Engineers Seal on a Sketch
Engineers Seal on a Sketch
(OP)
New York State requirements for Engineers seal is a bit vague in describing "In general, all plans, specifications and reports prepared by the professional engineer" are to be sealed by the engineer.
The question is "minor documents" such as a sketch showing alterations to an existing structure that was not professionally designed in the first place. Should it be sealed?
Numerous Code Officials have accepted my letter head and signature as evidence of my authorization, at least one is now demanding the most incidental engineering sealed.
Any Thoughts? ...Engineers...Code Officials?
By minor I'm thinking a window opening in a residential bearing wall, etc.
The question is "minor documents" such as a sketch showing alterations to an existing structure that was not professionally designed in the first place. Should it be sealed?
Numerous Code Officials have accepted my letter head and signature as evidence of my authorization, at least one is now demanding the most incidental engineering sealed.
Any Thoughts? ...Engineers...Code Officials?
By minor I'm thinking a window opening in a residential bearing wall, etc.






RE: Engineers Seal on a Sketch
Their "I gotcha" is the statement "In general....". That leaves the clause open to interpretation (theirs) so if you're willing to stand behind what you did as a licensed engineer, sign and seal it and don't worry about it.
My concern would be that you are providing engineering to a previously "non-engineered" structure. Do you have an obligation to check the adequacy of the structure before you make your modifications? How does your modification affect areas that are not modified?
RE: Engineers Seal on a Sketch
So I guess some sign sketches...
Personally, I would not do it - a formal drawing stands the trest of time, and court, much better.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Engineers Seal on a Sketch
My opinion, generally, is that if you're intending the document to be used to convey your engineering opinion and want them to actually do something with it it should probably be stamped. I'd prefer that any document I expect the contractor to work from have a stamp on it. It makes them expect it and hopefully will make them ask questions if they get a change and don't see a stamp.
You're still going to end up liable for it either way, so why not make it clear that it's your professional work? Not stamping something doesn't release you from any standard of care. Stamping is supposed to indicate that you're licenced, you stand behind the work, you're satisfied with it and it's your work or you supervised it. If you've done reasonable work, then stamp it. If I'm giving someone a sketch with the intention that they use that to build from, then I have no problem stamping it.
I won't stamp a sketch in pencil, though, for obvious reasons.
RE: Engineers Seal on a Sketch
RE: Engineers Seal on a Sketch
If by sketch we're using it in the 'preliminary and less formal drawing' sense, then I have different opinions, as the work on it may not be completely engineered or the work may not be final. It depends on the context.
I'm also not sure if I'm reading the original question right, either. I interpreted it to mean that the sketch was showing engineered changes to be made to an un-engineered structure. It's possible npye was saying that it was a sketch documenting some type of arbitrary changes, which had already occurred, that were made to an unengineered structure. In which case it's an as-built record and, at least in my jurisdiction, isn't generally supposed to be stamped. The fact that he would otherwise be authorizing things via letter leads me to believe that it's supposed to be something he's authorizing in his scope as a professional, which would make me believe a stamp is appropriate, but I could be off base.
RE: Engineers Seal on a Sketch
RE: Engineers Seal on a Sketch
The seemingly greater liability and restrictions on un-sanctioned construction, alteration, additions and etc. appear to be catching up with us.
In Upstate New York even in rural communities it has become much harder for the individual (say, home owner) to just proceed with a construction without formal permits or certified construction documents.
The Lunch bag/napkin sketch that for years has provided an invaluable and inexpensive technical source for at least the builders that know they have a question.......is perhaps obsolete.
I shall resist no longer (hope my E+O Insurance Company feels the same way)
RE: Engineers Seal on a Sketch
So you either engineer it, or you don't. Then signing and sealing your sketch is just a 1 minute formality. I've signed and sealed hand drawn sketches with a few qualifying notes for small residential projects.