photo by Arbre Evolution
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about when you need a surveyor. This time I’ll talk about when an engineer is needed.
Years ago it was simpler to build a house. An engineer was called in only for unusual or complicated homes. But as time goes on building codes are made more stringent to save more lives (and homes).
Now it is safe to assume you will need an engineer on any addition or new home. Sometimes even removing a section of one wall requires engineering to provide enough stiffness to resist an earthquake.
Structural engineers specialize in buildings. A civil engineer who is experienced with building projects can also be a good choice. Both need to be licensed in California.
Your architect can recommend an engineer to do the structural design, and will coordinate with them so the architectural design and structural design work together.
The engineer will design the foundation, wood structural sizes and connections, and earthquake resistant elements. They do calculations to determine the design, and drawings to show how it’s to be built.
These calculations and drawings, along with the architectural drawings, become part of the set of documents submitted for a building permit. These documents are also what the contractor uses to build your project.
You may not have thought you needed an engineer as part of the team for your home project, but they help keep your home standing.