Structural PE Question

[lowcountrygamecock]

First off let me start this by saying I am an electrical engineer by trade so this question may seem simple. My brother draws house plans and has been asking me what kind of PE you have to have to sign off on house plans. I assume structural. Is that correct? I am taking the Electrical PE in April. Is it possible to have a PE in two trades? Of course the electrical is my first priority but I would love to get whatever it takes to sign off on house plans so I can help him out with his business. Can anyone help me out with some input there? I would really appreciate it.

Thanks

 

[kevo_55]

It is possible to be a PE in two branches of engineering but some boards don't allow this based on your college degree.

As for home design, I would recommend on talking with an architect. They are able to do some home design and would know more about code requirements for this than most engineers.

One word of caution, if you happen to become licensed in EE and let's say CE, your butt is on the line as the sealing engineer if anything would go wrong.

 

[brick_27]

It has been my experience that either a licensed architect or P.E. (usually civil or structural) seals the plans. Some states require an architect only and others allow either or. It is my understanding that whatever page you seal you are saying you are qualified and assuming responsible charge of the work included on that page. Thus, if you feel you are competent in the specified area to assume responsible charge, that is you judgement. It would benefit you to make sure you had a full grasp on the governing building codes for the location of each particular project.

 

[shane]

I am a civil engineer and have experience with house design and creating houseplans. In Utah, where I live, you don't have to have any certification or license to design single family residences. But, even though the state laws don't require it, some cities require that a shear wall plan sheet be included and stamped by a civil engineer or architect in order to get a building permit. But from my experience, these cities only require that if the house has a large amount of big windows or other abnormalities that would reduce the shear capacity. I have actually looked into selling house plans online and from what I found, many states are the same. The state laws do not require that the house designer be licensed in order to sell the plans, but some building officials may require that an engineer ok the plans before they will issue a building permit.