Thusly, if the term "as-built" is a legal term meaning, "it's built like this" I think it's wise to avoid using the term. My understanding of "the law" is that words mean what they say. Sounds like you're juggling a lot of responsiblity there. I doubt your local statutes include this activity within the definition of surveying. after assuming I successfully argue the point with the local officials) to stamp the as-builts (the PLS will be paid for his time and expected to make a site visit, etc.) and simply certify that yes, this is what's been built." Problem with this is that if you succed, you will have counselled a surveyor to practice engineering or architecture without a lisence. Snipped from DaveViking: " d) Compromise: get a registered surveyor (not a P.E.
If this deck does not meet the life safety requirements of the code and a professioanl signs the drawings, that professional will be liable for any damages should the deck fail. No ethical professional will sign & seal drawings produced by someone else without confirming code compliance and safety first. Snipped from DaveViking: " b) There is no "official" engineer of record, so stamping the plans isn't an approval of a design or an endorsement of what was built or anything else it's a "certification" that these as-builts as properly-done as-builts and nothing more." I disagree.
I'm sure your buddy's brother-in law will need a PE or architect to inspect the deck, perform some calc's and sign the drawing and spec's (as-builts). In your case, I assume that the deck does not conform to applicable building codes and the building authority requires written confirmation the deck is safe. If the structure does not, then a PE or architect is required to confirm that the structure is safe. If an exemption exists, the local building authorities usually require structures to comply with the building code. It might be worth checking your local statutes to see if engineering or architecture is required for residential structures under say $10,000.
I'm surprised there is no exemption from the usual requirement for professional engineering / architecture related to low value private residential structures in your jurisdiction. after assuming I successfully argue the point with the local officials) to stamp the as-builts (the PLS will be paid for his time and expected to make a site visit, etc.) and simply certify that yes, this is what's been built. d) Compromise: get a registered surveyor (not a P.E. c) For some reason I don't think the permitting authority will agree with me on the last point. b) There is no "official" engineer of record, so stamping the plans isn't an approval of a design or an endorsement of what was built or anything else it's a "certification" that these as-builts as properly-done as-builts and nothing more. My thoughts: a) As-built drawings don't necessarily reflect what was originally designed they reflect what's been built. Issue: the permitting authority, who are "busting someone's b_lls" want the plans to be "stamped." Well, they issued the building permit based on my buddy's brother in-law's, unstamped, half-a_ed hand-drawn sketches.
They're good, too, if I say so myself did 'em on PowerCADD with my Mac G4 Cube at home. There's some sort of permitting dispute, now, and the local authorities require as-built plans of the deck in order to "close" the building permit.Īs a favor, I drew up the as-builts. This deck is ugly, it functions, but doesn't reflect a well-engineered design (Home Depot provided the "design" - which was substantially modified by the builder on-the-fly).
(My buddy's bro in-law didn't talk to us for a couple of years afterwards.)Īs all engineers are aware, things built "incorrectly" oftentimes stand up for thousands of years under loading conditions well in excess of what would be considered normal. Our advice was ignored and the deck was built anyway. Both my buddy and I advised, a couple of years ago, against building the deck a certain way. His brother-in-law built a large deck onto the side of his house.
A buddy of mine, for whom I do free work - I'll never charge him for anything - has a problem.