Engineering Support for Owners: What You Need to Know
This page explains how engineering support works on your project, what's included, and when additional support may be required. The goal is to keep your project moving smoothly, avoid surprises, and make sure you get the right level of engineering at the right time.
Most projects only need standard production engineering. This page helps you understand when that's enough — and when an upgrade is necessary.
What Owners Get by Default: Production Engineering
Production engineering is designed to take an approved design and turn it into permit-ready engineering.
For owners, this includes:
Structural and system engineering based on the approved plans
Code-required calculations
Engineering drawings and details for permitting
Responses to permit reviewer comments related to the submitted plans
Clarifications that explain what's already shown on the drawings
This level of support covers what most owners need to permit and build their project.
What Production Engineering Does Not Include
Production engineering is focused on execution, not open-ended consulting.
It does not include:
Redesigning plans or layouts
Evaluating alternative designs or materials
Construction means, methods, or sequencing
Site-specific problem solving
Cost estimating or value engineering
Advisory calls about "what would be better"
When questions go beyond what's already shown in the plans, a higher level of support may be required.
Clarification vs. Interpretation (Why This Matters)
Understanding this difference helps avoid delays.
Clarification means explaining what's already in the plans.
Examples:
- • A permit reviewer asks how a detail works
- • A builder needs confirmation of a connection shown on the drawings
Clarifications are included in production engineering.
Interpretation means applying engineering judgment to a situation that differs from the plans.
Examples:
- • Site conditions differ from what was designed
- • Materials or products change
- • The building is adjusted to "make it work" in the field
Interpretations typically require additional engineering support.
When Owners Need Principal Engineering
Principal engineering is required when your project needs engineering judgment beyond the approved plans.
Owners typically need to upgrade when:
Plans must change after engineering has started
Site conditions differ from what was assumed
You want advice on alternatives, improvements, or cost reductions
Construction issues require engineering decisions not shown in the drawings
Multiple changes are happening at once
This level of support gives you direct access to the principal engineer for advisory and decision-making work.
Who Pays for Principal Engineering?
Principal engineering is owner-directed support. It is typically paid for by the owner because it relates to project-specific decisions, changes, or conditions rather than base engineering production.
This keeps standard engineering affordable for everyone and ensures advisory time is available when it's truly needed.
Can Owners Call the Engineer Directly?
Routine questions should go through your retailer, builder, or project coordinator so they can be properly routed.
Direct calls with the principal engineer are part of principal engineering support and are scheduled when that level of service is in place.
What About Change Orders?
A change order is required when something about the approved design changes.
Examples include:
- • Layout, size, or elevation changes
- • Moving walls, openings, or roof geometry
- • Any change that affects the engineered design
Clarifications and engineering corrections are not change orders. Design changes are.
Do Most Owners Need Principal Engineering?
No. Most owners never need it.
Projects with stable plans, standard conditions, and no late changes usually move from permit to construction using production engineering alone.
Principal engineering exists for projects that need additional flexibility or decision-making support.
Why Engineering Is Structured This Way
Engineering is structured in tiers so:
- • Owners with straightforward projects aren't paying for services they don't need
- • Advisory and decision-making support is available when required
- • Projects stay predictable in cost and schedule
This approach keeps engineering fair, efficient, and scalable.
Quick Reference for Owners
If it's already in the plans → Production Engineering
If conditions differ from the plans → Principal Engineering
If the plan must change → Principal Engineering
If you're unsure, contact your retailer or project coordinator and they'll help route the request correctly.