What should I ask a structural engineer prior to engagement?

But how do you choose the right structural engineer? What are the key questions to ask? And what does the consultation process look like?

In this article we'll answer all those questions and more.

A structural engineer designs, assesses and ensures the safety and stability of buildings, bridges and other structures. They work on all types of projects - home renovations, large commercial constructions, civil projects - where they analyse loads, materials and structural systems to identify and prevent potential failures.

As a business, a government agency or a residential property owner, you'll need to hire a structural engineering firm to ensure that your project is completed safely and in compliance with Clauses B1 and B2 of the New Zealand Building Code, and that it will stand strong for the long-term.

Before you consult with a structural engineer, you should work to collect the information that they may need. This can include:

• Project/construction plans
• Potential structural and safety concerns
• Previous structural reports
• Site history
• Any relevant Building Consent information
• Proposed budget and project timeline

The key questions that you ask before hiring the structural engineer should help you to establish whether this particular professional or firm is the right choice for your project. Examples include:

Do you have experience with similar projects? Firms with relevant experience are better at anticipating potential issues, providing proven solutions, and guiding you through the process seamlessly. Ask the firm to provide you with examples of similar projects and client testimonials.

How are your fees structured, and what is included? The best firms will be perfectly transparent on cost. They will outline the scope of the job, and will advise exactly what is and isn't included in their fee proposal, including additional charges that may arise. This clarity is critical if you are to budget correctly, and it serves to highlight the integrity of the firm.

Do you have professional indemnity insurance? Professional indemnity insurance protects both you and the engineering firm. It is a requirement for Chartered Professional Engineers signing Producer Statements in New Zealand.

How will you ensure your work is completed on time? As any builder or project manager knows, timelines are crucial in construction. Delays can set off domino effects, increasing costs and impacting plans. Ask how a firm ensures they work within stated timeframes, like having proven project management practices in place.

While the answer will depend on the project, your engineer may provide:

An on-site assessment: The structural engineer may meet you at the site to carry out a preliminary site assessment and determine what further testing or investigation is required. Investigation may include visual inspections, recording measurements or levels, geotechnical testing of the ground, intrusive investigations of existing structures and laser scanning.

Project planning: You and the structural engineer will discuss how you might approach the project, the current conditions of the site and structures, and potential improvements you could make to your current plans.

Fee proposal: The structural engineer will provide you with a document that outlines an estimate of the design fees, assumptions made and items not allowed for in the fee estimate.

Explanation of next steps: The structural engineer will tell you what you can expect from the engagement if you hire them, including how their reports, recommendations and findings and/or their design will be presented to you.

At Eliot Sinclair we're passionate about shaping a better tomorrow, by providing the structural engineering expertise you need to plan, design and deliver your project.

On top of structural engineering, we provide all the professional consultancy services required to complete projects of all shapes and sizes, from residential to commercial to large civil developments.

With offices up and down Te Waiponanmu, we grant you local access to the best technical minds, who can guarantee the safety and compliance of your project while driving efficiencies within it.