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Recent content by McLJ

  1. McLJ

    Why do Engineers constantly cut throat each other ?

    My pleasure, Pamela. I have clients ask if I will give them a break on the fee. I show them that I already have and that pretty much shuts them up. I have a friend, a residential home designer, who refuses to do this because she's afraid it will reflect badly on her. Her theory is that...
  2. McLJ

    Structural Engineer Company Setup LLC question

    Like DRWeig said, "PLLC vs LLC regulations vary from state to state and country to country." Quite frankly, this is a question to ask your lawyer and accountant. In addition to legal questions, there are tax questions to be considered as well. I consulted both before setting up as an LLC...
  3. McLJ

    Why do Engineers constantly cut throat each other ?

    I agree with Ron, "Don't get sucked into competing on price." Price is important, but I think reputation and quality has a bigger role than many realize. In a crappy economy, that doesn't always work so well. Some architects are better than others. There is one I refuse to work with...
  4. McLJ

    Contract engineering firms: What is a fair price of business.

    Pamela, I agree. We should be able to charge more, but no one likes to spend money on the stuff they can't see, but it seems (for structural engineers) that everyone who has ever held a hammer thinks they know as much about framing a house as I do. I once quipped on my Facebook page, "Oh...
  5. McLJ

    Masonry Bearing on Wood Bearing On Steel

    I have done it for veneer only, and in only very limited cases; otherwise it's a really bad idea in my book. Strength, or over-strength issues aside, wood shrinks. As the wood shrinks it can cause 'settlement' in the masonry. If the masonry is exposed to weather, treated wood is required...
  6. McLJ

    2x6 T&G as roof diaphragm

    I have actually done this before - several years ago. I can't remember 100%, but I believe the T&G was used by itself for the diaphragm. I do recall that it was only for a specific area of the house and the rest was conventionally built. It is a very popular look. I would personally be more...
  7. McLJ

    Contract engineering firms: What is a fair price of business.

    EngineerDave, My former company billed employees out at 2.2 x their hourly wage. As a self employed structural engineer, I currently charge $80/hr, which is less than most of my competitors who are in the $90/hr range. I had been planning to raise my rates in 2009, but held off because of...
  8. McLJ

    Double billing

    Double billing is not appropriate and could land you in legal hot water. There was a story some years ago (when once upon a time I was married to a lawyer) where an attorney was sued by a client for doing just that. The client won an then the attorney was sanctioned by the state board. I...
  9. McLJ

    Deceptive Client Concerns

    Jboggs - no, none of my work is a matter of public record until it is filed with a public agency. What is public is the Building Official's records - his demand for a structural evaluation and my initial involvement. Typically, you are correct and the client can do with the work whatever...
  10. McLJ

    Deceptive Client Concerns

    dik, I can file a lien as well, if it comes to it - and it probably will. The tenant question was simple - he wanted to know if a crack in an existing beam was of concern. He indicated that the BO was concerned. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary for a heavy timber beam and told him so...
  11. McLJ

    Deceptive Client Concerns

    @JAE :-) @MintJulep - Yes, it's a mess, but fortunately, not mine anymore - except the getting paid part - that's not going to be pleasant. I doubt it will get as far as court, but you never know. About that documentation - good reminder. I worked for a fairly large firm for many years...
  12. McLJ

    Deceptive Client Concerns

    ztengguy and JAE, Thank you for your feedback. JAE - you made some very good points and I thank you for your point-by-point analysis. I like to give people the benefit of doubt when it appears there may be a misunderstanding, and give them time to correct a problem. In this case, a complete...
  13. McLJ

    Deceptive Client Concerns

    LOL Mike! I was thinking that, myself. Lila J. McGrew Evergreen Engineering & Design, LLC Everson, WA www.evergreeneng.com
  14. McLJ

    Deceptive Client Concerns

    Oh - and #6: The only reason I am preparing this report is because the Building Official demanded it. The Client would not have hired me otherwise, because, obviously, replacing a 15' stretch of wall with a beam is "just cosmetic". Lila J. McGrew Evergreen Engineering & Design, LLC...
  15. McLJ

    I don't like it, but is it illegal?

    "That said, where I am from, legally nobody can so much as start scooping topsoil with a Coleman camping shovel if it is intended to be part of a road or bridge modification without all notifications and approvals in place. Meanwhile, you are at liberty to draw pretty much whatever you want on...
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