Engineer Estimates?
We are currently deciding the approach for the renovation with planned extension for the house we will be closing in April. We are speaking with architects and contractors. While it is clear that for the scope of work we have in mind that a structural engineer is necessary, the prices mentioned by architects vary widely….
We are currently deciding the approach for the renovation with planned extension for the house we will be closing in April. We are speaking with architects and contractors.
While it is clear that for the scope of work we have in mind that a structural engineer is necessary, the prices mentioned by architects vary widely. Some say around 5k, other 10k to 15k. The main structural work is reviewing the existing structure and an a three to four story extension. Do these quotes sound high or appropriate.
Less clear to me is the role of a mechanical engineer. In our case he would be dimensioning the heating and AC system. Some architects quote this as a fee in the 15k range which seems to me like a lot for the work involved. Other saying the HVAC contractor will actually dimensioning the heating/AC system as part of his work. I am curious to hear opinions on involving a mechanical engineer or not. Any positive/negative experiences?.
One Word One Company
AGPE PLLC
1263 Prospect Avenue
347-787-3338
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Terrific….I just found out that other engineers are now using them, and I know for a fact that their prices are very decent
Good Luck
Well, I have seen plenty of systems designed and installed by the contractor. Most had issues. I would certainly get references and speak to the people that the contractor did similar work.
You don’t need a mechanical engineer unless you are doing something really complicated. My dad is a mechanical eng and even he says he’s unnecessary for most residential projects. Commercial projects are another story.
You don’t need a mechanical engineer for a house. Interview different mechanical subs, visit manufacturer websites for A/C and boiler specs. Educate yourself. The manufacturers have done all of the engineering already. Your engineer will simply charge you to look at those charts and put together a drawing the DOB does not require. The salespeople usually know these charts fairly well also as should a good mechanical sub. Do watch out for the ones who only rep a certain product though.
I use manufacturer charts frequently to assist my construction design and engineering. When necessary I hire an engineer to provide structural calculations.
Electrical distribution is very standardized and the code requirements are straightforward.
Two of my clients are involved in major mechanical overhauls (one brownstone, one house) and neither involves an engineer.
Does one who wants a HVAC system “dimensioned” need help from a spatial, as well as a mechanical, engineer?
As RSA says it usually depends upon what is being done by whom. I generally have my structural engineer mark up the plans and provide specific details as needed. This tends to be less expensive. We hire an outside inspection company to do all inspections so that also is less expensive. If you are doing extensive work, then hire the mechanical engineer. The contractors are supposed to know the code but I do not trust them to design the proper system. 15k is excessive for this.
Jock deBoer, AIA
deBoer Architects
It really depends on the scope. for example, if your structural engineer is doing the drawings, applying for the permit, doing site visits, and then doing controlled inspections, then $15,000 sounds fairly reasonable.
As for the mechanical engineer, it depends on the complexity of your proposed HVAC system. Also, if you are re-doing the plumbing and electrical in the house, it probably makes sense to have a mechanical engineer. But the 15K quote does not sound far fetched for an entire house, filing, etc. The problem with using the installer comes up when you have to file for a permit (installers usually cannot come up with an engineer to sign and then you are stuck going back to an engineer).
Our firm just finished an entire house gut renovation in Brooklyn Heights with an addition (3 stories), we used both a structural and mechanical engineer. Both were essential, though on other projects we have used just an installer for HVAC and that has worked too.
I would be happy to discuss it with you, give us a call.
Rodriguez Studio Architecture PC
212-217-1535
http://www.rodriguezstudio.net
info@rodriguezstudio.net