Home modification inquiry

[AstroLonghorn]

Hello All! I am a licensed civil PE in the state of Texas and had a question

Recently, a friend asked if I could engineer a new garage for his private residence. I saw no issue with this since it was not a public work and I am competent in the field in question, however the exemptions have me quite confused. 

I am currently employed with a private firm and this is just a small house project (i.e. my firms work and this work are not related). I have called the board twice and it seems as if I'm ok to be the engineer on record for this project, I'll just need to evaluate the shop drawings, ensure the building modification is engineered properly, and sign and seal a cover letter with my findings as well as fill out any required paper work from the city in question.

My main concern is as an employee of an engineering firm if I can provide this service myself? If there's any feedback/past experience from anyone pertaining to this that would be great. Thanks!!

 

[MA_PE]

If you’re that concerned, why not disclose your side gig to your boss/supervisor.  Also don’t use company resources for the work unless you clear it internally.  Do you have E&O insurance in case something goes wrong?

not saying you shouldn’t do the job.  Just make sure all your bases are covered.

 

[ruggercsc]

When I received my certificate at an NSPE event, the head of Engineering Review Board in my state was there and gave a presentation.  He made it clear that that stamp is yours, not your Employers.  However, there are a couple of things to consider. 

1.  Are you qualified to stamp this type of work. 

2.  Do you have any agreements at your place of employment about outside work, even it is for a friend.

3.  Do you have E&O Insurance (I am assuming that your employer's policy will not cover you).

Assume you stamp the drawings and all the engineering is correct.  Your friend gets transferred out of state and they sell their place.  A collapse occurs soon after due to manufactures defect at a connection or a there is an unapproved modification done.  Someone gets injured and an attorney gets hired that advertises on billboards and they decide to sue everyone (So much for that favor to a friend).  None of these are your fault as the engineering is correct, but you will have to prove that if there is a lawsuit is allowed to proceed forward.

I am also saying that you should not do it, but I do second that you make sure you have your bases covered.

 

[bperwien]

When I received my certificate at an NSPE event, the head of Engineering Review Board in my state was there and gave a presentation. He made it clear that that stamp is yours, not your Employers. However, there are a couple of things to consider.

1. Are you qualified to stamp this type of work.

2. Do you have any agreements at your place of employment about outside work, even it is for a friend.

3. Do you have E&O Insurance (I am assuming that your employer's policy will not cover you).

Assume you stamp the drawings and all the engineering is correct. Your friend gets transferred out of state and they sell their place. A collapse occurs soon after due to manufactures defect at a connection or a there is an unapproved modification done. Someone gets injured and an attorney gets hired that advertises on billboards and they decide to sue everyone (So much for that favor to a friend). None of these are your fault as the engineering is correct, but you will have to prove that if there is a lawsuit is allowed to proceed forward.

I am also saying that you should not do it, but I do second that you make sure you have your bases covered.

Yes to all this especially insurance. If you are a member of ASCE, you can go through pearl insurance, I looked at it and realized it was too expensive for what I wanted to do, but for a 1 off project it may be less. They offered e&o and general liability for $1600 for a year.