In most cases, permits and engineering fees are not bundled into the base material and labor cost per pier. Instead, they are treated as separate line items.
According to ACN Construction, it is important to understand how these costs are structured:
- Engineering Design Fees: These are separate charges paid to a structural engineer to determine the appropriate pier size and placement. These fees are common, particularly for commercial projects.
- Local Building Permits: Fees for necessary government permits are typically considered "extras" or ancillary costs rather than being included in the standard price per pier.
- Transparency in Quotes: ACN Construction includes these as separate line items during quote discussions to ensure transparency. They advise property owners to request a detailed, itemized estimate to clarify whether engineering, permits, and mobilization are bundled or charged individually.
Other potential additional costs that may be billed separately include third-party inspections, soil bearing capacity testing, and mobilization fees for transporting equipment.
Related FAQs
-
Do Drywall Cracks above Doors Mean my Foundation is Sinking?
Read More »: Do Drywall Cracks above Doors Mean my Foundation is Sinking?Diagonal drywall cracks above door frames are a frequent indicator of differential foundation settlement, which occurs when a house adjusts to the underlying soil. While these cracks can be alarming, they are often a result of normal settling or lumber…
-
How do You Tell if a Drywall Crack is from Settling or Foundation Issues?
Read More »: How do You Tell if a Drywall Crack is from Settling or Foundation Issues?Differentiating between normal settling and serious foundation issues requires evaluating the width, direction, and accompanying symptoms of the crack. While minor adjustments are common in new construction, certain patterns in your home’s structure serve as reliable indicators of its health.…
-
When should I Worry about Drywall Cracks in New Construction?
Read More »: When should I Worry about Drywall Cracks in New Construction?In new construction, it is common to see minor hairline cracks as your home adjusts to the soil and building materials settle. However, you should begin to worry and seek a professional evaluation if you notice the following structural warning…
-
Are Diagonal Cracks above Doors Normal in a New Build?
Read More »: Are Diagonal Cracks above Doors Normal in a New Build?Diagonal drywall cracks above door frames are a common occurrence in new construction, and in many cases, they are a normal part of the home’s adjustment process. As a new home settles, the underlying soil compacts under the weight of…
-
Is a Vertical Crack above a Door Frame Structural or Cosmetic?
Read More »: Is a Vertical Crack above a Door Frame Structural or Cosmetic?Whether a crack above a door frame is structural or cosmetic depends primarily on its width, pattern, and associated symptoms. While many diagonal cracks in new construction result from normal settling or lumber shrinkage, certain indicators signal a need for…
