What is a Structural Engineer (Structural Design)?

A Structural Engineer is a qualified professional who designs and verifies the structural components of your build—such as footings, slabs, suspended floors, and frames—ensuring they meet Australian Standards and are safe, stable, and suited to your site conditions.


Your Structural Engineer designs all structural elements and conducts key inspections—footings, slabs, and framing—ensuring your build remains compliant and structurally sound from start to finish.

What does a Structural Engineer do?

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


Typically, a Structural Engineer will:

  • Design all structural elements in accordance with your architectural plans and site classification
  • Provide signed engineering drawings and certificates for construction
  • Conduct inspections at key construction milestones (e.g. footings, steelwork, frames)
  • Ensure work is completed in accordance with their design and make any necessary recommendations
  • Issue reports or documentation required for certification and compliance


They remain involved throughout the entire structural phase of your build, from early design through to final frame inspection.

Barry's Toolbox

Don’t delay the engineer’s engagement—you can’t pour a slab, frame walls, or book inspections without certified structural documents. Confirm your site’s classification and make sure their inspections are clearly scheduled into your build.

What Makes a Good Structural Engineer?

Look for someone who:

  • Are registered and experienced with residential structures
  • Provide prompt turnaround for both design and inspection documentation
  • Offer site-specific advice that balances compliance, cost, and constructibility
  • Are reliable and available for scheduled inspections without delay

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Structural Engineers, you’ll need:

  • A copy of your architectural plans (floor plans, elevations, sections)
  • Site classification and soil test report
  • Details of any previous engineering design (if revising)
  • Scope of what you need designed and inspected (e.g. slabs, footings, framing)

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

  • Can I use an engineer from a different state?

    Yes, but they must be registered to practice in your build location. It's often easier to work with someone familiar with local council and site conditions.

  • Are engineer inspections mandatory?

    Yes—for most structural components. Your certifier can’t proceed without approval from the Structural Engineer for key stages like footings and framing.

  • Can the engineer update their plans during construction?

    Absolutely. If something changes on site, your engineer may issue a revised design or provide written approval for minor amendments.

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.