Recent content by RacknRoll

There definitely could be a conflict...but the merits of such a model are obvious as well if done right.

I agree with @sentrifice and @gte447f. I can think of no better way to become a better engineer than to participate in the actual construction of the work we produce. Just in terms of accountability and feedback, the learning potential is enormous. I found one article but it has a paywall...

I'm considering shifting this direction because 1. there is a lot of money to be made in contracting; 2. the work is enjoyable; 3. I think design/build makes better engineers who are more connected to the product

Good morning! I’m a California-licensed PE (structural/civil) who runs a small engineering firm. I’m considering taking on construction services for certain projects, specifically for residential homes. I suppose this would be a small-scale design/build firm. I’m cautious about the ethical and...

I think they're just upset it didn't say what they wanted it to say. You know how that goes.

Our client is concerned about a structural report we did and would like our in-house information such as our checklist and photos. The client feels our report should look like a house-inspection report, but it does not. It looks like an engineering report. They think it therefore isn't a...

HI All, I'm looking to hire an independent contractor in California. Now i understand Cali has all sorts of limitations, and there are lots of questions about what constitutes an IC, but let's put that aside for now. What i really am hoping for some help with is a general outline of what i...

What positions are you looking for? Is it possible to reorganize the firm so engineers are doing more engineering work and less drafting or inspection-level work? (Not knowing your business it may be that you're already doing this). This may allow you to focus your hiring on non-engineers...

Thanks for the references. Nice to see there is at least one design guide these days!

-pham It has been a while since i last designed one. But, yes, i have inspected several and designed severl, though to be honest more than a decade ago. I am definitely open to any current references you are aware of that may help me get up to speed on current design methods, however! Always...

@pham “Probably shouldn't do this one” Care to elaborate? That seems random. Would the next one be better?

Hi all, I received a call for a steel building foundation. Approximate 3000 SQFT. I am in California. Not sure what the going rate is for these. My guesstimate is about 1500. I don’t see the job as being lucrative if i bid much less. Any idea the going rate for these? Or, any suggestions as to...

@ron I am curious at your hard-line take on "no relationship between fees and liability". Care to expand on the thought? I have always considered professional liability/risk when providing a cost or estimate to a client. I may be programmed to see things this way as i was initially trained in...

Thank you all! Great responses and gave me a lot to chew on. I never considered the ethics of it. I will call the engineer. I may be a bit late, but better late than never.

I have a client who wants a second opinion on an engineer report about some structural improvements they (the engineer) are requiring. I have read the report and disagree with much of what the engineer says. Now the client wants me to take over the job. No big surprise here, but with the...