Does an SE need to be local?

[CotswoldDoItUpper]

Looking for an Structural Engineer for a loft conversion. 

- do they need to be local?

- do they need to visit the site?

- what info do they usually need?

- how much do they charge?

 

sorry for the basic questions, but I don’t want to look like a complete numpty when I start calling them!

 

p.s. any recommendations welcome! 
p.p.s. If you are an SE please DM me!

[nod]

They don’t need to come to site 

if ground tests are needed You can use someone local 

He will need you Architects drawings 

 

foundation design 

Roof and floors Steels 

and lintels 

We paid under a £1000

[CotswoldDoItUpper]

Just now, nod said:

They don’t need to come to site 

if ground tests are needed You can use someone local 

He will need you Architects drawings 

 

foundation design 

Roof and floors Steels 

and lintels 

We paid under a £1000

It’s a loft conversion, do I need him/her to look at foundations etc too?!?

[nod]

7 minutes ago, CotswoldDoItUpper said:

It’s a loft conversion, do I need him/her to look at foundations etc too?!?

No

[JohnMo]

Mine was 70 miles away, never came to site, ground investigation was arranged by SE, but someone local did it.

[ToughButterCup]

Our SE is in Eire. Never any need to be on site.... ever.

[Mr Punter]

There is another thread on here where someone has had some steelwork installed that may not be to spec and other instances where there are existing structures to be assessed.  For a loft they will need to know the timber sizes, roof structure and supporting walls and unless you have an architect to supply this information to the SE you may want a site visit.