12-31-2009, 01:35 PM
Carey,
According to the HAWAII code/statutes - Anyone including an OB must use an licensed architect or licensed structural engineer. An engineer is required (even for a licensed architect drawn plan) for roof spans over 30' and any structure over 1 story. An architect at minimum must be used for anything under 30' roof span or even a single story structure regardless if OB or licensed contractor application of permit.
This is not uncommon amongst the States and not one that is likely to be argued successfully in court, I've dealt with it for years and fully agree with these requirements. This does not disallow the OB from drafting up and designing every attribute of the house it only means that a licensed engineer or architect has to endorse the plan. Typically I only use engineers and submit my plans to the engineer who sends me back a schematic that cites the hold downs and required structural elements that need to be called out on the submittal plans. I then incorporate the engineering additions to the final plans and shoot them back to the engineer who then signs and stamps the final plans. For me... the average engineering fee for a simple Single Family house is around $1500 and as low as $500 and can vary greatly upward depending on the scope of the design.
E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.
According to the HAWAII code/statutes - Anyone including an OB must use an licensed architect or licensed structural engineer. An engineer is required (even for a licensed architect drawn plan) for roof spans over 30' and any structure over 1 story. An architect at minimum must be used for anything under 30' roof span or even a single story structure regardless if OB or licensed contractor application of permit.
This is not uncommon amongst the States and not one that is likely to be argued successfully in court, I've dealt with it for years and fully agree with these requirements. This does not disallow the OB from drafting up and designing every attribute of the house it only means that a licensed engineer or architect has to endorse the plan. Typically I only use engineers and submit my plans to the engineer who sends me back a schematic that cites the hold downs and required structural elements that need to be called out on the submittal plans. I then incorporate the engineering additions to the final plans and shoot them back to the engineer who then signs and stamps the final plans. For me... the average engineering fee for a simple Single Family house is around $1500 and as low as $500 and can vary greatly upward depending on the scope of the design.
E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.