How much does a structural engineer cost in Melbourne?
Cost depends on the scope — a single beam check for a wall removal is far cheaper than full drawings for a two-storey extension. We quote a fixed price up front so there are no surprises, and if you find a lower quote for the same scope we'll match it and give you 10% off. Send us your plans for a firm number.
How long does it take to get structural drawings?
Turnaround depends on the complexity of the job and how complete your architectural plans are. We give you a realistic date at quote stage and stick to it. If your building surveyor or council has a deadline, tell us when you enquire and we'll work to it.
Do I need a structural engineer to remove a load-bearing wall?
Yes. Removing or altering a load-bearing wall changes how loads travel through your home, so a registered structural engineer must design the replacement beam and its supports. Your building surveyor will require stamped structural drawings and calculations before issuing a building permit.
Which areas of Victoria do you cover?
We work across all of Greater Melbourne — inner suburbs, eastern suburbs, northern and western growth corridors — plus Geelong, the Mornington Peninsula and regional Victoria. If you're unsure whether we reach your site, call 03 7048 4006 and ask.
What's included in a structural inspection report?
A written report setting out what was inspected, what was found, and what — if anything — needs to be done about it. It's written in plain language you can hand to a builder, conveyancer or building surveyor, not just engineering jargon.
Do you provide engineering certificates for council?
Yes. Where a certificate of structural adequacy or compliance is required, we inspect, assess and issue it in the format Victorian councils and building surveyors accept.
Can you check plans that were drawn up by someone else?
Yes. We regularly review architectural or draftsperson plans and provide the structural drawings and calculations needed to get a building permit, even if we didn't design the original layout.
Do you work directly with my builder or architect?
Yes — we're happy to liaise directly with your builder, architect, draftsperson or building surveyor so you're not stuck relaying technical questions back and forth.
What information do you need to provide a quote?
Ideally your architectural or concept plans and the site address. If you don't have formal plans yet, a description of the job and some photos are enough to get a preliminary quote started.
Do you inspect retaining walls?
Yes. We inspect existing retaining walls for condition and compliance, and provide new engineered retaining wall drawings for timber, concrete or block walls on residential and commercial sites.
Is a soil report needed for my project?
It depends on your site's classification under AS 2870. Much of Melbourne sits on reactive clay, so we'll advise at quote stage whether a soil report is warranted for your specific address.
What's the difference between a pre-purchase inspection and a building inspector's report?
A pre-purchase structural inspection focuses specifically on the structural integrity of the property — footings, framing, cracking and movement — carried out by a qualified structural engineer, which is more specialised than a general building inspection.
Ready to start your project?
Send us your plans for a fixed-price quote, or pick up the phone. We reply to every enquiry within a few business hours.
Feel free to call any time — no question is too small.