Structural engineer quote charge

glenn13

I contacted on the advice of building inspectors a structural engineer to give me a quote for calculations regarding having some beams removed prior to a loft conversion.
He attended on the 15th April and was here for an hour taking measurements.
I received a letter a week later saying that the project was feasible with a fee of £336.00 including vat. I took this to be the fee for the overall cost if I employed him, so I said I was happy with the quote , but will hold off paying until the stairs are installed, so that access would not be an issue. He then said why would I hold off.....the fee is for the visit.
I went silent.... we went round in circles....me stating that I requested a quote...him saying he had done a feasibility assessment.....stating that we had discussed it on the telephone.

I made it clear that all I wanted was a quote and at no point did he discuss a fee. I have had many builders/architects cross my doorstep all with advice and free quotes. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Glenn.

lee111s

I'm no expert but my parents had a structural engineer charge £90 for the calculations for a RSJ for removing a load baring wall between the lounger and the kitchen/diner.

glenn13

Hi Lee, thanks for your reply..... the thing is he hasn't done any calculations as yet. All he has done is a few measurements and checks and then tell me it's possible in a letter/invoice for £336.00.
I already knew it was possible cause I'd had various builders round for other jobs and picked their brains..... I wanted a quote for the calculation which he would do at a later date.


G.

lee111s

I'd get a different SE. My dad'd builder put him in touch with the guy who done that. Maybe speak to one of the builders you've had out?

cddc

The structural engineer we had did not charge for an initial visit...

Sounds like this one has missed his vocation in life...with a fee charging structure like that he should become a solicitor or a party wall surveyor:D.

How on earth does he get any work at all if he charges fees like that just to quote?

Owain_Moneysaver

cddc wrote: »

How on earth does he get any work at all if he charges fees like that just to quote?

Why would he need to do any actual work? He's got a very good income just for quoting!

Doozergirl

Structural engineers generally charge for time. If he's coming out and providing advice, he's charging for it.

It does sound a lot though. I'd expect a bill for an hour's work if it was just a verbal, or a bill for the calcs with the hour of inspection included within the total.

I would not expect a structural engineer to come out for free.

Gordon_Hose

We appointed a structural engineer to give advise on what our surveyor wrote in our house survey regarding purlin supports. He gave free advice, and said for him to do any calculations and provide a report it would be £350.

glenn13

Thanks for all your replies. As I said earlier....I requested a quote.....no fees were discussed during the telephone conversation. I've had architects, builders, double glazing salesmen and carpenters round for quotes and as far as im concerend a structual engineer is no different....despite his knowlege and training. I'm seeking legal advice on this.

Glenn

stebiz

glenn13 wrote: »

Thanks for all your replies. As I said earlier....I requested a quote.....no fees were discussed during the telephone conversation. I've had architects, builders, double glazing salesmen and carpenters round for quotes and as far as im concerend a structual engineer is no different....despite his knowlege and training. I'm seeking legal advice on this.

Glenn

I agree with you but I'm not sure what legal advice you can get. His only option is to issue a small claims. If that's what he chooses to do then fine. You'll have your day in court. I find it unlikely though.

Nobody can predict what a District Judge will say.

vaio

We are electrical engineers and often get asked about feasibility....we'll give general advice/budget prices informally over the phone but if we visit and gave a firm formal view then we would charge.

In your case my gut view is that in the absence of a specific agreement about costs (free estimates or similar) then if he visits you should pay.

Although legal costs are not generally allowed in small claims if it does do to court and you lose you'll end up paying his expenses which will probably be at least another £350 plus the court costs.