Getting Struct Calcs is difficult

[trevorbayliss]

What are these SE thinking because something i am doing is putting them off quoting.

I need calcs to use 4 oak purlins to hold up my new roof extension.

I have spoken on the phone to 5 engineers and then i sent an email giving more detail. Only one seemed interested in doing the calcs and gave me a price. He was £200. Another guy said £125 plus VAT on the phone but hasn't got back to me.

I didn't set out to get 5 quotes by the way, but have had to keep trying to get someone to come back to me.

It seems very weird. It is a job which doesn't really need a site visit.

Any pointers on how to approach these people. I am also thinking times must be very busy out there.

 

[tony1851]

Well why don't you go with the one who quoted £200? It's not that much for what's involved.

 

[trevorbayliss]

It's going to be the only option i suppose, but just don't understand why other engineers are not interested. Maybe they have a minimum amount per job they want to work to. A bit like a plumber changing a washer - its too small a job.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

£200 to a busy engineer is hardly worth bothering with, busy SE's down here would take a week or three to return a quote and longer again to do the calcs.

 

[trevorbayliss]

amazing

 

[noseall]

SE's down here would take a week or three to return a quote and longer again to do the calcs.

Some still haven't dried their brollies or cleaned their boots since the last time they were out on site. Poor things.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

It certainly can be frustrating and embarrassing too for those of us who appoint SE's on behalf of clients.

 

[^woody^]

Try www.beamcalculation.co.uk

I've no connection, it's not a recommendation, but might be an option.

They also have a sister site for professionals to use based on Eurocodes - which might allow for more slender sections.

 

[trevorbayliss]

Ho ho, and today i got a reply from the engineer who is nearest to me in location terms and he is ok on price (£180 inc vat).

So he is going to do it for me this week.

Planning visit next week !!

 

[trevorbayliss]

Beam calculation looks good by the way Woody.

 

[pilsbury]

Try www.beamcalculation.co.uk

I've no connection, it's not a recommendation, but might be an option.

They also have a sister site for professionals to use based on Eurocodes - which might allow for more slender sections.

Looks like a cheap and quick way to get a job done.