Replies

1. 
   calvin | Apr 29, 2011 06:56pm | #1

   Ray,

   There's someone here I'm pretty sure is from your neck of the woods..............................I'll send him notice (and hopefully he's in Vancouver..........or close and can come back here and help you find someone.

   Best of luck.

   However,  When I needed a ridge beam detail, the beam company did it for me after I submitted the prints / floorplan so they could figure design load and come up with the proper ridge.

   Have also done the same when sizing beams on remodels.  Show the span, show whats sitting on it and they do the calcs for the size.

   This was all done through my regular lumberyard and their beam, I-joist, microlam, etc supplier.  Is this an addition?

1. 
   Ray74 | Apr 30, 2011 10:39am | #2

   We are building a detached 2 storey garage with the upper floor space in the rafters and dormers. I figure the design probably needs 3 beams (2 floor, 1 ridge), the rafters, dormers, knee walls at the corners, and the I-joists, with 3 feet of cantilever (3' x 6').  The city wants an approved structural design detail by an engineer and the accompanying B1 & B2 letters of assurance for permit.

   I'll also try speaking with the folks at the local lumberyards regarding engineering of the design.  I'm not sure if they can give me the approved design required by the city.  How comprehensive are the  engineering services from a typical lumber yard (Curtis, Dick's, etc in my area)?

   Your comments are appreciated.

1. 
   calvin | Apr 30, 2011 11:09am | #3

   Ray

   The details are done by the engineered wood producers after looking at the print showing the spans in question.  I take the print to my lumberyard, they fax it to the eng. wood producer and they do the figuring.  This has been fine for additions and remodels as far as my Bldg. Inspection here in Ohio.  You may need more.

   I did email Scott-he's near Whistler, so a couple hours from Vancouver.  I then sent him a link to this thread-if and when he sees that I suppose he'd be stopping here for a post.

   Best of luck.

2. 
   JohnWalker | May 07, 2011 01:19am | #8

   Dicks

   Ray

   I am curious to hear how you make out as I am doing a similar design in PoCo (ridge beams, dormers, roof joists not trusses).

   Dick's claims to be the premier supplier of engineered lumber products. On their website under Lumber then Engineered Lumber they say they'd be glad to talk to you and have a "professional engineering department".

   Curtis is also big, and so is Standard Lumber.

   Again look forward to hearing back from you on this.

   John

1. 
   Ray74 | Aug 08, 2011 02:40pm | #9

   Engineer & Material Suppliers

   Sorry for the delayed posting (I thought the system was sending me email notices about activity here).

   Regarding an engineer, I found the best way to source one was by calling the building material suppliers.

   About suppliers... Frankly, trying to get some positive response from Curtis has been difficult -- ie. they don't even have a proper reception to take calls.  Regarding Dicks... well, they opted not to quote for the project (times must be good in Vancouver when suppliers dismiss a sale for $10K building materials). 

2. 
   Ray74 | May 03, 2011 12:38am | #4

   Calvin, thanks for the comments.  I have called a few suppliers and they have given me a few names of structural engineers. In the next couple of days I'll be calling the engineers.

   If anyone has a structural eng they recommend, please pass along the name.

1. 
   Scott | May 03, 2011 12:18pm | #5

   Hmmmmm.... thought I replied to this thread a while ago, but it looks like it didn't stick.

   Ray, I'm near Whistler and built a new house about eight years ago. Finding an engineer took a few phone calls, but it wasn't that hard. I'm thinking the problem might be that you're looking for "firms" rather than individuals. I simply started in the Yellow pages, then I found the website for the professional association of engineers of BC. I think that's where I found a guy.

   For various reasons, I won't recommend this individual, but I'm sure you can find someone competent around Vancouver. If you know of any designers or architects they could refer you.

   Good luck,

   Scott.

1. 
   DoRight | Aug 28, 2011 03:38pm | #10

   What did he do for you?

   Hey Scott,

   What exactly did your engineer contact do for you and what did you pay him?

   I have designed a house, and made detailed drawings of roughly draftmen quality.  I would like an engineer to review my design, spec footers for point loads, approve some beam sizes, confirm rafter design, etc.  I feel comfortible using most load tables for joists, header, beams, etc, but just want a review.  I do not want an A to Z engineered plan.  how should I be expected to pay for such a thing?  By the hour?  At roughly what rate?  What was your experience and was it similar to my request?

   Thanks.

1. 
   Scott | Aug 28, 2011 11:54pm | #11

   >>>I do not want an A to Z

   >>>I do not want an A to Z engineered plan.  how should I be expected to pay for such a thing?  By the hour?  At roughly what rate?  What was your experience and was it similar to my request?

   The guy I hired was pretty casual; almost too casual. In fact there were many cases where he missed columns, header sizes, beams, etc. It was only after I questioned him that these items got added to the plans.

   Unfortunately (for guys like us) this province requires an "Enginner of Record Schedule A and B", which are the big ticket items you must pay for.

   I got the feeling that he really didn't do much number crunching but still charged me a healthy fee, which was around $3K. It's a relatively small portion of the entire budget, but not exactly chump change. Our house is mostly standard stick framing with some added log post and beam work, which actually simplifies engineering because logs are so strong. I figure he took one look at the plans and stamped it. Yup, a $3K stamp.

   He did show up for a footing inspection and a framing inspection.

   Hopefully you can find someone who's willing to work with you. It's all a matter of negotiation. Good luck.

1. 
   DoRight | Aug 29, 2011 10:24am | #12

   Thanks Scott

   Thanks Scoot.

3. 
   [email protected] | May 03, 2011 06:56pm | #6

   Licensing Board?

   Not sure how Canada is set up. 

   Here in the States, Engineers are licensed by every State, and the State Board's web pages typically have rosters of licensed Engineers which include their phone numbers, and addresses. 

   I'd start with the Province website and see if they have a roster. 

1. 
   Scott | May 03, 2011 09:10pm | #7

   >>>I'd start with the

   >>>I'd start with the Province website and see if they have a roster.

   Zackly what I did....it's set up the same way in BC.