FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Obviously it depends, but for a more deeper discussion on the matter, please browse through the various blog subjects, wherein I do give a ballpark estimate for that particular subject.

Short answer is, probably. Your town engineer (or building dept) will tell you definitively, but generally speaking, the answer is yes. This preserves protection on your behalf to A) ensure it was designed and built to current codes, and B) protect you down the line when it’s time to sell.

NO. I perform the design and provide the professionally signed and sealed plans (and/or structural calculations). BUT, I can recommend and coordinate the hiring of a reputable qualified contractor to perform the work.

No, civil engineers are not surveyors. However, many projects DO require the expertise of a surveyor. In some cases we can do the survey for you or we can /do partner with an external surveying firm for the right fit. Projects typically requiring survey are site plans, retaining walls, drainage issues, and septic systems.

Again no, civil engineers cannot prepare architectural plans, although we do utilize them in conjunction with our site plans. Architects create the design of a structure with considerations to form, aesthetics, atmosphere, character, and spatial functionality. They are artists in that sense. Civil engineers bring that design to life with safe construction means, methods, and materials. They ensure the structural integrity of the design. Quite often there is blurred overlap when it comes to residential architecture, but the truth is an engineer is ethically obligated to not affix his/her title block to any architectural designs, and this very specifically includes floor plans. However, the engineer can use plans prepared by the homeowner IF a statement is included on the plan to that affect.

A signature and raised/embossed seal is a visual commitment by the individual, signifying responsibility and liability for the content of the drawing. It also certifies that the plan has been prepared by him/her OR under their direct supervision. The signature and seal attests the plan meets the standards of care in exercising engineering judgement and decisions, and is a mark of reliance as to the high standards of knowledge, skill, and ethical conduct. Incidentally, it does not ensure correctness; merely that the engineer has exercised professional judgement in the design.


An engineer who has NOT had direct supervision or designed the plan themselves, and merely affixes their signature and seal, is committing a punishable act known as Rubber Stamping. Sometimes builders, contractors, developers, or other engineers will attempt to have construction documents/plans prepared by an unlicensed individual, then “legitimized” with a seal of a licensed professional. It is illegal. Do not do this or ask your contractor to do this. And understand when an engineer responds that they cannot seal the plans you might have that were prepared by another firm and subsequently the relationship soured before they sealed the drawings. An ethical engineer will run from that scenario.