Existing structures and drawings
Engineering certification for what you already have
A shed that was built without approval, a second-hand kit, drawings from a draftsperson or supplier that need an engineer's stamp, or a patio council has asked about. We assess it from your photos, measurements and drawings and certify what can be certified.
No site visit needed. Fixed fee confirmed after an engineer's review.
What we certify
Second-hand and relocated sheds
Measure the members, photograph the connections and bracing, tell us the new site. We design the footings and anchors for the new location and certify the frame. How it works
Drawings that need a stamp
Plans from a draftsperson, a kit supplier or an overseas manufacturer that council will not accept without an Australian engineer's certification. We review, add what is missing and certify.
Built without approval
A patio, carport, shed or fence that went up without a permit and now needs retrospective approval. We assess it from photos and measurements and tell you what, if anything, must change.
Container buildings and footings
Containers already on site that council wants tied down and certified.
Solar panels on an existing roof
Whether the roof can carry the array, and the strengthening if it cannot. What we check
Mezzanines and modifications
A mezzanine, lean-to or extra opening added to an existing shed that needs engineering before council will sign it off.
What we need from you
- DimensionsLength, width, height, bay spacing. Required even when you upload drawings.
- Member sizesDepth and thickness of columns, rafters, purlins, posts and beams. Calipers on the steel thickness help.
- PhotosOverall, each connection, bracing, footings or base plates, and any damage.
- Site address and council letterWind region comes from the address; the letter tells us exactly what council wants.
Existing structures are reviewed by an engineer before we confirm the fee, so any calculated fee from the design tools is a starting point, not a quote for these projects.
Send it through
Upload drawings and photos with the site address and we will come back with a scope and fixed fee.
Upload drawings or photosWhen we say no
Sometimes a structure cannot be certified as it stands: the steel is too light for the site, corrosion has taken too much section, the footings cannot be verified, or a modification cannot be assessed from photos. We tell you early, before you pay for engineering, and describe what would make it work: strengthening, exposing a footing, a lower wall height, or reusing the cladding on a new frame. An honest answer costs you far less than a certificate a council rejects.
Certification questions
Can you certify a structure without visiting it?
Usually, yes, from clear photos, measurements and any drawings. Where a council specifically requires a physical inspection of as-built work, that has to be done by a local engineer or certifier; we tell you when that applies.
Council rejected my plans. Can you fix them?
Almost always. Send the plans and the council letter; we add the missing engineering, respond to the certifier's points and certify. See what to do when council knocks back your plans.
What does certification cost?
It depends on the structure and how much has to be checked or redesigned, so we quote each job after an engineer's review. You always see the fixed fee before you commit.
Do you certify in every state?
Yes, in every state and territory, with the required state forms. In SA we currently certify sheds and patios only.
What are you planning?
Send us your project details and take the next step. No payment to request a quote.