Whether you’re just building a new addition onto your home or constructing a new business, a civil engineer is a major part of every construction project. Their work is the foundation for ensuring that the project goes successfully. Their planning ability, design skills, management and adherence to deadline are all major things that could potentially effect the success of your project. That’s why it’s crucial that you hire a high quality professional who is experienced on the job.
To help you separate the quality from the subpar, we’ve highlighted four important things you should always consider when hiring a professional for civil engineering in Idaho.
Licensing
Licensing is one of the most basic criteria for selecting an appropriate civil engineer. While an unlicensed engineer may be cheaper, it’s better to always opt for a professional that is licensed. This designation means that the engineer has met certain standards established by the state, which indicates that they are skilled, in addition to possessing the proper knowledge and training to get the job done.
Experience
You wouldn’t trust someone who just got their driver’s license with your brand new Lexus, right? The same logic applies to your upcoming project. A major construction project is not only very expensive, but also incredibly complicated. You’ll want someone who has the experience to handle whatever comes up without straying drastically from the deadline or project scope. This is especially true if the project requires any specialized knowledge, such as experience with handling drainage concerns. A licensed engineer will also know how to handle any unique issues specific to the project area, such as a particularly difficult soil type or how to handle a flood plain in the area. It’s always best to hire an individual who has a few years of on-the-job experience under their belt.
Responsiveness
Communication is key to a successful project. Any civil engineer you opt to work with should have both strong communication and leadership skills. Typically, the project manager will need to guide the team through these early stages of the building process. Not only will they provide guidance to the team of civil engineers working on the job, but their communication skills will be vital during each stage if the construction crews need any guidance or if any unexpected problems might arise. Ideally, your project engineer should respond to any inquiries promptly, as they’ll understand that time is money during a construction project.
Connections
Building an experienced project team is easy with the help of a well-connected civil engineer. Civil engineers work closely with everyone from key individuals in the appropriate government agencies to contractors and landscape architects. Opting for a civil engineering firm with experience and relationships in your chosen area will provide a bridge to these other highly coveted players, and can even help keep permits and plan approvals from being bogged down in the wheels of bureaucracy.
Take the guesswork out of hiring a team for civil engineering in Idaho by trusting the experienced professionals at Mason & Stanfield, Inc. Call us today to learn more about how our team can benefit your upcoming project.