Steel beams for house extension - working with structural engineer

[@ivonikolov6714]

Great video. How you manage to get the structural engineer to provide so detailed details? They all claim that the details are "typical" and refuse to provide. Beside from that I can only applaud you. Well done getting it done yourself.

[@build-better-things]

The trick with engineers is getting their draft drawings and reading through them with a fine eye. I’ll mark up with a blue pen, scan and send back. Even “standard” details should be shown for steel. They almost always miss things, but they’ll amend if you point out discrepancies or omissions. For steel work, although I’ll create very rough 3d sketches or drawings which show the fabricator in summary what the components are, but for all the junctions and fixings, it has to be drawn and described by the engineer. Plate sizes, beam sizes, bolts and holes. If he’s not doing it, then he’s expecting the contractor to do it, but that would not be standard in a domestic situation. However, either way, you’ll be paying for an engineer, as if it’s not your engineer, it’s going to be your fabricator who will engineer it, and it will be added into his costs, just further down the line. Way better to get out all drawn out before the contractor is involved. Early scrimping, such as not paying to get the design totally nailed, usually costs way more in the long run, but in my experience people often tend to avoid paying engineers to do it upfront for some reason. False economy. Thanks for the comment.

[@mikefromwirral5471]

Very interesting and well presented.

[@build-better-things]

Thank you for the comment.

[@ETB9090]

This has got to be the best video showing & explaining the process in detail that I've ever seen, very well done for this, is that sketch up your using as if it is I wasn't aware you could do quants on it, cheers 👍👍

[@build-better-things]

It’s SketchUp I’m using, and yes, you can do the quantities using the Generate Report tool, which you then export to a spreadsheet. However, for some situations, I also use a plug in called Quantifier Pro , since it’s a bit easier. But Generate Report works just fine. Thanks a lot for your comment.

[@nellopetrioli2840]

Great video and very well explained. Your comment regarding the level of detail provided the structural engineer is interesting. Was the scope of works discussed with the engineer when they provided a quote? Often the engineer will be expected to set out the general parameters of the steelwork (i.e sizes) and expect the contractor and steel fabricator to work out how it all fits together, so the engineer's quote will typically exclude these details.

[@build-better-things]

Thanks for the encouragement and yes, you’re correct, the contractor needs to write the method statement and the safety plan, both of which require further engineering, which is a crazy situation . I don’t agree with this, but I don’t make the rules.

[@flip0345]

Thanks !

[@assifkhan3803]

Thank s . appreciate this video .yes it deffo deserve a 👍up

[@liamodonnell9091]

Great video. I am a structural engineer and you make a lot of good points. I would have done the connection so it sits on a top hat on the 203 UC posts but it can be done like this also. Subscribed

[@build-better-things]

I think your suggestion of sitting it on top is a good one. There was probably more work in the solution we built. Thanks a lot for your comment

[@realone2462]

Hello I need your help I'm trying to get steel beams for my basement and we are trying to do the project ourselves... But none of the hardware stores I called sell them can you tell me where to start without a contractor

[@build-better-things]

You need to go to a steel fabricator. They will ask you for your engineer’s drawings as they need to know which size and weight of beam they need to cut for you. You will also have to decide whether you want it installed by them or another way.

[@adelkandil4069]

Hi mate hope you all well I would to get in touch with you for an advice for an extension to my house with some complexity many thanks if I can give you a call would be great many thanks