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non-load bearing partition design responsibility
does anyone have any input as to the structural engineer's standard of care responsibility when it comes to the design of interior and exterior non-load bearing partitions? typically, our proposals are written to exclude this from our design since they are not part of the superstructure. this is usually not an issue on larger projects where this portion of the work is typically subcontracted out and reviewed in the submittal process. recently, however, it has become a constant issue of debate with our clients on smaller projects where they want us to design, detail, and issues specifications for the non-load bearing walls. any experiences or input would be greatly appreciated.
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include these items in the fee schedule as an hourly rate or as a percentage of the costruction costs. a entire menu of extra services can double your fees on a project with the added benefit of paid inspection and coordination of supports for attached items.
i believe this is one of those areas that can often fall thru the cracks. some architects and contractors don't understand that it is even needed.
my advice is to just be clear in your proposal of what you are providing. you could offer to help your client come up with a checklist of the things that you are providing as a base services and other things that would be extra. then the client could simply issue that list when he requests a proposal and then all the consultants are bidding on the same thing. and you can include the list with the things checked that you are providing. you are much more at risk when your work is not clearly defined (either by you or your client).
exterior light gage and masonry are usually the engineer's responsibility. performance specs for light gage can be written on larger projects but on smaller projects, the engineer can just size and detail them. if you are writting a performance spec include additional cost for checking light gage shop drawings.
masonry firewalls are structural designs which have special considerations and need special structural details.
interior masonry partitions are usually the engineer's responsibility. they have to be designed for 5 psf and/or seismic forces. the connection to the structure has to be detailed.
interior drywall partitions are usually the architect's responsibility. i have, however, worked with some architects that don't know even how to choose the size or detail the top of the wall. i usually try to help them out (the first time only).
the client should not expect any of these services for free so you should indicate a price for each one of these services.
there really is no "standard of care" when it comes to determining the engineer's scope of services for designing nonstructural items. it is just a contractual agreement. if the client wants you to include additional services, you can either agree to it (and increase your fee accordingly) or decline (and risk losing the client).
i recommend that you obtain a copy of the national practice guidelines for the structural engineer of record prepared by the council of american structural engineers (case). it is a guideline, but provides information about what is considered basic structural engineering services and what's included in the primary structural system for which the ser is responsible. the definition of "primary structural system" states that non-load-bearing walls are not part of the primary structural system.
i don't specify interior non-load-bearing walls. however, i have been asked by architects to make a recommendation for non-load-bearing walls if they believe a 20 or 25 gage stud will not work for some reason.
thanks to all from the input. our proposals have been carefully worded to exclude this work from basic services - but we would happily include as a supplemental. problem is that our new clients in this area have seemingly glossed over this and become surprised when we inform them. i'm regularly told that they are used to the structural engineer providing as part of their base service (i'm in texas). to adapt to the market, i believe we will simply need to include into our basic services and reflect this in our fee. i was just interested in what "standard" service has been provided. btw - thanks for the case tip...i should have looked there.

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