What is a Structural Engineer (Steel Floor Joist Design)?

A Structural Engineer is a qualified professional who designs and certifies structural elements in a building project to ensure they are safe, durable, and compliant with Australian Standards. For projects using steel floor systems, a Structural Engineer ensures the joist sizes, spacings, and connections are correctly specified to suit your design loads and site conditions.

What does a Structural Engineer do?

Your Structural Engineer will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, a Structural Engineer will:

Review your architectural plans, site conditions, and soil report

Design a steel floor joist system suitable for your building’s layout and load requirements

Specify joist sizes, spacings, bearer connections, and footings

Prepare certified structural drawings and calculations for council or certifier approval

Support your fabricator with detailed installation guidance if required


They ensure your steel flooring system is engineered for strength, stability, cost-efficiency, and compliance.

Barry's Toolbox

If your site has slope or unstable soil, steel floor joist systems can save time and cost over traditional concrete slabs — but the right engineering design is critical to avoid flex or bounce issues later.

What to look for in an Arborist

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Accreditation: Must be a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or registered appropriately in your state (e.g., RPEQ, NER).
  • Steel design experience: Look for engineers with proven expertise in lightweight and structural steel floor systems.
  • Practical detailing: Good engineers design systems that are straightforward for fabricators to install.
  • Speed: Ask about design turnaround times — delays at this stage can impact your building start date.
  • Coordination: Engineers who communicate clearly with your supplier help avoid costly site errors.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Structural Engineers for Steel Floor Joist Design, you’ll need:

  • Site address and soil report (e.g., Site Classification to AS2870)
  • Architectural floor plans and elevations
  • Preferred framing material (lightweight steel, structural steel)
  • Site topography details (especially for sloping sites)
  • Your project timeline for construction commencement

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 3-5 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is steel flooring better than timber?

    Steel joist systems are highly durable, termite-proof, and ideal for difficult sites. However, they require precise engineering to perform properly.

  • Does a steel floor joist system need special footing design?

    Yes. Steel floor systems usually require specific bearer support points, piers, or footings engineered for your soil conditions.

  • Will the council or certifier need to see the Steel Joist Design?

    Yes. The certified design forms part of your Construction Certificate (CC) or CDC documentation to confirm compliance.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.