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How do we choose a structural engineer?


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So I think we are within a few weeks of getting planning permission. Architect mentioned we need a structural engineer.  How do we choose one? Also is there a list of stages/ points to remember when doing a self build? Like last night reading how I need to book DNO separately from meter move. Its hit or miss that I realise something needs scheduled at the mo. (Family development so we could divvy up jobs. )?

Edited by CalvinHobbes
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Recommendations on here 

It’s unlikely that he will need to visit the plot Even with bad ground He or She will follow the data by others

Ive a very good one that I’ve used for years 

Very reasonable price 

 

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So PP is in my and husbands name for whole thing (presumably architect did that to save money). At the moment it's semi detached cottages in a terrible state. We are building two separate properties, one we will live in with a granny flat for my mother. Sister is in the other. Shared access in middle. It will be block build and after reading about insurance thought we might get the SE to check it a number of times going up instead. (Obviously still getting other insurance like public liability).

So does that mean I have to do the vat reclaim for all of the development? Properties are in both sis and our names.

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No this will get complicated. There are rules about building for family and who claims what, and that’s assuming these are new build not conversions or restoration unless they have been unoccupied for a number of years. Need to get this right from the outset as it could cost you ££££

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  • 1 month later...
On 15/01/2022 at 11:07, nod said:

Recommendations on here 

It’s unlikely that he will need to visit the plot Even with bad ground He or She will follow the data by others

Ive a very good one that I’ve used for years 

Very reasonable price 

 

Hi @nod is it possible to share details of your structural engineer? 

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My SE was recommended by the ICF contractor I was considering, ended up going shuttered concrete and TF instead. TF co (MBC) have their own guy but he is essentially independent and I know a few here have used him directly.

 

http://www.tsd.ie/aboutus.html

 

My SE came to site once but everything else was remote. Brief was basement design and services (drainage etc). 

 

https://www.buildcollective.co.uk

 

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4 hours ago, Bitpipe said:

My SE was recommended by the ICF contractor I was considering, ended up going shuttered concrete and TF instead. TF co (MBC) have their own guy but he is essentially independent and I know a few here have used him directly.

 

http://www.tsd.ie/aboutus.html

 

My SE came to site once but everything else was remote. Brief was basement design and services (drainage etc). 

 

https://www.buildcollective.co.uk

 

I used TSD for my basement and foundations. we supplied them with the geo report and the TF company supplied the point loads from the TF and they did the rest. reasonable price and they specialise in the insulated slab that we were after. all done remotely. very happy with them and their service.

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Thanks everyone. Our architect is finalising our building regs buts needs SE and the one he usually uses now mainly deals with commercial builds so are charging a crazy price. So he has approached another SE but we have waited 3 weeks so far for a quote to see what their price will be (still haven’t got one) I’m just concerned if we still haven’t  even got a quote after 3 weeks how long will it take to do the calculations?  We are just getting 5x4 rear extension with vaulted apex ceiling with glass gable.  I thought it was a simple design but apparently not. Am I right in thinking it’s a bit chicken and egg scenario as we needs the drawings to get quotes from builders and then if they come in over budget we may then change to timber?  So presume will need to go back to SE if we change to timber?  

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55 minutes ago, Lesley72 said:

Thanks everyone. Our architect is finalising our building regs buts needs SE and the one he usually uses now mainly deals with commercial builds so are charging a crazy price. So he has approached another SE but we have waited 3 weeks so far for a quote to see what their price will be (still haven’t got one) I’m just concerned if we still haven’t  even got a quote after 3 weeks how long will it take to do the calculations?  We are just getting 5x4 rear extension with vaulted apex ceiling with glass gable.  I thought it was a simple design but apparently not. 

there are lots of structural engineers out there and you don't have to use one recommended by your architect. so put a few feelers out for recommendations from other self-builders/builders etc.

 

57 minutes ago, Lesley72 said:

Am I right in thinking it’s a bit chicken and egg scenario as we needs the drawings to get quotes from builders and then if they come in over budget we may then change to timber?  So presume will need to go back to SE if we change to timber?  

yes, this is a possibility and chicken and egg situations seem common in self-building. if you change build materials from block and brick to timber frame then, yes, you'll likely have to go back to the SE to ask the question but as TF is lighter than B&B the loads may be less and so changes may not be required, but that's for the SE to decide.

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