General FAQs
Do you offer free quotes or estimates?
1
Yes. We provide proposals and estimates for structural engineering services once an architect has been engaged and has preliminary drawings to share.
How long does it typically take for you to complete a project?
2
The duration of a project depends on the project size and scope, the client’s timeline, and the permitting process.
What are your strengths as a firm?
3
Experience across many project types
Flexibility and practical problem-solving
Clear communication and responsiveness
Knowledge of many materials and jurisdictions
A strong commitment to treating our team well
We aim to be friendly, collaborative, and practical. We work closely with architects, owners, and contractors to find solutions that meet everyone’s needs. If a contractor suggests a way to save money or improve constructability, we’re open to it as long as it works structurally.
Can you help with building renovations and additions or do you only handle new construction?
4
We provide structural engineering services for renovations, modernization, and additions to existing structures as well as for new construction.
Where are you licensed to work?
5
We are engineers who are licensed as professional structural engineers and professional civil engineers in the State of California.
What types of projects do you specialize in?
6
Residential remodels, additions, and new homes
Commercial buildings
Healthcare facilities and equipment anchorage
Public and private schools
Multi-family housing
Our portfolio shows examples of the myriad project types we work in.
FAQs for Homeowners
When should I contact a structural engineer?
1
Once you’ve hired an architect and have preliminary architectural plans, it’s a good time to engage the structural engineer. With those plans we can provide a proposal and begin structural design.
Sometimes people ask us what is “structurally possible” before hiring an architect — but the architect needs to design the layout first. We can then make that layout work structurally.
Do homeowners hire the structural engineer directly or through their architect?
2
For residential projects, homeowners usually contract with us directly. Typically, the contract process is facilitated by the architect.
I just need a seismic retrofit on my existing home, so I don’t think I need an architect. Can I hire a structural engineer exclusively?
3
Yes, structural engineers work directly with homeowners without an architect being involved. However, BASE Design does not provide services for this type of project.
Do you visit the worksite or only work remotely?
4
For existing buildings, we usually start with a site visit. During construction, we visit the site to observe structural work as needed. When possible, we solve issues remotely to save clients time and money. Design meetings are typically held by Zoom and work very well for coordination.