Framing package from lumber supplier

[JStructsteel]

So a architect that i have worked with before has asked me to review and stamp a set of framing drawings for a house they are working on.

Obviously I didnt prepare it, or direct those that did.

Even If I go thru and design every member again, isn't it still straight up plan stamping?

Should I create my own drawings, design and specifications?

Thanks

 

[XR250]

Seems like it would be easy enough to take their framing plan and put it on your structural sheets.
Unless they are Mike Brady (did I just date myself?) , there is likely plenty of errors - in which case it would be easier for you to make the requisite changes.

 

[driftLimiter]

Different state boards have varying opinions on this. Here the board says basically you can stamp work by others but as soon as you do your stating on the record that the work was prepared under your responsible charge. If you go through it all and check every calc etc. then this is reasonably in responsible charge. I would certainly consider adding notes and specifications and other elements that are needed for construction documents.

 

[phamENG]

Like driftLimiter said, varies by state. Where is the project located?

In Virginia, you couldn't do it (though many do) because the person doing the design/drawings wasn't employed by the same company you work for. In other states, as long as you thoroughly review and understand it as if you had done the full design yourself you're okay. And then some land in between.

 

[JStructsteel]

Thanks, Its in Ohio.

 

[phamENG]

Ohio Board of Engineers and Surveyors: Seals

This gives a pretty good picture of what Ohio considers to be "Plan Stamping". The interpretation (General Plan Stamping Information) is more strict than the language of the reg itself (Ohio A.C. Section 4733-35-07(A)). By the reg, I think you could make a case for doing it if you go through and do the math for every member or review the calculations and decision making process in detail and buy into it. The other text suggests it would not be okay in the eyes of the board, particularly the "Direct supervisory control and responsibility" section.

Direct supervisory control and responsibility is best demonstrated when a Professional Engineer or Professional Surveyor has direct professional knowledge and is the actual author or has been in responsible charge of a design or project from its very inception to its completion. (Emphasis mine.)

Though again, a case could be made for exceptions. Death, retirement, otherwise reasonably unavailable, etc.

 

[dhengr]

JStructsteel:
Let the material supplier stamp his own design, or let the Arch. stamp the whole design, as they are often want to do anyway, they were trying to cut your high cost services out of the process in the first place. And, now they want you involved, for peanuts, to be an insurer of last resort, if you are sucker enough to do that, without covering your time, effort and insurance premiums.

Alternatively, do the design as though you started from scratch. And, assume that the material supplier’s listings are just approx. sizes and details for lumber package pricing, and to show what lumber and grades are most available and economical practical. Generally, try to comply with their takeoff where you reasonable can, but change sizes, grades and details where you must to meet your engineering stds. That is your own design of the bldg.

 

[JStructsteel]

Thanks. Yes I was going to price it as a full design (plus time for back and fourth with the framing supplier). Hopefully that will make it go away, otherwise I have the time in there to do a full design, and then have them make changes to the drawings.

That aside, no one has looked a the lateral analysis, or the columns, bearing walls, footings. I had given a price for that, but not been taken up on it. Perhaps piece mealing it I will end up making more money.

 

[phamENG]

Or they won't give you the chance to look at those, there will be a problem, and as the only SE involved you'll still be touching, if not completely holding, the bag.

 

[JStructsteel]

If I’m stamping, Not going to stamp until there drawings are updated to my liking

 

[dhengr]

JStructsteel:
I’d do my own drwgs., maybe copying or tracing some of their plans and layouts, as you can, but otherwise your own company’s drwgs., structural notes, general notes, header, jamb, beam, col., foundation tabulations, details, etc. You can add to and red line the Arch’s. specs., as needs be. That’s part of your design package, and what you are stamping, not someone else’s drwgs. and fighting with them to change their’s to fit your design. They supposedly did this to get the lumber supply contract, and you can bet they charged for it someplace in their price. You should charge for this also, if they want your stamp. At the price of lumber these days, they should buy their own stamp if they want to operate this way. And, the same goes for that Arch., I wouldn’t chase him too far if that’s how he involves and treats you.