Pricing & Timing

Engineering Pricing and Timing 

Engineering prices on a project are generally based on the number of hours the structural engineer works on the project and this will be tailored to suit each project. 

 Structural engineering costs can vary, depending on the size of your project and the scope of elements that require structural input or design. Generally, it is a good idea to budget between 1% to 5% of the total construction fee for structural engineering fees and costs. Elements such as a site with a steep elevation, or poor ground conditions can also affect the overall cost. Additional services such as a geotechnical investigation can also be required to establish the ground conditions and inform any foundation designs.

One of the main wasted costs can be in engaging an engineer to provide a design too early in the process. In many situations the design can change meaning redesign is required. At Finesse we want to offer a service that has value for money so believe in being honest about our time allowances in providing the design input in one iteration.

We prefer to partner with clients on projects and will offer a breakdown of our costs and what has been allowed for in our fee estimates, rather than working to a fixed lump sum fee which can pose a larger risk of additional costs to the client if variations are encountered.

Finesse always aim to be upfront and honest in our pricing, by providing you a quote that is both accurate and realistic. 

Approximate costs

Here’s a rough estimation of the costs you can expect for different types of situations. Please note these costs are excluding GST.

  • New dwelling design (primarily to NZS3604:2011) - $3,000 - $7,500 

  • New dwelling design (hillside or architectural non-standard layout) - $5,000 - $20,000 

Typical pricing in more detail

Below is an indication of the typical costs that you can expect to pay for our diverse levels of engineers. Please note these costs are excluding GST.

  • Director/Chartered Professional Engineer - $290 per hour

  • Senior Structural Engineer - $195 per hour

  • Intermediate Structural Engineer - $175 per hour

  • Graduate Structural Engineer - $155 per hour

  • Architectural Technician - $150 per hour

  • Drafting Technician - $130 per hour

Offering quality engineering services across the Canterbury region.

Project types and costs 

All projects vary and differ in terms of individual needs. At FCEL we price our services on a project by project basis depending on a number of factors. Client knowledge, bespoke nature of the project, location or use of unique materials can impact. We are also keen to encourage repeat business so for streams of similar work we can offer discounts and orders of efficiency.

To help with budgeting, we’ve put together a rough estimate of the different structural engineering costs that may be required for your project. These prices are estimates only if you wish to have a specific quote or estimate, please contact one of our team today. The likely timescale for completion of these works are also noted below.

  • Your initial phone call with one of our engineers will be free.

  • Your initial site consultation with one of our engineers will be free.

  • Price - Free

    Timeframe - 2-3 days

  • Price - $700

    Timeframe - 1 week

  • Simple house alteration design:

    Price - $1,000 - $3,000

    Timeframe - 2-4 weeks

    Complex or new house design:

    Price - $3,000 - $20,000

    Timeframe - 4-8 weeks

  • Full forensic report:

    Price - $9,000 - $12,000

    Timeframe - 4-6 weeks

    Brief report - Technical memorandum:

    Price - $3,000 - $7,000

    Timeframe - 2-4 weeks

  • Initial seismic assessment:

    Price - $2,000 - $4,000

    Timeframe - 3-6 weeks

    Detailed seismic assessment:

    Price - $5,000 - $20,000

    Timeframe - 5-10 weeks

  • Price - $3,000 - $5,000

    Timeframe - 3-6 weeks

  • Shallow:

    Price - $3,000 - $6,000

    Timeframe - 3-6 weeks

    Deep:

    Price - $5,000 - $10,000

    Timeframe - 4-6 weeks

  • Price - Hourly rates

  • Christchurch:

    Price - $500 - $1,000

    Timeframe - 48 hours’ notice 

    Canterbury:

    Price - $650 - $1,500

    Timeframe - 48 hours’ notice 

    Long distance:

    Price - TBA

  • Price - $600 - $1,500

    Timeframe - 2 weeks

Got a project in mind?