 
        
        
      
    
    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 - $300 per hour 
- Senior Structural Engineer - $200 per hour 
- Intermediate Structural Engineer - $175 per hour 
- Graduate Structural Engineer - $155 per hour 
- Architectural Designer - $160 per hour 
- Structural Technician - $150 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 
