A Practical Guide for Homeowners Starting a Build
When you’re preparing to build a new home or addition, it’s natural to wonder whether your plans need the approval of a licensed engineer. The truth is, the answer isn’t the same for everybody — it depends on where you live, what you’re building, and how complex your project is. Still, there are clear guidelines that can help you know what to expect before you ever submit a drawing to your local code office.
Most residential (one- and two-family) house plans do not automatically require engineering approval. A qualified residential designer or drafter can produce a complete set of drawings acceptable for permitting in many states. However, certain structural elements do trigger the need for engineering. Examples include steel beams, long roof spans, retaining walls, hillside builds, unusual foundations, or custom framing solutions that fall outside the prescriptive limits of the building code.
In those cases, a structural engineer stamps specific pages — not necessarily the entire plan set. Your drafter can prepare all the drawings and coordinate with an engineer only where needed. This approach saves money and keeps your project moving without unnecessary delays.
Before planning your build, check your state or county’s requirements, or ask your drafter. A good designer will tell you upfront when an engineer is needed — and when one isn’t — so you don’t spend more than required to get your project approved.