Buying off the plans....what should my engineer do?

[albob]

Hi all,
I have bought a house off the plans. At present it is at base level. I am looking to get a engineer but I am unsure as to what exactly the engineer should do when its off the plans. I know when you buy 2nd hand, you get him to dom a structural servay. When its off the plans, should he call out a number of times at different stages? Do haveto tell him when to go out? What would a ball park figure for his services be?
Thanks
Albob

 

[shoegal]

Hi Albob, yes usually there are several stages in a new build, foundation, walls & roof, windows & first fix, second fix etc. If you have stage payments the builder will look for money after each stage and the engineer goes out to check each stage before the money is released. If you are getting a mortgage for the house the bank will insist you have an engineer to check the stages before they give you the money. A lot of engineers have a set fee for "stages", ring around a few in your area.

 

[albob]

Thanks shoegal.