FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
McCann Structural Solutions can work on an hourly fee, set fee, or maximum not to exceed basis. Extensive remodels are generally on an hourly basis. New construction is usually a set fee. Small remodels are usually a maximum not to exceed. For larger projects, phased billings are used where certain aspects of the project may or may not be needed at the owner's option during the design and construction process. After an initial site visit, if needed, I do provide written contract to delineate what the needs and desires of the client are, as well as the expected costs and timeline to completion. Any initial site visit is charged outside of the proposal and payable at the time of the site visit. In most cases, a proposal cannot be given without making a site visit first to see the structure.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
1. Initial phone interview. 2. Exchange of any relevant information. 3. A possible need for a preliminary site visit to gather further information necessary to provide a proposal. There is a separate fee for site visit, payable on site. Depending on the location of the project, the amount for the site visit will vary - the minimum is $600.00. The actual amount will be quoted prior to any initial site visit. 4. McCann Structural Solutions will write and send a proposal via email. 4. Homeowner sign and return proposal with any needed retainer included. 5. In process coordination as needed during design. 6. Preparation of calculations and any needed drawings. 7. Delivery of documents to client, with full payment upon delivery.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BSCE from the University of Washington with an additional two years post-graduate studies in structural dynamics. I am also a licensed structural engineer in the state of Washington, and have been licensed in as many as ten other states in the past. I have 40 years of structural engineering experience, most in the greater Puget Sound area. I am also an active particpating member in a worldwide engineering forum where current engineering codes and trends are discussed and debated on a regular basis. I have been accepted to a group of 190 within the 1,000,000 plus member forum (and growing) to help maintain and improve the site. In past years, I have been a member of SEAW, ICBO, ASCE, and the International Log Builder's Association, but found membership in this forum to be more practical and accessible, with questions answered promptly by those who know. I would recommend the site to any engineer worldwide.