What Engineering Includes (and Does Not Include)
Engineering services are most effective when roles and expectations are clear. This page outlines what is included in standard engineering services and what falls outside that scope.
The intent is not to limit collaboration, but to ensure engineering effort is focused, predictable, and aligned with the agreed project scope.
What Engineering Includes
Engineering services typically include the following, within the defined scope of work:
Singel discipline (Structural or MEP) design based on the approved architectural documents
Engineering drawings and details necessary for permitting
Responses to permitting and plan review comments related to the submitted documents
Clarifications of the engineering intent shown on the plans
These services support permitting, coordination, and construction in accordance with the approved design.
What Engineering Does Not Include
The following items are not included in standard engineering services unless specifically contracted:
Construction means and methods
Installation sequencing or step-by-step build instructions
Construction management or site supervision
Coordination with other disciplines
Cost estimating, budgeting, or pricing advice
Value engineering or alternative design exploration
Redesign based on cost, schedule, or constructability preferences
These services often require additional time, coordination, and professional responsibility beyond the base engineering scope.
Common Questions
"Can you tell us how to build it?"
Engineering defines design intent and performance requirements. Construction means, methods, and sequencing are the responsibility of the builder and their trade partners.
"What would you do instead?"
Evaluating alternatives or redesigning for cost, constructability, or preference is considered value engineering and is provided only when specifically contracted.
"Can you just take a quick look?"
Advisory review or design guidance outside the approved scope requires additional engineering time and is handled as an additional service.
Why These Boundaries Matter
Clear scope boundaries help:
Keep projects on schedule
Avoid conflicting direction during construction
Ensure engineering liability is properly managed
Allow teams to plan and budget accurately
When additional input is needed, expanding the scope intentionally leads to better outcomes for everyone.
Final Note
If your project requires advisory support, design alternatives, or value engineering, those services can be provided under a separate agreement. Clarifying needs early helps ensure the right level of support is in place without delays or surprises.