What Developers Should Know Before Hiring a Structural Engineer

What Developers Should Know Before Hiring a Structural Engineer

Over the years, I have seen developers hire structural engineers for all sorts of reasons. Some choose based on price alone. Others go with whoever their architect recommends without a second thought. A few actually do their research. The ones who do their research tend to have better outcomes.

Here is what I would want to know if I were a developer hiring a structural engineer.

Check Their Registration

In New South Wales, professional engineers must be registered under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020. This is not optional. An unregistered engineer cannot legally sign off on structural designs for buildings in NSW. Ask to see their registration number and verify it.

Beyond registration, look for Chartered status with Engineers Australia and membership of the National Engineers Register. These indicate that the engineer has been assessed against national competency standards and maintains ongoing professional development.

Ask About Their Project Experience

Not all structural engineers are the same. Some specialise in residential alterations. Others focus on commercial buildings. Some have deep experience in multi-storey residential developments with basements, shoring, and complex geotechnical conditions.

Match the engineer to your project. If you are building a 15-level residential tower with three basements, you want an engineer who has designed similar projects before. Ask for examples. Ask for references. A good engineer will be happy to show you their track record.

Understand Their Scope

One of the most common sources of friction on development projects is scope ambiguity. Before you sign anything, make sure you understand exactly what the structural engineer will deliver:

• Does their scope include shoring and bulk excavation design?
• Do they provide geotechnical services or will you need a separate geotech consultant?
• Will they produce dilapidation reports?
• Do they handle specialist reports for Sydney Water, Transport for NSW, or Sydney Metro?
• What is included in their construction-phase services?

An engineer who offers structural, civil, and geotechnical services under one roof will generally provide better coordination and fewer gaps in the documentation.

Evaluate Their Communication

Engineering competence is essential, but so is communication. You will be working with this engineer for months or even years. They need to be responsive, clear, and willing to explain their design decisions in plain language.

During the initial consultation, pay attention to how they communicate. Do they listen to your project brief? Do they ask good questions? Do they explain things without unnecessary jargon? A good engineer should make complex topics accessible, not confusing.

Discuss Fees Honestly

Engineering fees vary significantly, and the cheapest option is rarely the best value. A low fee often means less time spent on design, fewer options explored, and less comprehensive documentation. The result can be cost overruns during construction when the builder discovers issues that the engineer did not address.

Ask how the fee is structured. Is it a lump sum, percentage of construction cost, or hourly rate? What is included and what is extra? What happens if the project scope changes?

A transparent fee discussion upfront avoids unpleasant surprises later.

Ask About Their Construction Support

The structural engineer's role does not end when the drawings are issued. During construction, the builder will have questions, request variations, and need engineering input for temporary works. The engineer should be available and responsive throughout the construction phase.

Ask about their approach to site inspections, RFI (Request for Information) responses, and construction-phase variations. An engineer who is engaged during construction helps the builder deliver the design intent accurately, which ultimately protects your investment.

The Bottom Line

The structural engineer is one of the most important appointments you will make on a development project. Take the time to choose well. Check their qualifications, review their experience, understand their scope, and assess their communication. The right engineer will not just design a building. They will make your entire project run more smoothly.