NorthShore Engineering & Design Services

Reply from NorthShore Engineering & Design Services

Ms. Lanning, I am concerned that you did not find the plans to your liking. I strive for client satisfaction in all of my projects. It is true we did need to develop the plans twice. Once at your direction to design a ”barndominium” style home but traditionally stick framed and the second to build post beam (traditional pole barn style). This we did discuss, and I apologize if the building techniques were not fully understood, but we did talk about this on more than one occasion. I shall strive to do better in my explanations with future clients. It is also true that we needed to revamp the plans to convert to a Pole style construction, but I am unsure of the genesis of that need, other than you could not get a permit for the set due to the drastically different type of construction intended from original design (stick framed to post frame). This was a construction decision after the original stick built set was provided. It is an unfortunate reality that it takes a considerable amount of time to redraft plans for new structural/code/compliance needs, and as with all professionals we need to charge appropriately for our time. The reference to sporadic post placement was due to the original design being stick framed and the second being post frame, but with the windows and doors remaining in the original location as to remain consistent with the original design. The posts did not fall on a traditional 8ft spacing like most polebarns do. I could have placed posts at uniform intervals, but your windows and doors would not have had the same aesthetic appeal nor would the original design intent remained. IT was a directive from you to remain consistent with window and door placement. I understand that you or your contractor would had to spend additional time laying them out, but that is the cost consequence of remaining with the original door window placements. The post you mention in the middle of a door, on sheet A4 Left Elevation View is a post in the background (as the note indicated that it was a post shown “beyond” ) and not intended for consideration in wall left elevation. I could have explained that to you would I have been given the chance to do so. Lastly, I am glad you were able to install a more traditional septic as opposed to the Raised/mound system I was expecting to see installed there. I was delayed in visiting the site and asked for images for confirmation, but as all professional engineers, we need to visit the site to confirm. In the end I am glad you got your septic installed and saved money. I will take your criticism, though I am not in agreement with fault, and do better to educate my clients on the specific items above for future projects.