Engineering Design Services Cost in Costa Mesa: Complete Guide 2025

**Residential Structural Engineering**

• Home additions and second-story construction
• Foundation design and repair
• Seismic retrofitting and strengthening
• Load-bearing wall removal and beam installation
• Deck and patio cover structural design

**Commercial Structural Engineering**

• New building structural systems (steel, concrete, wood)
• Tenant improvement structural modifications
• Building evaluations and condition assessments
• Parking structure design
• Roof replacement structural analysis

**Site Development**

• Grading and drainage plans
• Storm water management systems (WQMP requirements)
• Utility infrastructure design
• Accessibility and ADA compliance
• Erosion control and environmental protection

**Transportation & Access**

• Driveway and parking lot design
• Traffic impact analysis
• Pedestrian circulation systems
• Street improvement coordination

**Small Additions (200-500 sq ft)**

• **Typical Cost:** $1,500 - $3,000
• **Scope:** Foundation design, wall and roof framing, beam calculations, basic shear wall design
• **Timeline:** 2-3 weeks
• **What's Included:** Site visit, structural calculations, stamped plans, one round of plan check revisions

**Medium Additions (500-1,000 sq ft)**

• **Typical Cost:** $2,500 - $4,500
• **Scope:** Complete structural system design, foundation analysis, lateral bracing design, integration with existing structure
• **Timeline:** 3-4 weeks
• **Complexity Factors:** Roof integration, soil conditions, setback constraints

**Large Additions (1,000-1,500 sq ft)**

• **Typical Cost:** $4,000 - $7,000
• **Scope:** Comprehensive structural engineering including soils investigation coordination, multiple load paths, complex roof framing, and extensive foundation work
• **Timeline:** 4-6 weeks

**Standard Second-Story Addition**

• **Typical Cost:** $6,000 - $12,000
• **Size Range:** 600-1,200 sq ft
• **Scope:** Existing foundation evaluation and upgrade design, new floor framing system, modified first-floor walls, lateral bracing enhancement, roof conversion to floor system

**Large Second-Story Addition (1,200-2,000 sq ft)**

• **Typical Cost:** $10,000 - $16,000
• **Additional Requirements:** Extensive foundation reinforcement, potential underpinning, complex framing integration, significant seismic system modifications
• **Timeline:** 6-8 weeks

**Interior Remodel with Structural Changes**

• **Simple beam installation:** $800 - $1,500
• **Kitchen remodel with wall removal:** $1,500 - $3,000
• **Open-concept conversion (multiple walls):** $3,000 - $5,500
• **Whole-house structural remodel:** $5,000 - $12,000

**Basic Retrofit (Cripple Wall Bracing)**

• **Typical Cost:** $1,200 - $2,000
• **Scope:** Structural plywood sheathing specification, foundation anchor bolt details, connection hardware specifications
• **Timeline:** 1-2 weeks

**Comprehensive Seismic Upgrade**

• **Typical Cost:** $3,500 - $6,500
• **Scope:** Complete building analysis, soft-story strengthening, foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing, water heater anchoring, chimney reinforcement
• **Best For:** Pre-1960 Costa Mesa homes with minimal seismic resistance

**Foundation Evaluation & Repair Design**

• **Basic evaluation:** $1,500 - $2,500
• **Settlement repair design (helical piers, underpinning):** $2,500 - $5,000
• **Complex foundation remediation:** $5,000 - $10,000+

**New Foundation Design (for additions)**

• **Simple slab or footing:** Included in addition costs above
• **Complex stepped foundations:** +$1,500 - $3,000
• **Engineered fill and retaining systems:** +$3,000 - $6,000

**Deck Structural Engineering**

• **Ground-level or low deck:** $800 - $1,500
• **Elevated deck (8-12 ft height):** $1,500 - $2,500
• **Multi-level deck with stairs:** $2,500 - $4,500
• **Decks supporting hot tubs/spas:** +$500 - $1,200

**Patio Covers & Pergolas**

• **Basic attached patio cover:** $1,200 - $2,000
• **Freestanding pergola or pavilion:** $1,500 - $3,500
• **Large covered outdoor living space:** $3,000 - $6,000

**Small Commercial (2,000-5,000 sq ft)**

• **Typical Cost:** $8,000 - $15,000
• **Building Types:** Small retail, professional offices, restaurants
• **Scope:** Complete structural system (foundation, framing, lateral), roof design, connection details
• **Timeline:** 6-10 weeks

**Medium Commercial (5,000-15,000 sq ft)**

• **Typical Cost:** $15,000 - $40,000
• **Building Types:** Strip centers, medical offices, multi-tenant retail
• **Scope:** Comprehensive structural engineering with multiple review cycles and coordination with architects and MEP engineers
• **Timeline:** 10-16 weeks

**Large Commercial (15,000-50,000 sq ft)**

• **Typical Cost:** $40,000 - $100,000+
• **Building Types:** Office buildings, large retail centers, industrial facilities
• **Scope:** Complex structural systems (steel or concrete frames), parking structures, long-span roof systems, comprehensive seismic analysis
• **Timeline:** 4-8 months

**High-Rise or Specialty Structures**

• **Typical Cost:** $100,000 - $500,000+
• **Projects:** Multi-story office towers, parking structures, mixed-use developments
• **Scope:** Advanced analysis, peer review requirements, specialized foundation systems, complex lateral systems

**Minor TI (No Structural Changes)**

• **Typical Cost:** $2,000 - $4,000
• **Scope:** Verification of existing structure adequacy, minor attachment details, equipment support
• **Common In:** Office suites, small retail

**Moderate TI (Some Structural Modifications)**

• **Typical Cost:** $5,000 - $12,000
• **Scope:** Demising wall removal or relocation, floor opening creation, mezzanine addition, heavy equipment support
• **Common In:** Restaurants, gyms, medical offices

**Extensive TI (Major Structural Changes)**

• **Typical Cost:** $12,000 - $30,000+
• **Scope:** Significant structural modifications, building additions, major load changes, full lateral system review
• **Common In:** Restaurant conversions, grocery stores, entertainment venues

**Site Development Plan**

• **Small Site (< 1 acre):** $8,000 - $15,000
• **Medium Site (1-3 acres):** $15,000 - $30,000
• **Large Site (3-10 acres):** $30,000 - $75,000+

**Included Services:**

• Grading and drainage design
• Storm water management (WQMP/SUSMP)
• Utility infrastructure layout
• Parking and circulation design
• ADA accessibility compliance
• City of Costa Mesa and Orange County coordination

**Specialized Civil Services**

• **Traffic impact study:** $5,000 - $15,000
• **Hydrology study:** $3,000 - $8,000
• **Environmental impact assessment:** $10,000 - $50,000+

**Basic MEP Package (Small Commercial)**

• **Typical Cost:** $8,000 - $18,000
• **Scope:** HVAC system design, electrical distribution and lighting, plumbing systems, basic fire sprinkler coordination
• **Size Range:** 2,000-5,000 sq ft

**Complete MEP Design (Medium Commercial)**

• **Typical Cost:** $18,000 - $45,000
• **Scope:** Comprehensive MEP design with Title 24 energy compliance, sophisticated HVAC controls, emergency power systems, complex plumbing (restaurants, medical)
• **Size Range:** 5,000-15,000 sq ft

**Large-Scale MEP Engineering**

• **Typical Cost:** $45,000 - $150,000+
• **Projects:** Office buildings, industrial facilities, large retail centers
• **Special Systems:** Data centers, medical gas, commercial kitchens, specialized process systems

**Most Common For:**

• Residential projects with defined scope
• Standard commercial projects
• Projects with clear parameters

**Advantages:**

• Budget certainty from project start
• No surprise billings
• Aligns engineer and client interests
• Simplifies project financial management

**Typical Structure:**

• 30-40% at contract signing
• 30-40% at preliminary design completion
• 20-30% at final plan delivery
• Final 10% at permit approval (sometimes)

**Common For:**

• Consulting services
• Forensic investigation
• Undefined scope projects
• Expert witness services

**Typical Hourly Rates in Costa Mesa:**

• **Junior Engineer:** $120 - $160/hour
• **Senior Engineer/PE:** $175 - $250/hour
• **Principal Engineer:** $225 - $325/hour
• **Engineering Support Staff:** $85 - $120/hour

**Advantages:**

• Flexibility for evolving scope
• Pay only for actual work performed
• Appropriate for investigation/research phases

**Disadvantages:**

• Budget uncertainty
• Potential for scope creep
• Requires close monitoring

**Common For:**

• Large commercial projects
• Public works projects
• Design-build projects

**Typical Percentages:**

• **Structural Engineering:** 0.8% - 1.5% of construction cost
• **Civil Engineering:** 1.0% - 2.5% of construction cost
• **MEP Engineering:** 1.0% - 2.0% of construction cost
• **Complete Design Team:** 4% - 8% of construction cost

**Example:** $2 million Costa Mesa commercial building

• Structural: $16,000 - $30,000 (0.8% - 1.5%)
• Civil: $20,000 - $50,000 (1.0% - 2.5%)
• MEP: $20,000 - $40,000 (1.0% - 2.0%)

**Advantages:**

• Scales with project size and complexity
• Industry-standard approach for larger projects
• Easier budget estimation in planning phases

**Disadvantages:**

• Final fee unknown until construction cost determined
• Engineer incentive misalignment (higher construction cost = higher fee)
• Can penalize efficient, cost-effective designs

Some **[engineering design services](https://aaaengineeringdesign.com/services/engineering-design)** use combined approaches:

• Fixed fee for design, hourly for construction support
• Not-to-exceed cap on hourly arrangements
• Fixed fee with hourly billing for scope additions

**Simple Projects (Lower Cost Range)**

• Rectangular buildings or additions
• Standard construction materials and methods
• No unusual site constraints
• Straightforward code compliance
• Limited coordination with other disciplines

**Complex Projects (Higher Cost Range)**

• Irregular geometries and multiple roof levels
• Custom structural systems
• Challenging site conditions (slopes, poor soils, tight access)
• Historic preservation requirements
• Multiple agency approvals required
• Extensive coordination with architecture, MEP, civil teams

**New Construction (Lower Cost)**

• Known site conditions
• No existing structure complications
• Freedom in structural system selection
• Standard design approaches

**Renovation/Addition (Higher Cost)**

• Unknown existing conditions requiring investigation
• Integration challenges with older construction
• Potential remediation of existing deficiencies
• Limited structural system options
• Selective demolition to expose conditions

**Good Soil Conditions**

• Firm, consistent bearing soils
• Deep groundwater table
• No liquefaction potential
• Minimal expansive characteristics
• Standard foundation designs

**Challenging Soil Conditions**

• Poor bearing capacity requiring deeper foundations
• High groundwater (common near Newport Bay)
• Liquefaction zones
• Expansive clay soils
• Contaminated soils requiring special handling

**Standard Timeline (Baseline Cost)**

• 3-4 weeks for residential design
• 6-10 weeks for commercial design
• Allows thorough analysis and coordination

**Expedited Service (Premium Pricing)**

• 1-week turnaround: +25-35% fee premium
• 2-week turnaround: +15-25% fee premium
• Weekend/evening work required
• Priority over other projects

**Extended Timeline (Potential Discount)**

• Flexible deadlines allowing efficient scheduling
• Possible 5-10% fee reduction
• Better for engineer resource management

**Standard Costa Mesa Projects**

• City of Costa Mesa Development Services review
• Standard building code compliance
• No special agency involvement

**Complex Regulatory Projects**

• Coastal Commission coordination (properties near Newport Bay)
• Historical preservation review
• Environmental impact requirements
• FAA approval (height near John Wayne Airport)
• Orange County Health Department (septic, restaurants)
• Regional Water Quality Control Board (water quality)

**Established Firms with Premium Reputations**

• Higher billing rates justified by reputation
• Extensive experience minimizing errors and revisions
• Strong agency relationships expediting approvals
• Comprehensive quality control processes

**Smaller or Newer Firms**

• More competitive pricing
• Potential for excellent value
• May lack established agency relationships
• Risk of less comprehensive experience

**Residential Engineering Packages Typically Include:**

• Initial site visit and owner consultation
• Existing conditions evaluation (visual)
• Structural calculations and analysis
• Stamped structural drawing set
• One round of plan check revisions
• Email/phone support for questions
• Code compliance documentation

**Commercial Engineering Packages Typically Include:**

• Preliminary design consultation and alternatives evaluation
• Detailed structural calculations
• Complete construction drawing set
• Specifications and general notes
• Code compliance analysis and documentation
• One to two rounds of plan check revisions
• Coordination meetings with architect and owner
• Basic RFI (Request for Information) response during construction

**Investigation & Testing**

• Geotechnical investigation ($1,500-$5,000)
• Materials testing (concrete, soil, special inspection)
• Destructive investigation of existing structures
• Asbestos or hazardous materials assessment
• Topographic survey ($1,500-$4,000)

**Specialized Analysis**

• Detailed 3D structural modeling
• Non-linear seismic analysis
• Wind tunnel testing
• Vibration analysis
• Peer review (required for certain complex structures)

**Extended Services**

• Excessive plan check revisions (beyond 2 rounds)
• Construction administration and full-time observation
• Value engineering after initial design
• Design changes requested mid-process
• Contractor assistance with means and methods

**Permitting Fees**

• Costa Mesa plan check fees ($800-$5,000+ depending on project)
• Building permit fees (percentage of construction cost)
• School district fees
• Environmental review fees

**Basic Construction Support (Often Included)**

• Email RFI responses
• Plan clarification phone calls
• Minor field modification approval
• Substitution review

**Additional Construction Services (Usually Extra Cost)**

• **Periodic site observation:** $400-$800 per visit
• **Full construction administration:** 10-15% of design fee
• **Special inspection oversight:** Hourly rates
• **Dispute resolution/expert witness:** $250-$400/hour

**Prices Significantly Below Market (30%+ Lower)**

• May indicate corners will be cut
• Possible use of unlicensed staff
• Lack of professional liability insurance
• Insufficient time allocated for thorough design

**Vague Scope Descriptions**

• No detail about deliverables
• Unclear what's included versus excluded
• No mention of plan check revision support
• Ambiguous timeline commitments

**Pressure Tactics**

• Must sign immediately for quoted price
• Limited-time discount offers
• Unwillingness to provide references
• Defensive responses to questions

**Experience & Expertise**

• Years serving Costa Mesa and Orange County
• Relevant project portfolio
• Specialized knowledge of your project type
• Professional reputation and references

**Communication & Responsiveness**

• Prompt return of calls and emails
• Willingness to explain technical concepts
• Patience with questions
• Proactive updates on progress

**Deliverable Quality**

• Clear, detailed construction drawings
• Comprehensive calculations
• Thorough specifications
• Constructable, cost-effective designs

**Plan Check Success**

• First-submission approval rates
• Understanding of Costa Mesa Development Services preferences
• Efficient response to plan check corrections
• Established reviewer relationships

**Construction Support**

• Availability during construction
• Responsiveness to contractor questions
• Site visit availability
• Problem-solving ability

**Provide Complete Information to Engineers:**

• Detailed project scope and objectives
• Preliminary architectural plans (if available)
• Site information (address, lot size, existing conditions)
• Timeline requirements and constraints
• Budget parameters
• Any special requirements or concerns

**Request Detailed Written Proposals Including:**

• Complete scope of services
• Specific deliverables
• Fee structure and total cost
• Payment schedule
• Timeline with milestones
• What's excluded from scope
• Plan check revision policy
• Construction phase support options

**Small Projects (Simple addition, minor remodel)**

• **Engineering:** 2-4% of construction cost
• **Example:** $80,000 construction → $1,600-$3,200 engineering

**Medium Projects (Large addition, major remodel)**

• **Engineering:** 3-6% of construction cost
• **Example:** $200,000 construction → $6,000-$12,000 engineering

**Large Projects (Second-story, whole-house remodel, custom home)**

• **Engineering:** 4-8% of construction cost
• **Example:** $500,000 construction → $20,000-$40,000 engineering

**Small Commercial (Under 5,000 sq ft)**

• **Total Design Team:** 6-10% of construction cost
• **Structural Engineering:** 1.5-2.5% of total design fees
• **Civil Engineering:** 2-3% of total design fees
• **MEP Engineering:** 2-3% of total design fees

**Medium Commercial (5,000-25,000 sq ft)**

• **Total Design Team:** 5-8% of construction cost
• **Engineering typically:** 60-70% of total design fee
• **Architectural:** 30-40% of total design fee

**Large Commercial (25,000+ sq ft)**

• **Total Design Team:** 4-7% of construction cost
• **Engineering proportion increases** with building complexity

**Example:** $3 million Costa Mesa retail building

• **Total design budget:** $150,000-$210,000 (5-7%)
• **Structural engineering:** $30,000-$45,000
• **Civil engineering:** $25,000-$40,000
• **MEP engineering:** $35,000-$55,000
• **Architecture:** $60,000-$70,000

**Permitting & Agency Fees**

• **Costa Mesa plan check:** $800-$8,000+ (depends on project value)
• **Building permits:** Approximately 1-2% of construction cost
• **School fees:** $3.20-$4.08 per sq ft (new residential)
• **Utility connection fees:** Varies by project

**Consulting & Testing**

• **Geotechnical investigation:** $1,500-$5,000
• **Topographic survey:** $1,500-$4,000
• **Environmental Phase I:** $2,000-$4,000
• **Materials testing (during construction):** $2,000-$8,000
• **Special inspection:** $3,000-$15,000+

**Bundle Services**

• Structural + Civil engineering together
• Complete design team (architecture + engineering)
• Phased projects with same firm

We provide detailed written proposals clearly stating:

• Complete scope of included services
• Fixed fees for defined projects (no surprise billings)
• What's excluded and available as additional services
• Payment schedules and milestones
• Timeline commitments

Our portfolio includes successful projects throughout Costa Mesa:

• Residential additions and remodels across all neighborhoods
• Commercial tenant improvements on Bristol Street and Harbor Boulevard
• New commercial buildings in South Coast Metro area
• Site development projects from small infill to multi-acre sites

AAA Engineering Design maximizes client value through:

• **Cost-effective structural systems** balancing safety with economy
• **Constructable designs** contractors can build efficiently
• **Minimal plan check corrections** avoiding costly delay and revision cycles
• **Responsive communication** preventing misunderstandings and rework
• **Construction support** ensuring projects build as designed

**Serving All of Costa Mesa and Orange County:**

• Costa Mesa (all neighborhoods—Westside, East Side, South Coast Metro)
• Newport Beach
• Irvine
• Huntington Beach
• Santa Ana
• Tustin
• Orange
• And all surrounding Orange County cities

**Our Engineering Services Include:**

• Residential structural engineering (additions, remodels, seismic retrofits)
• Commercial structural design (new buildings, tenant improvements)
• Civil engineering (site development, grading, drainage, utilities)
• Foundation design and geotechnical coordination
• Building permit plan preparation
• Construction phase engineering support