Short answer
A meaningful quotation needs enough information to identify the structural scope: what the building is, what is changing, roughly how many structural elements are involved, whether a site visit is needed and when the information is required. Drawings and photographs answer most of that in one step. Where drawings do not yet exist, a clear written description and a few photographs are usually sufficient for a fee range, with the figure confirmed once the layout is fixed. Quotations state deliverables, assumptions, exclusions and programme.
Branded guidance note, prepared for project records and circulation to your team.
Minimum to quote
- Property type and location
- Description of the proposed work
- Any existing or proposed drawings
- Photographs of the affected areas
- Required programme
What a BES quotation states
- Scope of engineering services included
- Deliverables — calculations, sketches, drawings, site visits
- Assumptions the fee is based on
- Exclusions, such as ground investigation or temporary works
- Programme and fee basis
How BES is typically involved
- The Project Information Builder produces a Project Information Pack suitable for quotation and appointment.
- BES confirms scope in writing before work starts.
- Variations are agreed in advance, not invoiced retrospectively.
Typical process
- 01Enquiry with drawings and description
- 02Scope clarification
- 03Written fee proposal
- 04Appointment
- 05Delivery
Common misconceptions
Commonly assumed
“A fee can be given from a one-line email.”
In practice
It can, but it will be a range. A precise fee needs a defined scope.
Commonly assumed
“All quotations cover the same work.”
In practice
Deliverables vary widely between practices — always compare what is actually included.
Related tools and services
Resource Centre tool
Project Information Builder
A guided ten-step wizard that prepares a complete Project Information Pack — client details, site, scope, programme and documents — ready for quotation and appointment.
Start Information Builder →Resource Centre tool
Structural Project Navigator
Answer a few straightforward questions to identify the likely structural engineering input, information requirements and next steps for your project.
Start Project Navigator →Related questions
Discuss your project
General guidance only goes so far. Describe your building and what you are planning, and you will receive project-specific advice from a Chartered Structural Engineer.
Discuss Your Project →Next scheduled review August 2027
Disclaimer
Indicative result only. The calculation depends on the assumptions and information entered and does not constitute structural design or professional advice. Do not use the result for construction, procurement, Building Regulations submissions or safety-critical decisions. All results must be independently verified by a suitably qualified structural engineer before being used for design, construction or regulatory purposes. Bebbington Engineering Studio Ltd accepts no responsibility for reliance placed on unverified results.