Construction Terms

A structural engineering and calculations package for Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) homes is a set of engineering calculations and designs that are used to ensure that a CFS home is safe and stable. The package includes detailed calculations and designs for the foundation, walls, floors, roof, and other structural elements of the home.

The package typically includes the following documents:

1. The loads it will need to support, and any special requirements such as seismic or wind load considerations. These calculations are required for your foundation, so the structural engineer(for your foundation type) or MEPS engineer who is designing your foundation structure.
2. Framing design: A detailed design of the framing, including the size and type of steel members, the spacing of the framing members, and any special requirements such as fire resistance or insulation.
3. Connection design: A detailed design of the connections between the steel members, including the type and size of fasteners, and the spacing and placement of the connections.
4. Load calculations: A detailed analysis of the loads that the structure will need to support, including dead loads, live loads, wind loads, snow, and seismic loads.
5. Drawings and details: Detailed drawings and details of the structural elements of the home, for the foundation, walls, floors, roof, and connections.
6. Specifications: A detailed list of the materials and products that will be used in the construction of the home, including the type and size of steel members, fasteners, and other structural components, Like the structural sheathing materials minimum requirement.

The package is usually prepared by a structural engineer, and it is intended to be used by the contractor and other trades during the construction process to ensure compliance with the building codes and the manufacturer's instructions.

It's important to note that the structural engineering and calculations package is a critical part of the design and construction process, and it should be reviewed and approved by the local building department before construction begins.

MEPS Engineers is likely a company that specializes in providing Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Structural (MEPS) engineering services. These types of engineering services are typically required for the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and other structures.

A MEPS Engineer is responsible for designing and analyzing the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural systems within a building. They work to ensure that the building meets the functional, safety and energy efficiency requirements.

1. Mechanical Engineering: This includes designing and specifying the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, plumbing systems, and fire protection systems.
2. Electrical Engineering: This includes designing and specifying the electrical power, lighting, and communication systems within a building.
3. Plumbing Engineering: This includes designing and specifying the plumbing systems within a building, including the water supply and drainage systems.
4. Structural Engineering: This includes designing and specifying the structural systems that support and give shape to the building.

MEPS Engineers work closely with architects, builders, and other professionals to ensure that the building design is functional, safe, and compliant with all relevant building codes and regulations. They also perform calculations and simulations to ensure that the systems they design will function properly and be cost-effective to install and maintain.

It's also important to mention that MEPS Engineers can also provide consulting services on building code compliance, energy efficiency, sustainability and building commissioning.

A civil engineer is a professional who designs, builds, and maintains infrastructure and other physical structures, including roads, bridges, buildings, airports, dams, and water and sewage systems.

They use their knowledge of engineering, construction, and materials science to plan, design, and oversee the construction of these structures, and to ensure that they are safe, efficient, and cost-effective.

The main responsibilities of a civil engineer can be summarized as:

1. Planning and Design: Civil engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans and drawings of structures, and to model and analyze their structural integrity and performance. They also use their knowledge of materials science, geology, and other relevant fields to select the appropriate materials for a structure.
2. Construction management: Civil engineers oversee the construction of the structures they have designed, working closely with architects, construction managers, and other professionals to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications.
3. Inspection and maintenance: Civil engineers also inspect the structures they have designed and built, to ensure that they are safe and functioning properly. They also develop maintenance plans to ensure that the structures will continue to function properly over time.
4. Research and Development: Civil engineers also conduct research to develop new construction materials and methods, and to improve existing technologies.
5. Sustainability and Environment: Civil Engineers also consider the impact of the structures they design on the environment and are aware of the importance of sustainable design and development.

Civil engineers work in a variety of fields, such as transportation, water resources, environmental, geotechnical, coastal, and structures. They may work for government

In construction, "soft costs" refer to the non-physical costs associated with a building project, such as design and planning, permits, financing, and legal fees.

These costs are not directly related to the physical construction of the building, such as labor and materials, but are still an important part of the overall project budget.

They can include indirect costs like project management, architectural and engineering fees, permit fees, and financing costs. Additionally, it may also include contingencies, legal fees, marketing and sales efforts, and other indirect expenses that are not directly related to the physical construction of the building.

• Architectural and Engineering fees: The cost of design and planning services, including architectural, engineering, and surveying fees.
• Permits and inspections: The cost of obtaining the necessary permits and inspections for the project, including zoning and building permits
• Surveying and geotechnical services: Services to conduct soil test, topographical surveys, and other geotechnical investigations.
• Commissioning services: Services to ensure that the building systems are performing as intended after construction is completed

Site preparation and utilities can be considered a part of the soft costs associated with a building project, depending on how they are defined and budgeted.

Site preparation typically refers to the work that needs to be done to prepare the site for construction, such as clearing the land, grading, and excavation. These costs may be considered as part of the soft costs as they are not directly related to the physical construction of the building, but are necessary for the project to proceed.

Utilities refer to the installation and connection of services such as water, electricity, gas, sewerage/septic  and telecommunications. These costs may also be considered as part of the soft costs, as they are not directly related to the physical construction of the building but are necessary for the building to function.

It's important to note that, how the costs are budgeted and defined may vary from one project to another, depending on site preparations and utilities as they can represent a significant portion of the overall project budget.

In construction, "hard costs" refer to the physical costs associated with a building project, such as labor, materials, and equipment. These costs are directly related to the physical construction of the building and are typically the largest part of the overall project budget.

Some examples of hard costs in construction include

1. Labor: The cost of the workers who are physically building the structure, including wages, benefits, and taxes.
2. Materials: The cost of the materials that are used to build the structure, such as lumber, concrete, steel, and other building materials.
3. Equipment: The cost of the equipment and tools that are used to construct the building, such as cranes, excavators, and other heavy machinery.
4. Subcontractor costs: The cost of hiring specialized contractors to perform specific tasks, such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work.
5. Demolition costs: The cost of demolishing an existing structure to make way for a new one.
6. Landscaping costs: The cost of landscaping the site after construction is completed.

It's important to note that hard costs can vary greatly depending on the project, but they are the most tangible and direct costs associated with the construction of a building. They can be measured and tracked relatively easily, and they represent the bulk of the construction budget.