Local practice here is that all engineering fees are based on the time taken for the work. It is normally based on hourly fees but sometimes a daily fee is used. Personally I like a total job fee, but in any case it is based on a reasonable estimate of the hours involved.

Hourly rates vary greatly depending on experience, they range from $CDN80 to $120 for the majority of the working engineers here. A higher rate can often result in less hours and a lower total cost. (More experienced engineers are faster.)

Most engineers will attempt to balance the amount of analysis done with the value of the work being performed. If the engineering starts to get out of line with the value of the results they will makes some simplifying assumptions and expedite the work.

For new construction fees range from 5 to 15% of the value of the work.

For reconstruction this rule of thumb can go out the window since the amount of analysis is independent of the amount of work to be done. (An extensive and detailed analysis will cost more and may reduce the amount of remedial work necessary.)

Rick Kitson MBA P.Eng

Construction Project Management
From conception to completion
www.kitsonengineering.com

Are you preparing a proposal, or receiving them?

Please see FAQ731-376  by VPL for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

Receiving them.

Hmmm. Do you often do this type of work - Reshoring Analysis/Reshoring System Design?

Be careful. Get someone experienced.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/7141491.htm

With the push towards economy on structures today, we have designed out the inherent redundancy in our structures. The construction phase is the most difficult and dangerous phase in the life of a structure. Even if a structure is not visably damaged by local overloading during construction, damage may still occur. A proper well designed reshoring system is vital to ensure that the construction phase does not do damage to a building.

Hopefully in the coming months, ACI with publish a long awaited document on Reshoring design and analysis that will help make the desicion easier as to when to involve a specialty reshoring contractor.

As far as fees, I don't really know. My time is rolled up into an estimate, though it comes to around $100 an hour, much less if you count time spent working while off the 40 hr a week clock.

Daniel

the first place to look is your local engineering association.  for new construction, there are usually established percentages of construction value assigned for different engineering jobs.  the value of your work should be in relation to the inherent risk of the project.  no one should take a job that carries a high percentage of risk for a low fee.  What i am trying to say, is that checking a job like the one your describing should be allotted a sufficient amount of time to ensure that you are not rushing something throught just to make budget.  This type of scenario could end up landing you in a pile of hot water, and ultimately, the cost of being involved in a lawsuit or complaint will greatly exceed the cost recieved for doing the work.  The quoted fee for a particlar project should reflect this reality.  

To elaborate on a point RDK made, one estimate i have seen published for fee increases in existing construction is 150% over new construction fees.

Good Luck