes can vary in cost due to several factors, including the complexity of the project, the scope of work required, the size of the building, site conditions, and the level of detail needed for the design. Additionally, different engineers may have varying experience, methodologies, and service offerings, which can influence their pricing. It’s important to ensure that all quotes are comparing similar services and to clarify any specifics with the engineer before making a decision.
Why is there steel framing on the drawings?
Steel framing is included on the drawings when it's needed to provide additional strength, stability, or support to a structure. It is often used in areas with large open spaces, higher loads, for bracing frames, for support of masonry or where other materials like timber may not be sufficient or be too deep to fit in the space.
Do you have Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance?
Yes, we carry both Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance. Our Professional Indemnity insurance protects against claims of negligence or errors in the engineering services we provide, while our Public Liability insurance covers any potential damage or injury that may occur during the course of our work. This ensures that both you and your project are fully protected.
What’s the difference between a structural engineer and a civil engineer?
A structural engineer is a type of civil engineer who specialises in designing and analysing the structural components of buildings, foundations, and other structures to ensure they can safely withstand loads and forces. Civil engineers, on the other hand, have a broader scope, covering areas like stormwater drainage, water systems, pavement design, and overall project planning. While all structural engineers are civil engineers, not all civil engineers focus on structural design.
Can you help with certification of works undertaken without a building permit?
Yes, we can assist with the certification of works undertaken without a building permit. However, it’s important to note that we will need to assess the completed work to ensure it meets the required safety standards and complies with relevant building codes. If necessary, we may recommend soil testing, footing assessment, removal of linings for inspection and modifications to bring the work into compliance before issuing a certificate.
What difference can an experienced structural engineer make?
An experienced structural engineer can make a significant difference by ensuring that your project is designed efficiently, safely, and with ease of construction front of mind. With their knowledge of materials, building codes, and construction methods, they can identify potential issues early, offer cost-effective solutions, and optimise the design to meet both functional and aesthetic goals. Their expertise also helps avoid costly mistakes, delays, or safety hazards, ensuring the long-term stability and durability of the structure.
You need structural engineering when designing or modifying a building or any other structure to ensure it is safe and stable. This includes new constructions, renovations, or when altering an existing building (like removing a load bearing wall or adding heavy loads). A structural engineer will assess the design, materials, and safety of the structure to make sure it can withstand various forces like weight, wind, and proposed uses.
What do I need to provide for structural engineering design to be undertaken?
When we begin the structural engineering design, you should provide as much information as you have so we can best tailor the design. At a minimum you'll need to provide project details such as architectural drawings, site surveys and soil reports, but if you can, also provide any relevant building or environmental information, such as landscaping plans, existing building drawings, proposed loads or site service information. Any specific requirements or constraints should be shared to ensure the design meets your needs. We can assist with providing the above information or recommending other local business that can assist.
How do I check the engineer is certified and registered?
To check if an engineer is certified and registered in Victoria, you can verify their registration with the National Engineering Register (NER) through Engineers Australia. You can search for their details on the Engineers Australia website or contact the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) for further confirmation. Ensure that the engineer holds the appropriate qualifications and is registered with the relevant professional body.
Who do you usually work for?
We typically work with homeowners, builders, architects, building designers and developers on residential projects, as well as select commercial projects, government projects, school buildings, and churches. Our clients range from those undertaking renovations or extensions to those building new homes, small-scale commercial developments and public infrastructure. We collaborate closely with all parties to ensure that the structural design meets safety standards, building codes, and the specific needs of each project.
Why do my structural engineering quotes vary so much in cost?
Structural engineering quotes can vary in cost due to several factors, including the complexity of the project, the scope of work required, the size of the building, site conditions, and the level of detail needed for the design. Additionally, different engineers may have varying experience, methodologies, and service offerings, which can influence their pricing. It’s important to ensure that all quotes are comparing similar services and to clarify any specifics with the engineer before making a decision.
Why is there steel framing on the drawings?
Steel framing is included on the drawings when it's needed to provide additional strength, stability, or support to a structure. It is often used in areas with large open spaces, higher loads, for bracing frames, for support of masonry or where other materials like timber may not be sufficient or be too deep to fit in the space.
Do you have Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance?
Yes, we carry both Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance. Our Professional Indemnity insurance protects against claims of negligence or errors in the engineering services we provide, while our Public Liability insurance covers any potential damage or injury that may occur during the course of our work. This ensures that both you and your project are fully protected.
What’s the difference between a structural engineer and a civil engineer?
A structural engineer is a type of civil engineer who specialises in designing and analysing the structural components of buildings, foundations, and other structures to ensure they can safely withstand loads and forces. Civil engineers, on the other hand, have a broader scope, covering areas like stormwater drainage, water systems, pavement design, and overall project planning. While all structural engineers are civil engineers, not all civil engineers focus on structural design.
Can you help with certification of works undertaken without a building permit?
Yes, we can assist with the certification of works undertaken without a building permit. However, it’s important to note that we will need to assess the completed work to ensure it meets the required safety standards and complies with relevant building codes. If necessary, we may recommend soil testing, footing assessment, removal of linings for inspection and modifications to bring the work into compliance before issuing a certificate.
What difference can an experienced structural engineer make?
An experienced structural engineer can make a significant difference by ensuring that your project is designed efficiently, safely, and with ease of construction front of mind. With their knowledge of materials, building codes, and construction methods, they can identify potential issues early, offer cost-effective solutions, and optimise the design to meet both functional and aesthetic goals. Their expertise also helps avoid costly mistakes, delays, or safety hazards, ensuring the long-term stability and durability of the structure.