Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/14/2011

Question
I live in Florida and have a screened in lanai in my backyard.  It was a full roof and slab floor with footings.  I plan to remove the screen and aluminum frame there now and enclose with  2 x4 and wallboard, etc.   I am doing the work myself with my son.  My problem is that zoning wants a drawing for the permit--and it needs to be stamped by an engineer.  I can do the blueprint but I need someone to stamp it.  Do you know of a service that will do this ? If not, how about an inexpensive agency that will do the drawing for me? Any other ideas?  I really don't have the extra $ to spend on drawings. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Al, if you have the ability to draw up the design go to the yellow pages and look up engineers (PE's) and call around.  For a few hundred bucks you can probably find one to seal them for you if it's not too complicated of a connection.  However because it is Florida the engineer will probably have to do the wind calculations on the uplift etc.  That may be the kicker, because by removing the existing supports you are changing the original design of the structure.  Do your drawing and then get on the phone there has to be a starving PE out there looking for work who won't want an arm and a leg for it.  Or call around first, most PEs are decent draftsmen and can whip up a CAD drawing as well. Remember that by sealing the drawing they are assuming a certain amount of liability and that risk is going to cost you.