Engineered Drawings (Port Charlotte, Englewood, Rotonda: home, construction, contractor)

[CharlotteCo]

Making settlement in 12 days on a home in South Gulf Cove and couldn't be more excited. It's been a dream to retire to this area for years. We lived in Rotonda and Englewood in the early nineties for four years and moved back up north because of job/pension opportunities. Been vacationing in this area ever since but have paid no attention to the daily happenings in the areas (Government wise) other then what we experienced while on vacation. I'm shocked reading some of the posts on this site concerning the things people want to do on their property and the permits and ENGINEERED DRAWINGS necessary to do these projects. Coming from New Jersey I'm used to being micro managed and nickeled and dimed for everything we do but some of what I'm reading puts jersey to shame. I'm not complaining, just shocked at the way it's changed over the years. Still a fantastic area regardless of the changes Government wise and that's why we will be there in a couple of weeks. After a long rant I have a quick question, does anyone have a recommendation on good but fair priced engineers. I'm pretty handy with tools (done all my own work over the years from paver patios, decks, sheds, interior work removing walls, etc. etc.) Not a fan of BIG BROTHER intruding on everything I do but It is what it is. I want to do everything above board just have a hard time paying $500 for an engineered drawing for a project that will cost $200 in materials with me doing the labor if you know what I mean. Any way just looking for some input, thanks in advance.

[mr&mrssunshine]

I use Woolf Engineering in Port Charlotte, but it really depends what you are doing.

[SeaRay35]

Some things you may be able to draw yourself. In NJ simple building tasks like deck building the building dept gives you an example drawing that you can copy and submit. Something overly technical best leaving to engineer as you requested. And yes you do need a permit for every little thing here, with no state income tax money has to come from somewhere.

[CharlotteCo]

Thanks guys. Guess I'll get used to the way things work down there in time. Was curious about the cost of engineered drawings for projects that I'll be doing. As an example I'm going to have more pilings put in and expand my dock from 22ft to 40ft long but I want to do the decking myself which is no different than building a raised deck here in jersey,. I drew up plans for it along with the materials I was using, submitted it to the building inspector and received my permit. No engineered drawings needed and this deck is 10ft off the ground 48ft long and 12ft deep. Just seems like overkill for some projects. I understand the no state income tax part but I'm lost as to why I need an Engineer involved unless I'm making structural changes to my house, is it that there are only two engineers in the county and their both related to county officials type of thing? Kidding.

[rock creek]

There is an extra problem with the dock, you need approval from the Army Corps of Engineers before the county permit. The Army inspects at their leisure and you need real engineering
Plans to submit

[Restrain]

If you have to have a permit, you can pretty much know you have to have engineered drawings. Want to replace a window, get a permit and pay for the company to provide you with engineered drawings. Want to build a storage building larger than 10x12, engineered drawings. ANY structural stuff, engineered drawings.

Now a dock may not require engineered drawings but check first.

[CharlotteCo]

Thanks^^^^^^^^^^^^

[FlaNewbie2017]

Originally Posted by Restrain

Now a dock may not require engineered drawings but check first.

When I was looking into dredging permitting I saw some info that said if the dock was for personal use and under a certain size it was exempt. Do Not take my word for that. But as Restrain said it may be worth investigation.

[JimChi2PG]

We added a semi-circle to our driveway. The city told me their requirements and said should hire an engineer. I've done a lot of construction ready drawings so I did all the CAD work before I bid it out. Still, I was expecting whoever we hired to hit me with a drawing charge. I was surprised when the contractor took my drawings and said he'd have no problem getting the permit.

I know this is not structural and therefore shouldn't require an engineer's stamp. I'm just saying after talking to the city, I got the impression I'd need that stamp. So maybe what they tell you isn't what they require, IF your contractor has "friends".