Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at jsjohnson@hotmail.com.au if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Are you a chartered professional engineer?

Yes. Registered with Engineers Australia No 3882416

Do you also draw plans?

Yes! I do draw plans, mostly for family and friends. The Church extension on the home page and the stone UK house in the Project Images are examples.

But See links page to Neil Marsh who is a local building designer in the Hawkesbury Area with about 35 years experience in Australia. I take advice from him.

Are you an architect?

Are architects structural engineers?

No. But often their staff believe that they are. If you get anything from them that sounds like structural input, ask for their certification from Engineers Australia and watch them run backwards.

Do you charge for advice?

Not for the first half an hour. That is usually long enough to point you in the right direction.

You have provided a design but the person who has done the actual building said that it was not suitable and has improved the design. Can you certify it as the council are now requesting?

If you ask for the design calculations or even the logic of the design I can look at it and if it is OK I can certify it. I have asked this many times and have never received any calculations or logic.

Perhaps one day!!!

if my friend, who has started as a draftsman, does the drawing will it be cheaper?

If you have a friend helping me it will be the quoted price:

+ 25% while working for me.

+ 50% working with me and giving advice

do i have to use the sizes that you have designed or can they be smaller?

They can be smaller. Smaller is much better. All connections can be made with BLU TACK in place of bolts. I only put those sizes in to show that I had a sense of humour.

i have a stuctural problem and nobody seems to have an answer. can you help?

see you in 5 minutes!!

i AM looking for a dodgy engineer for my project

Keep Looking!!!