How Do I Select a Structural Engineer?

Determine the size and scope of your project; you may wish to consult an architect or contractor first to discuss cost, feasibility and design coordination.  Read our brochure here: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Compile a list of prospects.

• Search the Member Services Search for firms. 
• Ask your friends and contractors for recommendations.
• Refer to your local telephone directory (check in the white pages, the "Yellow Pages," or in large metropolitan areas, the "Business Yellow Pages"), or
• Contact professional engineering and professional land surveying societies, such as SEAOSC, SEAONC,  SEAOSD, SEAOCC, SEAOC, ASCE.

Confirm their State Registration.

• Visit the State of California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BPELSG) website and use the Online License Look-up Database to verify an individual's license, search for local professional engineers in your county, and view any disciplinary actions that have taken place against a licensee. This government agency covers many types of engineers, so be sure to look for "Professional Engineer" to view their Civil (C) or Structural (S) license.  
• Review the Consumer Guide published by BPELSG for additional information on selecting a qualifed engineer. 

Select two or more engineering firms and ask for references from previous jobs similar to yours. Verify their expertise in your type of project and their ability to complete projects on time and on budget.

Request that an engineer visit the project site in order to submit a written proposal, including the objectives, anticipated time schedule and engineer's compensation. While some engineers do not charge for a preliminary visit, many do.