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[bijoyav]

Still in India, structural design is not considered as a requirement
for construction of a building. Many are yet to learn that proper
planning as per National Building Code of India (NBC) is required for
having a good building. In this scenario, it is very difficult to
discuss on topic like "fees".

Let us spread the need for designing a building as per NBC. How many
clients are insisting Architects or Engineers to design in accordance
with NBC? How many knows about NBC? Let it happen. Such designed
designs to be scrutinized by another external agency, like internal
audit and external audit. Then there will be heavy requirement for
good quality engineers are the deserved will get required fees.

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[abhy_vivek]

Dear Er. Bijoy av,

     To extend the topic ahead, in India per say 'Engineering' itself is not a recognised as a 'Profession' ! Hardly any uniformity is found amongst the consultants while quoting for any job. Most of the big international works are even not an exception to this situation ! Many big parties have an hidden agenda to 'under-quote' for a job and latter recover the fees during 'arbitration / claims' stage. In big design-consultancy works there are many 'hidden' factors like deputing engineers at site, travelling cost, supervision, certification in day-to-day works etc. which forms a sizable proportion of total fees and which are often not disclosed by consultancies to the clients at the time of giving an offer.

     We need a standard forms / formats / procedure of 'work-measurement' to arrive at a 'ball-point' cost / fees for any design job. To enter into a contract there could be various basis viz. (1) Hourly time rate basis, (b) 'Lump-sum basis', (c) Number of drawings basis, (d) Total Structural Qty Basis (RCC / Steel), etc.

International standads (FIDIK) etc. has more or less established procedure of arriving at common contract conditions for various types of works. But still on cost no one has guilines !!

Reg
Vivek Abhyankar
Structural Engineer
Mumbai