I would appreciate some help and feedback on the issues listed below, as I see very well versed architects on this forum. Registered architect here, starting a new architectural LLC. I am having two major issues:
1. Getting a liability insurance: Can you guys help with firms that provide reasonable liability insurance? Since in NJ looks like I must have that insurance, I am pressed for time. I did try online application and did not get any offers. Because I am a newbie with high risk? At the moment I am thinking just getting the lowest possible cost for insurance, so I can get the LLC rolling ASAP (as I have contractors asking me to do plans) and after I get some projects in ($$$) maybe re-evaluate the insurance. Any feedback what sole proprietary practitioner's LLC is paying with no sole experience? Can prior partner experience in different firm count, if at the time I was not registered in USA as architect, but registered abroad? Not sure why I was not getting any offers. Checked most fields in application, in terms of work, including structural. Please feel free to send any information regarding this.
2. Finding a structural engineer: I have worked in USA office for 14+ years with mostly 15 plus mil. projects that all had structural consultants, so no structural engineering experience on my part. Now I am moving towards residential and honestly feel that I need to have structural engineer double check my floor/roof members and co-sign my drawings. Most potential projects are no design award contestants, straight forward typical NJ construction. I can do all drafting required. Any leads on structural engineer that will check my drawings and co-sign? I know engineers that co-sign architectural drawings for like $500, and double check structure, but having hard time engaging the ones I have heard of. Also, any ideas on structural engineering software for a beginner that might help?
Also, RE Question 1: What happens if in 1-2 years I decide to go back to being an employee, how long I need to keep the insurance? Read something somewhere about 10 years after last project completed, but cannot find the source now.
When I started my small business out of my house I approached my homeowners insurance agent, State Farm, and was able to get E&o through them. At that time - 9 years ago - State Farm had an arm that did specialty insurance. Apparently it's a good rule of thumb to expect 1% of your gross receipts to be spent on E&O.
May 12, 18 3:43 pm ·
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BayG
Thanks!
May 14, 18 3:02 pm ·
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Liability Insurance/ Structural Engineer / House structure software for newbie arch. LLC in NJ
Hello everybody,
I would appreciate some help and feedback on the issues listed below, as I see very well versed architects on this forum. Registered architect here, starting a new architectural LLC. I am having two major issues:
1. Getting a liability insurance: Can you guys help with firms that provide reasonable liability insurance? Since in NJ looks like I must have that insurance, I am pressed for time. I did try online application and did not get any offers. Because I am a newbie with high risk? At the moment I am thinking just getting the lowest possible cost for insurance, so I can get the LLC rolling ASAP (as I have contractors asking me to do plans) and after I get some projects in ($$$) maybe re-evaluate the insurance. Any feedback what sole proprietary practitioner's LLC is paying with no sole experience? Can prior partner experience in different firm count, if at the time I was not registered in USA as architect, but registered abroad? Not sure why I was not getting any offers. Checked most fields in application, in terms of work, including structural. Please feel free to send any information regarding this.
2. Finding a structural engineer: I have worked in USA office for 14+ years with mostly 15 plus mil. projects that all had structural consultants, so no structural engineering experience on my part. Now I am moving towards residential and honestly feel that I need to have structural engineer double check my floor/roof members and co-sign my drawings. Most potential projects are no design award contestants, straight forward typical NJ construction. I can do all drafting required. Any leads on structural engineer that will check my drawings and co-sign? I know engineers that co-sign architectural drawings for like $500, and double check structure, but having hard time engaging the ones I have heard of. Also, any ideas on structural engineering software for a beginner that might help?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Also, RE Question 1: What happens if in 1-2 years I decide to go back to being an employee, how long I need to keep the insurance? Read something somewhere about 10 years after last project completed, but cannot find the source now.
When I started my small business out of my house I approached my homeowners insurance agent, State Farm, and was able to get E&o through them. At that time - 9 years ago - State Farm had an arm that did specialty insurance. Apparently it's a good rule of thumb to expect 1% of your gross receipts to be spent on E&O.
Thanks!
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