[TowerTalk] Calculations

[William H. O'Hara III]

> THere has been some discussion in the professional newsletters about 
> "review stamps", Apparently there is a guy in New Jersey or New York who 
> was essentially advertising this as a flat fee service, which definitely 
> raises the hackles of the professional boards. In theory, you're not 
> supposed to have a flat fee, because every job is unique, etc.

Billing by the hour should not necessarily be the
revenue generator.  I believe that it should serve
as a cost center.  The engineer should strive
to provide a cost-effective job.

Lawyers used to have flat fees.  These flat fees
were abolished due to trust breaking.  The local
bar association would set the pricing.

I did balk at a fellow that I had a conversation regarding
getting a stamp.  

He wanted $1,000 just to familiarize himself with
the tower structure.  It would probably be $1,500
to stamp the tower.  Plus, I would have to pay his
expenses.  What expenses?  The expense of him
coming to review the erection of the tower.  I would
also have to pay for his time.

Much of this stuff is a big a do about a little bit of
work.  These towers are built to a spec.  The local
law requires this spec.  I use that spec.  The whole
concept of the building and the wires inspectors is
to see that job was properly done.  I never knew this
was the job of the structural engineer.

Plus the guy did not seem to get that I had already
looked up the issues regarding zoning.  I had already
talked to the building inspector about the process
of getting a permit.  Plus he seems to think that everyone
in Massachusetts lived on a postage stamp lot.

Does anyone know of a nice friendly and reasonable
priced engineer in Massachusetts area?

Bill
N1EY