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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Oasis Engineering – Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Oasis Engineering offer?
Oasis Engineering provides a wide range of professional engineering services for residential and small commercial projects. Their offerings include structural engineering design, consulting on construction projects, preparation of architectural and engineering drawings, permit consulting, and certified engineering letters oasisengineering.com. They are also known for specialty services like shipping container home design and plans, but overall can assist with anything from creating full construction blueprints to performing structural inspections and certifications.
Is Oasis Engineering licensed in Florida and experienced with local codes?
Yes – Oasis Engineering is based in Florida and led by licensed Professional Engineers familiar with the state’s building codes and regulations oasisengineering.com. All engineering work is reviewed and signed by a Florida-licensed P.E., ensuring it meets state and local requirements for permitting.
What types of projects can Oasis Engineering assist with?
Oasis Engineering works on a wide range of residential projects. They help design new homes and additions (including conventional builds as well as innovative homes like shipping container houses and tiny homes), and they provide structural engineering for renovations or remodels. For example, they specialize in creating and certifying shipping container home plans, but they can equally assist with standard home construction or Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and guest house projects. Typical project types include designing foundations and structures for new custom homes, evaluating and modifying existing structures (removing a wall, adding a second story, etc.), inspecting structural issues in homes, and even niche structures like pergolas or patio covers. They also offer services for homeowners needing inspections or letters for things like storm damage, compliance, making Oasis a versatile partner for many project needs.
How can Oasis Engineering help with the permitting process?
Navigating building permits can be challenging, but Oasis Engineering will guide you through each step of the permitting process. They assist by preparing all required engineered plans, calculations, and documentation that the building department needs for approval. In many cases a county may require a licensed engineer to review and certify your plans for permitting, and that’s exactly what Oasis provides oasisengineering.com – they’ll review or create the plans and then seal them so they’re permit-ready. Oasis can also help with specific permit hurdles, such as providing engineer’s affidavits (www.engineerletters.co) or letters for permit closure and even handling missed inspections or revisions requested by plan reviewers. In short, they make sure you have the correct drawings and certifications in place, and they can coordinate with code officials as needed to smooth out the permitting and approval process oasisengineering.com.
What building inspections are required, and how does Oasis Engineering help me prepare?
For a typical construction project, multiple inspections will be required by the local building department at different stages of the work. For example, in a new build you’ll usually start with a foundation/footing inspection to ensure the footing meets code (this is often the first inspection after the concrete is poured) oasisengineering.com. After that, there may be a slab or floor framing inspection, a wall/framing inspection, and other trade-specific inspections (electrical, plumbing, etc.), all culminating in a final inspection before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Oasis Engineering helps you prepare for these by ensuring that the engineering plans and details they provide are up to code for each phase, so your project can pass each inspection. They design structural elements to meet code requirements from the ground up, and they can advise you or your builder on any structural questions during construction, reducing the risk of inspection issues. Thanks to their careful planning and code knowledge, you’ll be well-prepared to meet all the building inspector’s checkpoints.
What is an engineering letter, and when would I need one?
An engineering letter (sometimes called an engineer’s certification letter) is a formal document written and signed by a licensed engineer to certify some aspect of your project’s design or construction. These letters typically attest that a structure or component is safe and meets building code standards oasisengineering.com, serving as a professional guarantee of compliance. Oasis Engineering provides engineering letters that certify the safety, reliability, and code-compliance of your project– for example, an engineer’s letter might verify that a modification to a truss is structurally sound, or that an existing foundation can support a new load. You might need an engineering letter in scenarios such as: a building inspector asks for a structural verification, you’re closing out a permit and need a final engineer sign-off, you’re installing a pre-fabricated structure (like a shed or carport) that requires an engineer’s approval, or if you corrected a code violation and must certify that the fix is done properly. In any case where the city or county requires professional engineering validation, Oasis Engineering can quickly generate the necessary letter to keep your project moving forward.
Can Oasis Engineering help if I have a failed inspection or unpermitted work?
Yes. Oasis Engineering offers consulting services specifically to help with failed inspections, code violations, or unpermitted work situations. If your project didn’t pass an inspection or you discovered work that was done without a permit, their engineers can step in to assess the situation and propose a solution. They often assist with things like engineer affidavit inspections and letters for permit closure – for instance, if you missed an inspection or need to legalize unpermitted construction, they can perform a professional inspection and write a certified letter to satisfy the building department’s requirements engineerletters.co. The engineer will evaluate the work (sometimes via a site visit or by reviewing photos and plans), then provide any needed remediation plans or a letter confirming the work meets code. This helps address any “red tag” or code enforcement issues. Oasis Engineering is experienced in resolving complex permitting hurdles – they understand the paperwork and technical requirements to get your project back on track and approved by the city. With their help in providing the necessary documentation and fixes oasisengineering.com, you can often turn a failed inspection into a passed one or retroactively permit past work.
Do I need a structural engineer for my home renovation or addition?
If your renovation or addition involves changes to the structure of your home, it’s highly recommended to involve a structural engineer. Projects like removing or relocating load-bearing walls, adding a second story, expanding your home’s footprint, or significant remodeling that alters the roof or floor structure will all benefit from an engineer’s expertise (and usually, building codes require engineered plans for these kinds of changes). Oasis Engineering provides renovation consulting services to evaluate the structural implications of your plans and advise on safe, code-compliant ways to achieve your design goals. In practical terms, this means an engineer will calculate the beams, headers, footings, or other elements needed so your modified structure remains sound. Even for smaller DIY projects, getting an engineer’s input can be invaluable – it ensures you’re not unintentionally compromising anything. As Oasis Engineering notes, consultations with a licensed engineer can be invaluable for addressing structural challenges and ensuring safety in such cases oasisengineering.com. In short, if you’re doing more than cosmetic changes, an engineer is a smart investment to make sure your renovation is done right and will pass permitting.
Can Oasis Engineering perform a structural inspection on my home?
Absolutely. Oasis Engineering can conduct professional structural inspections of existing homes and buildings. If you’re concerned about something like a cracked foundation, sagging beam, storm damage, or any structural issue in your house, they can come out (or sometimes even review photos remotely) to assess the condition. Their home/building inspection service provides a detailed assessment of the structure’s condition, identifying any potential problems and recommending solutions. This can be useful if you’re a homeowner wanting peace of mind about a structural concern, or if you’re in the process of buying a home and want a structural engineer to evaluate specific issues that a general home inspector flagged. After the inspection, Oasis will give you a report or an engineer’s letter outlining their findings. They’ll explain what’s in good shape, what might need repair or reinforcement, and how to address any issues to ensure the building’s safety. These certified inspections and reports are often suitable for insurance needs or to satisfy a bank that a property is structurally sound. In summary, if you need a structural integrity check on a property, Oasis Engineering is equipped to provide a thorough inspection and professional evaluation.
How do I start a project with Oasis Engineering?
Getting started with Oasis Engineering is simple. You can reach out to them via their website or by phone to initially discuss your project. Typically, you’ll share some details about what you’re looking to do – for example, “I want to build a container home,” or “I need an inspection letter for a remodel,” etc. Based on that, the Oasis team will usually schedule a consultation (by phone or Zoom) or ask for any drawings or photos you have, to fully understand your needs. After evaluating your project scope, they will provide you with a proposal or quote for their services outlining what they will deliver and the cost. Once you agree and give the go-ahead, they’ll kick off the work. One of the advantages of working with Oasis is their communication – clients often mention quick response times and attention to detail in their interactions oasisengineering.com. You can expect them to be responsive to emails or calls, keeping you updated as your engineering plans or letters are being prepared. In short, just contact them with your project info, and they will guide you through the next steps in a very straightforward, helpful manner.
How quickly can Oasis Engineering complete my plans or engineering letter?
Oasis Engineering is known for rapid turnaround times, which is great when you’re eager to move your project along. The exact timeline will depend on the complexity of your project, but many small-scale tasks can be done in just a few days. For example, obtaining a simple engineer’s letter or a minor plan revision might only take a couple of days – some clients have reported getting their project completed even faster than promised (within a day) oasisengineering.com. Oasis often gives a reasonable estimated timeframe (say, 5 business days for something) and then strives to beat it oasisengineering.com. Larger projects, like a full set of custom home plans or a multi-container home design, will naturally take longer – usually on the order of a few weeks to work through design, calculations, and revisions. Rest assured, though, that Oasis Engineering prioritizes efficiency; they understand that permitting schedules are important. They will communicate the expected timeline up front and work diligently to deliver quality results as quickly as possible, without compromising accuracy. If you have a specific deadline, it’s worth mentioning it to them – they’re often able to expedite when necessary to meet permitting or construction schedules.
Can I work with Oasis Engineering if I’m not in their local area?
Yes, you can. Oasis Engineering works with clients all across Florida and even beyond. Their base is in Tampa, FL, but they’ve structured their services to be accessible remotely, which is perfect for DIY builders or developers who might not be nearby. In fact, their offerings are not limited by location – they have pre-engineered plan sets available for DIY builders worldwide and can adapt designs to meet local codes wherever the project is. Communication can be handled via phone, email, and video conferencing, so you’ll get the same level of detail and service as an in-person meeting. They routinely provide digital plan sets (with electronic engineer seals) that you can submit to your local building department. Even for inspections or site conditions, you can share photos/videos or schedule virtual meetings. This means whether you’re in another city in Florida or even in a different country, you can collaborate with Oasis Engineering and get professional engineered plans and guidance without needing them to physically travel to you. Many Florida projects can be done entirely via e-mail and electronic submissions these days, and Oasis has embraced that flexibility to serve clients remotely.
What are remote virtual inspections, and can Oasis Engineering help with them?
Remote Virtual Inspections (RVI) are a relatively new option some building departments offer where an inspector evaluates your construction via a video call or app instead of coming on site in person. Essentially, you use a smartphone or tablet to show the inspector the work, and they guide you on where to point the camera and what to check. This method became more popular to save time and even as a response to limited in-person visits. In Florida, a few jurisdictions have started to adopt RVI in specific cases – for example, Lee County’s building department now offers a virtual final roof inspection for certain re-roof permits oasisengineering.com. Oasis Engineering stays up-to-date on such industry innovations and has even published guidance on remote inspections, noting that the adoption of RVI reflects the construction industry’s push for modern, efficient solutions oasisengineering.com. While the official building inspection is conducted by your local inspector, Oasis Engineering can help you navigate virtual inspections by advising what the inspector will want to see structurally and how to best demonstrate compliance on camera. If needed, an Oasis engineer can join you during a virtual inspection (as a consultant) to help answer any technical questions the inspector might have about the plans or structural elements. Embracing RVI can streamline the process, and Oasis will ensure that you’re well-prepared for a virtual inspection so that it goes smoothly and meets all requirements.
Are your engineering plans and letters signed and sealed for Florida permits?
Yes – all plans, calculations, and letters you receive from Oasis Engineering will be signed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Florida law (and most building departments) require engineering documents to bear an engineer’s seal to be accepted for permitting, and Oasis provides this on every deliverable. In fact, one of their selling points is that they offer designs and plans certified by a licensed PE oasisengineering.com. When you hire Oasis, you can be confident that the drawings or letters you get are code-compliant and come with the official PE seal and signature attesting to that compliance oasisengineering.com. Typically, they use an electronic seal/signature which is widely accepted by counties for e-permitting, but they can provide physical signed copies if needed. This means your plans or engineer’s letter from Oasis will be ready for submission and will meet the professional requirements. Building officials can trust that a qualified engineer has taken responsibility for the design, which is exactly what you need for permit approval.
Will Oasis Engineering handle the permit submission and approvals for me?
Oasis Engineering will prepare everything you need for the permit, but the act of permit submission (filling out the application, submitting to the county, paying fees, etc.) is usually done by the homeowner or contractor. Essentially, Oasis focuses on delivering the certified plans, calculations, and any required forms (like an engineer’s affidavit or energy calculations) that must accompany your permit application. That said, they don’t just hand them off and disappear – Oasis can help you closely in communication with local authorities to streamline the permitting process oasisengineering.com. This means they are available to answer any technical questions from the plan reviewers and will help address any comments or revisions the building department might have on their documents. Think of it as a partnership: Oasis ensures all the drawings and documents are code-compliant and complete, and guides you in what needs to be submitted oasisengineering.com, while you or your builder will actually submit the package and interact with the permitting portal. If you’re uncomfortable with the process, Oasis can often walk you through it (since they’ve dealt with many Florida jurisdictions). In some cases, for a local project, they might even act as your agent to submit paperwork, but generally, you retain control of the permit application. This collaborative approach keeps you informed and in charge, but with the confidence that an expert has provided everything required for approval.
Why choose Oasis Engineering for my project?
Oasis Engineering prides itself on a client-focused approach and a breadth of expertise that can be hard to find in a single firm. One reason to choose Oasis is their knack for innovative yet practical solutions – for example, they are leaders in designing unique structures like container homes, making sure even creative projects are executed with solid engineering that meets code (their container designs are specifically crafted for strength and durability in compliance with building codes). At the same time, they handle routine projects with equal diligence, ensuring safety and compliance in every design. Another advantage is their personalized service: as a smaller engineering consultancy, you get direct communication with the engineers and quick turnaround on questions or changes. Many clients highlight their rapid responsiveness and attention to detail in delivering results oasisengineering.com. Additionally, Oasis offers end-to-end support – from initial concept consultation to final inspection letters – which means you’re guided throughout the entire process. They take pride in delivering high-quality plans and engineering services tailored to your needs, providing peace of mind and support from start to finish irp.cdn-website.com. In summary, choosing Oasis Engineering means you’ll work with a knowledgeable, responsive team that understands both the big picture and the technical details, making your journey as a DIY builder, homeowner, or developer much smoother.
Can Oasis Engineering help with ADUs or tiny home projects?
Yes, Oasis Engineering can definitely assist with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), tiny homes, and other small residential projects. In fact, they have considerable experience with these – they’ve even compiled resources to help people understand ADU requirements oasisengineering.com and offer pre-designed tiny home plans. For example, Oasis provides ready-to-build tiny house plan sets, such as a fully engineered 16×12 ft DIY tiny home with a loft bedroom, available for purchase and download oasisengineering.com. These plans come with the necessary drawings and details, and can be a great starting point if you want a cost-effective ADU in your backyard. If you’re aiming to build an ADU on your property (whether it’s a standalone tiny house, a garage apartment, etc.), Oasis can produce the structural plans and foundation designs required for the permit. They’ll ensure the ADU plans meet Florida Building Code for habitation (e.g. proper wind resistance, load calculations, tie-downs, etc.), since an ADU must be built to the same standards as a primary residence. They are also open to customizing ADU or tiny home designs – so if you have a specific layout in mind or a pre-drawn plan from elsewhere, Oasis Engineering can adapt and certify it for your local codes. In short, ADUs and tiny homes are within their wheelhouse, and they can help turn your small home project into a reality with code-compliant engineering and guidance.
Are shipping container homes designed by Oasis Engineering code-compliant and hurricane-resistant?
Absolutely. Oasis Engineering’s container home designs are engineered to meet or exceed building code requirements, including the stringent structural codes we have in Florida for hurricanes. While shipping containers themselves are made of steel and are very sturdy, converting them into safe homes requires proper engineering – and Oasis ensures things like foundations, wind resistance, and structural modifications are all handled correctly. Their container home plans are specifically crafted for strength and durability, adhering to relevant building standards (such as the International Building Code) for habitable structures. In Florida, this translates to meeting the Florida Building Code, which encompasses high-wind design criteria (hurricane wind loads), proper connections, and all safety considerations. Oasis’s container designs take into account those hurricane-force winds and other local factors; for instance, they’ll specify how the container must be anchored to the foundation, how openings (doors/windows) are reinforced, and ensure the roof can handle local wind pressures. Clients can be confident that an Oasis-engineered container home is just as safe as a traditionally built home. In summary, yes – a container home engineered by Oasis will be fully code-compliant for Florida and built to withstand tough conditions, giving you a hurricane-resistant home by design.
I already have plans – can Oasis Engineering certify them for permit?
Yes. If you already have a set of architectural plans (or a design from another source) but need a engineer’s certification to submit for a permit, Oasis Engineering can help. Often, stock plans or county-provided plans still require a licensed engineer’s review and approval to ensure they meet local codes; many counties require a P.E. to review and certify your plans for permitting oasisengineering.com. In such cases, Oasis will act as that required Professional Engineer. Their team will carefully review your existing plans and validate the design, checking that the structural elements (foundation, framing, connections, etc.) comply with Building Code and any local amendments. If the plans are missing certain details or need adjustments, Oasis can modify or mark them up so that they fulfill all code requirements. They will then provide a signed and sealed letter or addendum stating that the plans have been reviewed and are in compliance, or they may apply their engineer’s seal directly to the drawings if appropriate. This effectively certifies the plans for submission. This service is really useful if, for example, you got free ADU plans from a county program or bought a set of house plans online – Oasis Engineering steps in to do the necessary technical vetting and stamping. By having them certify your pre-drawn plans, you get the best of both worlds: a design you like, plus the legal approval from a licensed engineer to satisfy the building department.
Does Oasis Engineering provide consulting for DIY builders and owner-builders?
Definitely. One of Oasis Engineering’s strengths is working with DIY builders and owner-builders who may not have a general contractor or full design team. They essentially provide hand-holding on the engineering side to help non-professionals through the technical parts of building. If you’re taking on a project yourself, you can engage Oasis in a consulting role – for instance, you might have a rough idea or a concept sketch, and they will work with you to develop it into a proper plan with structural calculations. They even mention a “concierge” design experience for inspired clients who have ideas but need guidance to turn those ideas into reality. As consultants, they can advise you on questions like what kind of foundation you’ll need, how to meet code for a unique design, or how to resolve any engineering challenges you encounter during the build. Throughout the process, they’ll be available to answer questions (virtually or by phone), review any DIY construction plans you come up with, and suggest improvements or corrections. This means you’re not alone – even if you’re building it yourself, you have a licensed expert in your corner. Many owner-builders find this reassuring because it boosts their confidence and ensures they’re doing things right. Oasis Engineering basically empowers DIY folks by giving them professional guidance and customized solutions when they need it, without taking over the project – you remain the builder, but with expert backup whenever necessary.
