Project Liability
Project Liability
(OP)
How much do you figure in a given job's potential liability in determining your fee?
If you have two jobs that both take 100 hours to complete, but have different levels of potential liability, would you charge a different fee?
For example - a metal building foundation design compared to an excavation design next to a large building.
If you have two jobs that both take 100 hours to complete, but have different levels of potential liability, would you charge a different fee?
For example - a metal building foundation design compared to an excavation design next to a large building.






RE: Project Liability
Foundation design for identical metal buildings, one in wild open area, one in the city adjacent to an open excavation. For this case, I would say the later is more expensive than the former, because you need to spend more time and energy on the later.
Also, for the later case, you may want to talk to your layer and insurance agent in case un-foreseen event happens.
RE: Project Liability
RE: Project Liability
In either case you are covered by E&O insurance and/or limitation of liability. It's more of a "if something goes wrong it could be really bad so I'm going to charge more" mentality.
RE: Project Liability
But, if you are the one to set fees, I don't see anything wrong to charge higher for something that would give you more headaches. The only catch is you may lose your competitive edge then.
RE: Project Liability
RE: Project Liability
Another factor is the knowledge of the client. The more they know, the less liability I expect since they understand shit happens on a jobsite and do not blame the engineer for extras.
For someone with no clue of the design and construction industry, much higher fee including construction observation, is in my proposal. If they want to cut that, no problem, I give them a couple of friends that may be interested in the work.
As lastly, get your agreement in writing.
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com
RE: Project Liability
RE: Project Liability
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com
RE: Project Liability
RE: Project Liability
Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com
RE: Project Liability