What is a Structural Engineer?

A Structural Engineer is a certified professional who assesses and approves structural elements of a build — ensuring they meet strength, safety, and compliance standards. For this task, they’re engaged to review and certify the layout and design of your steel frame and roof trusses.


Their certificate is often required to move forward with ordering frames and may be needed for your Construction Certificate (CC).

What does a Structural Engineer do?

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


Typically, a Structural Engineer responsible for the Steel Frame & Truss layout will:

  • Review your architectural drawings and frame shop drawings
  • Confirm load paths, wind ratings, and bracing layouts
  • Check roof truss configurations for span, pitch, and compliance
  • Provide an engineering certificate or signed structural compliance report
  • Coordinate with your frame supplier for clarifications


Their approval ensures that your steel frame system is structurally sound and suitable for your build site and design.

Barry's Toolbox

Don’t treat engineering as a checkbox — it’s your structural safety net. Getting the frame design checked by a qualified structural engineer protects you from errors that could be costly (or dangerous) later on.

What to look for in a Structural Engineer

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Steel frame experience: Look for someone familiar with cold-formed steel design
  • Fast turnaround: Frame design often sits on your critical path
  • Clear certificates: Ensure they issue stamped and dated compliance documents
  • Collaborative: Willing to review shop drawings and liaise with your supplier
  • Licensed and insured: Must be qualified and carry professional indemnity insurance

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Structural Engineers for Steel Frame & Truss certification, you’ll need:

  • Your architectural plans and elevations
  • Frame supplier’s preliminary layout or shop drawings
  • Roof pitch, wind classification, and BAL/fire requirements (if applicable)
  • Site address and build type
  • Target date for certification

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 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 this different from my original engineer’s slab design?

    Yes — slab engineering and frame engineering are separate. This task focuses only on the superstructure (walls, roof trusses, bracing).



  • Do I need a certificate even if I use a well-known frame supplier?

    Yes — frame suppliers often provide shop drawings, but you still need a certified engineer to sign off on their structural performance.



  • Does the engineer visit site?

    Not typically — this is a desktop review based on plans and supplier drawings.

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.