Pro Bono Work

[kevo_55]

My :2cents: (for what it is worth),

There is nothing unethical for getting paid "x" amount of money. You, as the engineer, are to draw up some sort of contract (written or even oral), and as long as both parties accept the terms the deed is done. This is tort law at it's finest. It gets a little unethical (illeagal in some cases) when you start taking bribes for doing things with your seal, going behind your client's back to screw him over with other clients, and things like that.

As long as you cover yourself for any mistakes in your calcs (E&O insurance), you're good to go McEngr.

Heck, you may even get to start your very own engineering company!

 

[McEngr]

My :2cents: (for what it is worth),
There is nothing unethical for getting paid "x" amount of money. You, as the engineer, are to draw up some sort of contract (written or even oral), and as long as both parties accept the terms the deed is done. This is tort law at it's finest. It gets a little unethical (illeagal in some cases) when you start taking bribes for doing things with your seal, going behind your client's back to screw him over with other clients, and things like that.

As long as you cover yourself for any mistakes in your calcs (E&O insurance), you're good to go McEngr.

Heck, you may even get to start your very own engineering company!

Well thanks kevo. I try to work with a clean slate. If my conscience feels funny, I want to check it with others before proceeding. E&O isn't a problem per the principals. We've considered doing it for some nonprofits before.

 

[Roy T.]

Well thanks kevo. I try to work with a clean slate. If my conscience feels funny, I want to check it with others before proceeding. E&O isn't a problem per the principals. We've considered doing it for some nonprofits before.

I'd put yourself in the clients position before contacting them with the "free" engineering services offer. They are going to look at an engineer who is offering "free" design service and wonder how long the guy is going to be in business --- and what type of design they are going to get.

Remember, design can be anywhere from 5-15% of construction costs. A construction disaster MORE than offsets the benefits of "free" design service. I say this as an engineer who hires specialty consultants. what happens when their are problems in the field? what happens when the design needs to change?

I'd much rather spend the money on getting a good design (or geotech report) then worry about whether the engineer is still going to be around 6 months from now.

It's tough getting work out there - but my advice is to start with small jobs and build slowly. you'll have a much better reputation in the long run.