The different states across all of Australia have different requirements for eligibility for builders licence, covering education, relevant industry experience and references among others. What stands out is that training as a civil engineer is not a pre-requisite. And to think that a civil engineer brings so much to the table on any project.

Before jumping into working with any contractor, you may want to first engage a consulting civil engineer. It also makes it all the more convenient if your choice of a contractor has a skilled and experienced consulting engineer with whom they work on projects similar to your own.

The Value Placed On Your Input

It is the engineer's job to establish what you want, as far as project design goes, and advice you on any areas that need improving to get a design that will serve its purpose and stand the test of time. The consulting engineer will do exactly that; consult with you through every step of the project right from design to project execution.

Identifying Challenges and Coming Up With Solutions

An engineer's mind is very critical, and they can identify possible changes and potential problem areas even before work starts on your project. For each of these challenges, they will work hard to formulate a solution or workaround to ensure that the project runs smoothly.

The last thing you would want on your project is challenges, however, small being overlooked. This can have serious consequences such as compromising the structural integrity of the entire construction project.

Opportunities for Cost Minimisation

Everyone is always on the lookout for cost-effective proposals for their construction projects. However, as with everything else, cost shouldn't be what sways you towards a particular contractor and away from the rest, who, in most cases, may be more deserving.

The engineer is better placed to identify cost-saving opportunities throughout the lifecycle of your project. From coming up with accurate project designs to identifying low-cost, yet quality materials for the construction, an engineer's input is invaluable when it comes to keeping your project costs within budget. You will be able to avoid wasteful spending on your project while still sticking to your project timelines and the quality of work you need to be delivered. 

The role of a consulting engineer during the construction process is just as important as that of the construction manager or contractor. With a professional engineer on your civil works project, you can look forward to timely project deliverables, cost saving and much more.