When getting quotes for seismic bracing design, it is important to understand what these quotes include. Specifically, it is important to understand if they include just engineering or both engineering and seismic bracing components.
Here, we’ll touch on why engineering estimates can vary while also explaining what you can expect when you get an estimate from the experienced professionals here at VIE Engineers.
Why Engineering Estimates Vary
A certain degree of variability is inevitable in engineering estimates. For example, quotes from engineering firms that provide proposals for everything needed for the project will naturally be higher than quotes from firms that just do part of the engineering.
A key component of understanding engineering estimates and why they are at the price they are is to look at the components included in the estimate.
Some components of engineering estimates may be: the cost to retrofit the structural elements of the building; non-seismic, non-construction costs that directly support retrofit work; building characteristics such as whether the building is deemed historic, the building type, the building area, etc; and more.
Other factors to consider with the costs of design include:
- Location. The cost of living and design challenges of your region can impact your estimate.
- Project scope. Is the estimate just for reports and drawings or does it include other aspects?
- Experience. Engineers with more experience and/or specialized licenses can charge more than new engineers.
Engineering Estimates That Account For The Whole Package
VIE uses innovative designs to reduce the cost by a factor of 2 or more compared to firms that do engineering only. Our engineers utilize advanced engineering procedures to reduce the number of braces on a project. Our estimates include the whole package, such as all braces, in addition to the design.
When you consider everything that our engineering estimates include, you’ll understand that you’ll be doing the best thing for your project.
What’s Included In VIE’s Engineering Estimates:
VIE provides seismic bracing of MEP systems. We develop positive relationships with design review companies and government agencies to ensure that the design-approved project is completed in a time-efficient manner. Part of this includes comprehensive estimates that include the following – and more.
- Our state of the art engineering uses advanced procedures to take into account system dynamic properties and system ductility. By doing this, our designs typically use smaller seismic braces and fees than more conservative designs.
- VIE works with MEP contractors to understand and use actual load levels. For example, we do not just use the maximum gravity loads that you may see in a conservative load table. We understand what the loads will actually be and use that information in our work.
- All engineering for seismic bracing is done by professional engineers that are licensed in the state where a project is located. We do not use non-engineers to lay out and select brace types and then provide the service of a “stamping engineer” to quickly review and stamp drawings and calculations. Our engineers mark up exactly where braces go based on engineering techniques, removing guesswork from your installation. Our kits are specifically sized and labeled for specific locations on our drawings, rather than just a table.
- VIE does not use cookie cutter brace loads or diagrams that are published by various manufacturers or bracing suppliers. Our designs show which brace types are needed and where these braces should be located. This eliminates the confusion that can be created by some firms that just specify generic brace spec tables or generic drawings.
- VIE, with CFC, provides complete bracing design and also provides all the bracing cables, strut, fittings, and all that is needed for a project.
- We provide field support throughout a project, as well as training contractors in brace installation at no additional cost.
- VIE do not nickel and dime our clients with change orders. We understand that a design review may be needed.
- We accept refunds of unused bracing fits. We do not charge a restock fee.
Leading Seismic Engineering Services Throughout The United States
VIE Engineers provides seismic engineering services throughout the United States, including seismic grant writing, seismic equipment certification, seismic bracing, and more. Our engineers look closely at project specifications and code-required component importance factors, as well as the specific braces required and where they should go, ways to reduce installation labor, and more.
We work with Connectors For Construction (CFC) in order to provide our clients with the whole package in a turn-key solution and factor this into our estimates. This enables us to provide comprehensive engineering estimates that include far more than just the design.
To learn more about our services and what our estimates include, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
