Common residential projects
- Removing or opening up a wall. If it's load-bearing, you'll need a beam, posts and footings to carry the load, plus engineering for the building permit.
- Extensions. New footings and framing designed to work with the existing house.
- Adding a storey. The first step is checking whether the existing structure and footings can take the extra load, and what they'll need if not.
- New homes. Slab and footing design, plus beams and framing beyond what the timber framing tables cover.
- Retaining walls and sloping blocks. Walls, split levels and stepped footings.
We work on new homes, townhouses, multi-unit developments, alterations and extensions, as well as outbuildings and retaining walls.
Working with your designer and builder
For most homes, the building designer or architect prepares the architectural drawings, and we provide the structural engineering that sits alongside them. We work from their plans, flag structural issues early while they're still easy to change, and coordinate so that the drawings agree. Builders are welcome to call us directly with questions during construction.
What we design
- Slabs and footings, including for extensions next to existing footings
- Steel and timber beams, lintels and posts
- Framing and bracing beyond the scope of the timber framing tables
- Tie-downs and connections
- Retaining walls
- Assessment of existing structures before alterations
- Construction-stage inspections, if engaged
What you receive
- Structural drawingsFooting plans, framing plans, beam schedules and details.
- CalculationsSupporting calculations for the building surveyor.
- CertificateA certificate of compliance for design, where your surveyor requires one.
- Construction supportAnswers to builder questions, and inspections if engaged.
What we need from you
- Architectural drawings: plans, elevations and sections (or a sketch and photos for early advice)
- Site plan showing boundaries, trees and levels
- Soil report and site classification, if available (we'll tell you if one is needed)
- Photos of the existing structure, for alterations and extensions
- Your builder's preferences, such as steel or timber, if known
Don't have everything yet? Send what you have. We'll tell you what's missing and whether it affects the proposal.
How it works
- Send your plansWe review them and tell you what engineering is needed and whether anything is missing.
- ProposalA written proposal sets out the scope, fee and programme.
- Site visit, if neededUsually for alterations, to see the existing structure.
- Design and documentsWe prepare the drawings and calculations and support your building permit application.
Who does what
MEG provides
- Structural and footing engineering
- Documentation for the building permit
- Inspections during construction, if engaged
Not included, or by others
- Architectural design or drafting
- Building permits (issued by the building surveyor)
- Energy ratings
- Soil testing (by a geotechnical consultant)
Questions
Do I need an engineer to remove a wall?
If the wall is load-bearing, yes. The load has to be carried by a new beam, posts and footings, and the building surveyor will usually need engineering for the permit. If you're unsure whether a wall is load-bearing, we can tell you from the plans or a site visit.
Do I need a soil test?
For new footings, almost always. If you're only replacing a wall with a beam, the existing footings may be adequate, and we'll tell you if more information is needed.
Can you work from my building designer's plans?
Yes. That's the usual arrangement. We'll coordinate with your designer directly if that suits you.
What will I get for the building permit?
Structural drawings and calculations, plus a certificate of compliance for design if your building surveyor asks for one.
How much does it cost?
Every home is different, so we quote each project after seeing the plans. The fee proposal is free; the engineering starts once you've accepted it.