How do I choose an Engineer?

[cedarglen]

We are going to build the 20x34 2 story. Our county in CA requires an engineer to do snow load calculations and possible erosion control/retaining walls.

I can build a house, but have never been in a situation where I have to meet criteria for permits. My question is how do I choose an engineer? How do they bill? By the hour or by the job? Do I just show a few my plans and get prices?

I am worried about getting screwed since I am building in a small mountain community where they typically like to stick it to the "flatlander". I don't know anybody in the area.

[glenn-k]

What county are you in, Cedarglen

Most I know of bill by the hour but you can't tell how many hours you will get billed for -.  They should give you an estimate.

Prices vary greatly as does quality and abilities of the engineer.  Some are good -some are bad -some are very bad.  I would try to get some ref's from local contractors.  The building department may give you a list of names but usually won't recommend one in particular.  Try offering the gal behind the counter a jelly donut-- It worked in "Strange Brew".    On second thought that may not be a good idea- but sometimes if you talk to them a bit they may give you a hint.  Possibly real estate agents could help with this one also.

[Amanda_931]

You could always run into another immigrant from the flatlands.

Which might or might not be good.

[cedarglen]

We are rebuilding our house lost in the October 2003 wild fires in Cedar Glen (Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino county CA).

[jraabe]

If you have a good local builder you will be working with (one of your greatest resources) they most likely have a pretty good idea who is practical and who is not.

One engineer I worked with was fresh from Boeing and charged $1000 for the engineering. The work he required added about $2000 to the building cost.

The next engineer charged $300 for the same level of engineering complexity and the added building costs where under $1000.

That's is the one I use now...