ᐅ Offer Structural Engineer + Thermal Insulation Certificate Energy Saving Regulation 2016

Hello everyone,

Today we received a quote from a structural engineer with the following items:

Thermal insulation verification according to the 2016 Energy Saving Ordinance
€1100.00

Structural stability verification according to HOAI fee zone 2, three-quarter rate
€3400 - 10% discount = €3060

Optional reinforcement plans including steel lists and certification according to NBVO
€1500

Net total €5660
VAT €1075.40
---------------------------
Gross total €6735.40

Are these prices reasonable for the scope of work, or would you recommend contacting additional structural engineers?

Thanks in advance

We don’t really know how much effort you’ve put in...
For a typical single-family house, the cost for the structural engineering is normal, but I find the energy efficiency certificate a bit expensive.

Exactly, it is a single-family house with a living area of 150 sqm (1,615 sq ft). The soil report has already been completed, with a foundation recommendation for an underlying concrete slab.

What is the best way to get in contact with a structural engineer?

Our structural engineer charges the minimum rate minus a discount. He offered the thermal insulation certificate for 300 euros net, which I found extremely cheap. However, we had already hired a specialist who not only can do the calculations but also really understands the subject. That cost about 600 euros, if I remember correctly. I also thought that was reasonably priced.

Overall, the offer is quite low. Even if you find someone with a lower rate, it won’t make a huge difference. Maybe that’s why he chose a three-quarter rate, because otherwise it wouldn’t be worth the effort.

What exactly is included in the scope of services? How high are the eligible costs?

In general, I think you should select the structural engineer based on your architect’s experience. Sometimes a cheaper option is actually low quality, and what you save on the fee, they make up for with extra safety margins in concrete thickness and reinforcement behind your back.

Wolf22 schrieb:
How do you best get in touch with a structural engineer?

By phone?

I would go with the one my construction manager / architect is comfortable with. We were lucky and paid 6,250 for this one, even though it has a slightly larger volume.

We are currently working on the same topic.

1. Offer €5,950 gross
- Structural calculation
- Formwork and reinforcement drawings
- Thermal protection certificate according to the 2014 Energy Saving Ordinance
- including all required breaks and copies

2. Offer €7,497 gross
Scope as in Offer 1

3. Offer €7,950 gross
Scope as in Offer 1

4. Offer €6,188 gross
Scope as in Offer 1, but without the thermal protection certificate

The 5th offer will arrive on Tuesday. When we only had the first offer initially, we thought there might still be some room to lower the price. Now that we have four offers, I have to say the price seems fair, especially since the architect has worked with the structural engineer for many years.

What is your assessment?

You can find the floor plan in my other thread. About 1,200 m³ (42,390 ft³)

Happy Easter