How to Hire an Engineering Firm

With the building and construction sectors showing life in Ontario, the engineering industry is primed for an uptick in available work. However, hiring an engineering firm can be a confusing task. An engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing construction of a project which may involve communities and special districts.

How you decide to move forward will impact the overall success of your project,  budget, and maybe even the success of your company.

In response to numerous requests for assistance in selecting a structural engineering firm, Antech Engineering and Design Group have put together this guideline to share insights on how to hire the appropriate engineering firm for your projects.

Before You Start

Before hiring an engineering firm for your project, do a thorough review of your project needs.

• What do you want the end result to be?
• What exactly do you need this project to do?
• What do you have as a budget?
• What costs are associated with your project?

In other words, know your project limits.

Hiring an Engineering Firm

If you follow these simple steps, you will determine your needs and have your project under way in no time:

1. Know the type of engineer do you need.
   Do you need a Structural Engineer? Industrial Engineer? Large or small, engineering firms often specialize in a particular area or expertise. Make sure their expertise aligns with your project needs.
2. Establish your budget up front.
   Your budget can determine your decision. You need to find a balance between maximizing your investment and saving a few dollars.
3. Coordinate your commitment level for the project.
   In your search, look for a firm that is as committed to the project as you are. Does the firm have the resources to complete the job on time and on-budget?
4. Verify if the firm has experience working in your region.
   Often times, a firm that knows who to call, what the expectations from the community are, and who the local resources are, can save time and money.
5. Be sure that the firm is a member in good standing with the Professional Engineers of Ontario.
   The PEO governs license and certificate holders and regulates professional engineering in Ontario to serve and protect the public.

Last Steps

Before signing a contract, we can’t stress enough just how important it is to check references before selecting an engineer. It may be the most important action you take to avoid any unnecessary setbacks.

If you are looking to hire an engineer, include Antech Design and Engineering Group as part of your search. Our goal is to meet your project needs on time and on-budget.