Question 1

What does a structural engineer do?

Accepted Answer

A structural engineer designs and certifies the structural components of a building—such as slabs, footings, beams, roof framing, retaining walls and supports.
 We ensure your building is safe, code-compliant, and built to withstand the loads it will face during its lifetime.

Question 2

Do I need a structural engineer for home renovations or extensions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any structural changes—like removing walls, adding upper floors, or large window/door openings—must be assessed and certified by a structural engineer.
 This is often required for both council approval and construction safety.

Question 3

Are you a certified engineer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are registered on the National Engineering Register (NER) and are a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ).
 Our certificates and reports are recognised by all Australian councils and certifiers.

Question 4

What is a stormwater drainage plan?

Accepted Answer

A stormwater drainage plan outlines how rainwater will leave your site via pits, pipes, overflows or detention systems.
 Councils require it to prevent flooding, erosion, and runoff issues affecting neighbours or public infrastructure.

Question 5

Why does council require stormwater engineering?

Accepted Answer

Stormwater plans are used to:
Control runoff from buildings, driveways and landscaped areas
Prevent nuisance water flow onto neighbouring lots
Protect public infrastructure and waterways
Meet BASIX, DA, or CDC requirements

Question 6

What is On-Site Detention (OSD)?

Accepted Answer

OSD is a stormwater system that temporarily stores runoff (in a tank, pit, or basin) and slowly releases it into the council system. This helps reduce pressure on public drainage during heavy rain. We design and certify OSD systems in line with your local council policy.

Question 7

What is WSUD (Water Sensitive Urban Design)?

Accepted Answer

WSUD is a sustainable approach to stormwater that includes:
Rainwater tanks
Bio-retention basins
Swales or permeable paving
Infiltration trenches
WSUD may be required for BASIX, multi-dwelling, or subdivision projects.

Question 8

What’s the difference between overland flow and mainstream flooding?

Accepted Answer

Overland flow is stormwater runoff flowing across the surface (e.g. through yards or across streets) during rain.
Mainstream flooding occurs when a river, creek, or major drain overflows and floods nearby land.
We assess both risks and provide reports that meet council floodplain management policies.

Question 9

Why is it important to understand flood risk types?

Accepted Answer

Because the solution varies:
Overland flow often requires site grading, stormwater pits or pipes.
Mainstream flood risk may trigger elevated floor levels or full Flood Assessments.
      We help determine what’s required and provide certified documentation.

Question 10

Do you provide flood assessments and flood certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your property is in a mapped flood zone, we can:
Review flood overlays and levels
Recommend safe floor heights and construction measures
Provide compliance reports for DA or CDC

Question 11

Do you provide stormwater plans for DA and CDC submissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare all necessary drainage plans and reports for:
Development Applications (DA) with council
Complying Development Certificates (CDC) with private certifiers
      We tailor designs to the specific council or certifier requirements.

Question 12

What are engineering plans for council submission?

Accepted Answer

They’re certified drawings and reports—structural or stormwater—that show how your building will be constructed and drained. Council or certifiers require these for both DA and CDC approvals.

Question 13

Do you offer site inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We inspect:
Footings, slabs and piers
Framing and roof members
Stormwater drainage
Structural damage or defects
Inspections include a formal report and sign-off for certifiers or builders.

Question 14

Do you provide dilapidation reports?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dilapidation reports document the condition of neighbouring properties and public assets before construction begins. This helps manage risk and protect you from damage claims. We provide detailed, photo-based reports with mapped locations.

Question 15

Can you assist with remedial engineering?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We inspect and report on:
Cracking and foundation movement
Rusted or damaged structural elements
Water ingress or storm damage
Balcony or deck failures
Our reports include clear rectification scopes for builders or insurance claims.

Question 16

What is a stormwater drainage easement?

Accepted Answer

A drainage easement is a legal agreement that allows stormwater pipes to cross another property—usually downstream—so your site can drain properly. This is often needed when gravity drainage to the street is not available from within your lot.

Question 17

Are stormwater easements a bad thing?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. In fact, private drainage easements are often:
Narrow (usually 1–1.5m wide)
Located in non-buildable setback areas
More cost-effective than installing a full On-Site Detention (OSD) system
Legally secured and usually low maintenance
They offer both short-term savings (simpler construction) and long-term benefits (less maintenance).

Question 18

Do you service my area?

Accepted Answer

We offer in-person and remote services across:
Northern NSW (e.g. Kingscliff, Tweed, Byron)
Gold Coast and SE Queensland
Greater Sydney
We deliver plans and reports Australia-wide.

Question 19

How do I request a quote?

Accepted Answer

Easy. Just email us your:
Site address
Survey and/or architectural plans
Project brief (new build, renovation, etc.)
We'll respond with a fixed-fee proposal within 1–2 business days.

Frequently asked questions