Do I need a structural engineer for my Portland home addition?
When BDS requires stamped drawings, what triggers structural review, and what to send your engineer.
Coming soon
Resources
Guides & Tools
Plain-language explainers on Portland structural permits, seismic rehabilitation, structural condition assessments, BIM coordination, and materials — written for owners, contractors, and architects.
Guides
Portland's free seismic retrofit plans — does your home qualify?
Cripple-wall height, foundation type, lot slope: the eligibility rules, and what to do if you fall outside them.
Coming soon
ASCE 41 Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 — what the tiers actually mean
A plain-language walkthrough of the seismic rehabilitation standard and which tier your situation calls for.
Coming soon
Tenant improvement structural permits in Portland: what to expect
When a TI needs structural drawings, typical timelines, and how to keep BDS review moving.
Coming soon
Light-gauge steel vs. heavy timber vs. structural steel: choosing a framing system
Cost, speed, span, fire, and design considerations for small-to-mid commercial and multifamily.
Coming soon
A BIM execution plan for small projects
How to run model coordination — federated models, clash detection, LOD — without a big-firm BIM department.
Coming soon
When does a structural condition assessment become a milestone inspection?
Post-Surfside due diligence standards, what Oregon and Washington lenders and insurers are asking for, and when a phased assessment makes sense.
Coming soon
Tools
Beam & header quick-check
Browser tool — preliminary wood beam sizing (NDS). Not for final design.
PLANNED
Seismic eligibility checker
Answer a few questions, find out if your home fits Portland prescriptive plans.
PLANNED
Project intake checklist
What to gather before requesting a structural quote — downloadable PDF.
PLANNED
Coming Soon
In Development ConsultRabbit — Outside Consultant List Serve
A vetted directory for finding outside consultants — geotechnical engineers, civil engineers, MEP engineers, surveyors, and other specialists needed to round out a project team. Built for architects, owners, and GCs who need a reliable starting point when reaching outside their usual network. ConsultRabbit is a future product currently in development.
Question Not Answered Here?
Ask directly — happy to point you in the right direction even if it's not a paid engagement.
Ask a Question