Structural engineer fees

olivecath

I'm planning on having a new kitchen extension built, approx 16m squared. It also involves installing a downstairs loo under the existing stairs. The quote for the build is e40,000 inclusive of vat. My question is regarding the engineer's fees. I've been quoted a few of 6% of the cost of the build, works out as e2600. I wasn't planning on using an architect as its a very straightforward and small build. It seems like a lot to pay though maybe it's standard? Any advice or feedback would be great.

Gumbo

It's not the cheapest price I've seen, but it's not overly expensive either, far from it.
What exactly are they providing though?
Are they giving the builder structural drawings?
Are they certifying the works on compliance with planning and building relations?
Are they providing direct supervision of the build and inspecting it in stages?

olivecath

Thanks for your reply kceire, I have asked for a breakdown of services he would provide, he took almost three weeks to come back to me with the initial quote so am also a bit wary of engaging with him if he's that slow throughout the project..

Gumbo

Where are you based?
Typically we wouldn't break down a project like this as there's not much to break down. If they were providing planning, tender, supervision etc then there's more scope to break down the costs but in this case I would just provide a one off price as here's nothing to break down.

He may be able to break it down slight though on second thinking, maybe into design, inspections and certification but all 3 items will still equate to the final figure so does it really matter?

olivecath

kceire wrote: »

Where are you based?
Typically we wouldn't break down a project like this as there's not much to break down. If they were providing planning, tender, supervision etc then there's more scope to break down the costs but in this case I would just provide a one off price as here's nothing to break down.

He may be able to break it down slight though on second thinking, maybe into design, inspections and certification but all 3 items will still equate to the final figure so does it really matter?

I'm based in Dublin. I've never had to use the services of a structural engineer so I think it does matter as I'd like to know what it involves and could ascertain if the cost is justified. You broke it down in your first reply no?

Calahonda52

olivecath wrote: »

I'm based in Dublin. I've never had to use the services of a structural engineer so I think it does matter as I'd like to know what it involves and could ascertain if the cost is justified. You broke it down in your first reply no?

No, kc did not break down the 2,600
he asked what are you getting for your fee, with a few pointers.

The title says structural engineer which suggests some clearly identified design issues that require structural engineering skills such as RSJ design for example.

This activity as a standalone with paperwork is about 750 to 1000 plus vat

General engineering skills on such a project can encompass a much wider range of tasks, some of which kc has listed so you need to identify what you need and then see who is providing them.
For example who is dong the ventilation strategy?
Ditto for insulation, heating requirements, materials specification and such like.

Gumbo

olivecath wrote: »

I'm based in Dublin. I've never had to use the services of a structural engineer so I think it does matter as I'd like to know what it involves and could ascertain if the cost is justified. You broke it down in your first reply no?

Well there's not a lot to break down based on the info you supplied.
Get 3 quotes for the same brief and compare.

olivecath

Calahonda52 wrote: »

No, kc did not break down the 2,600
he asked what are you getting for your fee, with a few pointers.

The title says structural engineer which suggests some clearly identified design issues that require structural engineering skills such as RSJ design for example.

This activity as a standalone with paperwork is about 750 to 1000 plus vat

General engineering skills on such a project can encompass a much wider range of tasks, some of which kc has listed so you need to identify what you need and then see who is providing them.
For example who is dong the ventilation strategy?
Ditto for insulation, heating requirements, materials specification and such like.

The 2600 was never broken down, getting into semantics but what was broken down were the potential services provided, not the cost of each service alone, so thanks for the clarification.

Gumbo

olivecath wrote: »

The 2600 was never broken down, getting into semantics but what was broken down were the potential services provided, not the cost of each service alone, so thanks for the clarification.

Yo be fair I wouldn't provide much of a break down in your proposed works either. There's not much to break down.

Does it need planning?
Will it go for tender?

The break down in payments would usually be :

Planning
Tender
Construction supervision
Certification

You are only doing 2 of these stages. Construction and certification.

olivecath

kceire wrote: »

Yo be fair I wouldn't provide much of a break down in your proposed works either. There's not much to break down.

Does it need planning?
Will it go for tender?

The break down in payments would usually be :

Planning
Tender
Construction supervision
Certification

You are only doing 2 of these stages. Construction and certification.

You're right, I'm just learning about this as I go and yes it's just supervision and certification which I know are very important and want to do it right. I will try and get another quote and see how it compares. I suppose I was wondering about the percentage aspect of the cost, or would it normally be a flat rate for drawings, site visits and certification, I imagine it would be straight forward a builder as no load bearing walls being knocked and such. Anyway thanks for the info.

Gumbo

olivecath wrote: »

You're right, I'm just learning about this as I go and yes it's just supervision and certification which I know are very important and want to do it right. I will try and get another quote and see how it compares. I suppose I was wondering about the percentage aspect of the cost, or would it normally be a flat rate for drawings, site visits and certification, I imagine it would be straight forward a builder as no load bearing walls being knocked and such. Anyway thanks for the info.

No problem. If you'd like an official second quote please send PM and I can offer a recommendation.

Bobthefireman

Do you even need one?

Gumbo

Bobthefireman wrote: »

Do you even need one?

They probably don't "need" one structurally, but looking for one to get the required certificates so they don't need them in the future. Also technically speaking, the engineer can oversee ground conditions, foundations and in particular the floor build up with the required new SR21 IS888 2016 requirements.

olivecath

Bobthefireman wrote: »

Do you even need one?

It's a requirement from the bank also, for finance.

Gumbo

olivecath wrote: »

It's a requirement from the bank also, for finance.

So you need supervision and stage payments certification.