What is a Structural Engineer (for Frame & Truss Design Certificate)?

A Structural Engineer in this role is responsible for producing or certifying the layout and engineering design of your timber wall frames and roof trusses, ensuring they comply with Australian Standards and are structurally adequate for your build. This certificate is often required for council approval, certifier sign-off, or to support a compliant prefab frame and truss order.



This work typically occurs after the architectural and slab plans are finalised, but before the frame and truss supply is ordered.

What does a Structural Engineer do?

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


Typically, they will:

  • Review your architectural plans and roof structure layout
  • Confirm that the wall frames and trusses are structurally adequate
  • Nominate tie-downs, lintels, bracing walls, and load paths
  • Provide a signed design certificate (Form 15, compliance report, or similar)
  • Liaise with your frame and truss supplier if changes are needed


If you already have shop drawings from a supplier, the engineer can review and certify them; otherwise, they may prepare the layout from scratch.

Tip: Get Engineering Sign-Off Before Submitting Your Frame Order

Don’t submit your frame order until the engineer has reviewed ALL load-bearing walls, tie-down points, and bracing zones — one missing shear wall can derail your inspection.


If you're working with a pre-cut supplier, ask them if their engineer will certify, or if you need to engage your own.

What to look for in a Structural Engineer

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Registration with your state’s engineering board (e.g. RPEQ, NER, CPEng)
  • Clarity around whether they’re preparing the layout or certifying an existing one
  • What form of certificate they provide (e.g. Form 15 in QLD, Compliance Statement)
  • Timeline for assessment and turnaround
  • Experience with timber framing systems and truss configurations


It’s ideal if the engineer can liaise directly with your truss supplier.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from a Structural Engineer for Timber Frame & Truss Certification, you’ll need:

  • Your architectural drawings (floor plan, elevations, roof layout)
  • Any available engineering plans (slab, floor joist, or bracing specs)
  • Shop drawings from your frame and truss supplier (if already prepared)
  • Confirmation of framing type and load paths (e.g. standard truss, cathedral, LVL)
  • Project location and delivery timeline

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

  • Do I need a certificate if the frame supplier already engineered it?

    Sometimes — many certifiers require a registered engineer to sign off on the layout, even if it’s from a prefab supplier. Check with your certifier.

  • Can the same engineer do my slab and frame certificate?

    Yes — many engineers can provide both if engaged early. Just ensure they understand both scope items clearly.

  • What if I change my wall layout after certification?

    Any changes to load-bearing or braced walls may void your certificate. Always notify your engineer of layout changes before ordering frames.

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.