Cost of architect/engineer sign-seal?

Question

i'm drawing plans for a major renovation of my home in pittsburgh, pa. i'm wondering what it costs to have the planset, which i will draft, be signed and sealed by a PA licensed architect or engineer -- or just to have a "professional opinion letter" or analysis of my plans, certifying that they are decent.

any ideas?

Answer 1

Well, i know when i send my drawings to the engineer to get a approval stamp for ct, its easily in the realm of 1500 bucks. But i know it can vary from state to state, but its safe to assume that is one of the most expensive prices. It can also vary depending on whether or not hes familiar with the job, how much calculations he has to run and so on and so forth, so you might not just be paying for the engineer stamp. My best bet would be to hit the yellow pages.

Answer 2

It will all depend on the renovation you are planning and the amount of work the engineer will have to do to check your design and drawings. You must remember that as soon as he/she signs the documents  their license is on the line. An 'opinion' letter is the same as a sealed document in terms of the engineer's responsibility.

I would take what you have to a PE and ask about the cost to review and seal. At least then you would have and idea.

Answer 3

If you have been told that you must submit "stamped" construction documents, there's no way around it.

Might let the tail wag the dog & have your GC use an architect "associate "  to sign off on your drawings.

They sometimes "lift" drawings other than their own & print them on their firm's format sheets w/ any  revisions noted & their seal if the drawings  are "structurally correct".

Might save some drafting  time $$$'s  but would ask before doing all the drawing yourself.

Best regards