Expert structural engineering with a focus on safety, simplicity, value, and preserving your project's architectural design.
About Me
I grew up in El Monte, California and moved to Orange County in 2001 to attend UC Irvine, where I went to school to study structural engineering. After graduating in 2005, I moved around a bit and settled in Tustin in 2010.
I have worked as a structural engineer since 2005, and in 2022, I started this company to provide my engineering services directly to my clients, whether architects, developers, general contractors, or homeowners, and simply to spend more time with my family.
The whole time I have prided myself on providing simple, safe solutions and being as straightforward as possible with people about their projects. My goal is always to get your project through permitting and construction as smoothly as possible, and not to add to the already complicated construction process.
I live in Tustin with my amazing wife and three kids who all have taught me so much about life and myself.
My Process
I will work with you from the beginning to make sure your project runs smoothly. Here are the typical steps in the average project:
Step 1 - Initial Design Review
This is where I can look at your project and figure out a preliminary structural plan, and if beneficial, recommend some changes, or at least convey any areas I find that could be the highest construction budget items.
Step 2 - Construction Documents
Now I prepare the structural plans that will be used for construction. I will still be in contact regarding schedules, coordination, and any remaining concern areas. After the jurisdiction reviews the plans, I'll respond to any plan check comments they have.
Step 3 - Approval and Construction
Plans are approved and construction can start. I can be available for contractor questions or consulted for quality control / structural observation if requested. I encourage contractors to call me to discuss any questions they have before starting construction to avoid issues later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I work with you?
I have experience in many different projects types, I do 100% of my own engineering work, and I will put my experience to use to make your project safe and the construction process efficient. Structural engineering fees are typically in the 1-2% range of total construction costs, but structural plans affect a much larger part, from the foundation and framing costs, to the amount of labor it takes to put everything together, as well as helping to avoid costly or time-consuming field issues. I regularly see plan sets where I can find my design fee just in excess material/hardware specified.
I'm a homeowner. Do you handle everything I need to apply for permit?
In some limited cases, yes, but for most significant projects, you'll likely need an architect or drafter/designer who should be able to put together the rest of the design team.
Are you a design/build contractor?
No, I provide structural plans only as part of a consultant team that prepares plans for permitting. Once your plans are approved, you can request bids for construction from contractors. Design/build contractors are typically hired to handle both the permitting and construction processes.
What are your fees like?
They vary quite a bit depending on the project scope, location (earthquake and wind loads vary), and complexity:
- Simple, detached 1-story ADUs or small home additions tend to start around $3000 to $3500.
- Simple custom homes (~2000sq ft or less) or extensive home additions/remodels may start around $5000 to $6000.
- Fees on larger, detail-heavy custom homes or multifamily projects are bid on an individual basis.
The numbers above are estimates for reference only and would generally include structural plans, calculations, and response to plan check comments only. I can provide a detailed quote after reviewing architectural plans for your project.
I have approved structural plans already, and I have a few questions or concerns. Can you review the plans?
Absolutely! In fact, I have provided all new structural plans multiple times in these situations and saved my client money in the process.
I bought structural plans online, but they are not stamped by a professional engineer. Can you review and stamp them?
No, sorry. Professional engineers are supposed to stamp work prepared under their direction and control.
Can you take a look at my existing building to determine if there are structural issues?
Yes, but I often tell people that it is difficult to evaluate buildings without seeing the actual structural members, and even then not a guarantee that a visual observation will provide absolute answers.
Contact
Feel free to call, email or send a message using this form.
Call: 949-579-2048
Email: steve@engsteve.com