Looking for a $reasonable engineer in San Antonio...ASAP.

[Account Closed]

I have a property in Castle Hills; the city has my complete work summary/scope of work description...was approved and issued a full rehab permit.

Three main areas; I removed three walls and replaced with proper lvl's and support post's according to IRC and AWC tables and charts, turned a 2nd floor attic into liveable master bathroom & walk-in closet and expanded the adjacent room for a bigger master bedroom, and got rid of a bedroom floor above the family room to turn family room into 2-story ceiling height. Mind you the permit is issued for all the above...

I figured I'd reach out and request a partial pass framing inspection to confirm I'm good to go so the plumber & electrician can fasten whatever's needed considering most is all new framing. Inspector comes out and obviously"green" automatically defers everything to..."you're going to need an engineers letter".

So now I'm looking for an engineer who's not going to break the bank. Does anyone have any references or experience with ones in San Antonio? I'd greatly appreciate the referral. Thank you!

[Rick Pozos]

Arredondo Engineering is someone that I have used several times. He will visit the site and draw up what you need. I think he has charged from $300 just to visit to about $500 to visit and make recommendations and draw it up. My jobs are very easy, so if you have multiple areas, it will be quite a bit more.

When I am going to open up areas, I get him to come out and say what we should do and write it up. First this removes liability off of me in case something happens. Next it shows the city that I have followed rules of getting and following the engineers recommendations. When the city starts to think you are not following rules, they will think that you are NOT following other rules also. "What else is this guy trying to get away with?"

Having an engineers letter just shows the city that you followed a licensed persons recommendation. My foundation guy had one done up by the same engineer. They basically make copies of it and show it on every foundation that they do. BUT they do their piers and base at the bottom of the supports the same way every time according to the engineers drawings.

The city is NOT jacking with you. Even though you have the general plan, which got you the permit, you have to have the detailed plan which is what the engineers and plumbers and electricians do so that the city knows everything was done up to code. It is no big deal at all.