Frequently Asked Questions
Eastern Engineering Group
Who is Eastern Engineering Group?
Eastern Engineering Group is a woman-owned business founded in Doral, FL in 2005 by Raissa Lopez, PE. (President), Fernando Torres (CEO) and Gonzalo Paz, PE. (Vice-President), who are Structural Engineers. We have worked on projects all over the state of Florida, as well as a diverse range of states across the nation and in certain areas of the Caribbean. We have an amazing team of skillful civil and structural consulting engineers to deliver our promise of quality to our clients.
Is Eastern Engineering Group a woman-owned business?
Yes. In 2005, Raissa Lopez, PE. (President), founded our company. Our company is characterized by the broad inclusion of women engineers in our divisions.
What are your certifications to work in USA?
Eastern Engineering Group holds the following certifications: Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), U.S. SBA Small Business Administration, Small Business Enterprise-Goods & Services (SBE-G&S), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (DWOSB), Local Developing Business (LDB), Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), Small Business Enterprise Architectural & Engineering (SBE A&E), Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD), Community Business Enterprise Disadvantaged Business (CBEDB), Small Business Enterprise-Construction (SBE-Con), Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWOBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).
Can Eastern Engineering Group work in all states of the USA?
Yes, Eastern Engineering Group has a multi-state license. Its Professional Engineers are licensed in many states such as Florida, Georgia, New York, Maryland, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Nevada, New Mexico, Louisiana, Ohio, Massachusetts, Virginia, Oregon, Washington DC, Connecticut, Texas and Mississippi.
What services are offered by Eastern Engineering Group?
Eastern Engineering Group offers a wide range of services, including building structural calculations, curtain and window walls, skylights, trellises, gazebos, paving & drainage plans, grading plans, structural repair services and more. In addition, our engineers are licensed Special Inspectors with extensive experience in structural assessment inspections, 40-50-year recertifications, threshold inspections, and other specialized evaluations. We also offer SIRS (Structural Integrity Reserve Studies) services, helping property owners and associations plan for the long-term maintenance and safety of their buildings.
Furthermore, Eastern Engineering Group has launched ClicktoPlans, a digital store where clients can purchase digitally signed plans for specific structural components, providing fast, reliable, and compliant engineering solutions online.
If I want to build a new single-family home, do I need structural engineering?
Yes, you need an engineer and Eastern Engineering Group´s Structural Engineering Division can help you. We specialize in three types of single-family homes: Tract homes, designed as a series of different models or home types for a specific land subdivision development; Custom homes, designed for a specific owner who sets the maximum design and construction budget; and Speculative homes, designed with a particular client in mind, with superior structural soundness and a larger constructional budget. Visit us at Structural Engineering Miami – Eastern Engineering Group.
If I want to build a low/mid/high rises building, do I need structural engineering?
Yes, you need an engineering team and Eastern Engineering Group´s Structural Engineering Division can help you. We have extensive experience in designing structural plans for high-rise buildings, as well as low/mid-rise building designs. These may include multi-story commercial and residential structures, educational buildings, parking structures, and warehouses. The choice of typical structural framing systems depends on factors such as owner requirements, project construction budget, site conditions, contractor preference, and others. Visit us at Structural Engineering Miami – Eastern Engineering Group.
If I want to build a multi-family home, do I need structural engineering?
Yes, you need an engineer and Eastern Engineering Group´s Structural Engineering Division can help you. Multi-family homes consist of duplex-homes and townhomes. Duplex-homes house two units within the same dwelling envelope, while townhomes are typically adjoined by various units within the same dwelling envelope. The common structural framing system for these types of constructions often involved premanufactured wood trusses for intermediate floors, roof framing, and/or reinforced concrete flat slabs. Visit us at Structural Engineering Miami – Eastern Engineering Group
Can Eastern Engineering Group design structures other than residential ones?
Yes, we can. We also provide structural design services for specific-use structures such as gymnasiums, air-traffic control towers (ATCTs), and prefabricated building foundations. Miscellaneous structures include foundations for prefabricated steel buildings, commonly designed with isolated foundations and a base anchored to them. Visit us at Structural Engineering Miami – Eastern Engineering Group.
Does Eastern Engineering Group only design new buildings?
No. Our professionals can also design building additions and renovations, in addition to providing structural inspections and solutions.
What is the experience of Eastern Engineering Group´s Structural Engineering team?
Our professionals possess extensive knowledge of structural engineering and the Florida Building Code. Additionally, we offer top-quality structural engineering consulting services. Our structural engineering team is highly skilled in utilizing modern software applications such as AutoCAD, BIM360, Autodesk Revit, and others, which are contemporary to the design industry. Visit us at Structural Engineering Miami – Eastern Engineering Group.
Can Eastern Engineering Group´s Structural Engineering team design residential and commercial developments?
Yes, we can. For example, we designed the structural calculations and drawings for Emblem Tower, a new 20-story mixed-use building featuring a 5-level parking structure and an amenities roof, totaling approximately 283,000 square feet. Our structural design incorporated reinforced concrete walls, non-load-bearing CMU (Concrete Masonry Units) walls, and reinforced concrete columns. Post-tensioned concrete slabs were employed for the floor and roof systems, showcasing our expertise in creating a robust and safe structural framework. Visit us at Structural Engineering Miami – Eastern Engineering Group.
What is Eastern Engineering Group’s commitment to its clients?
Eastern Engineering Group is dedicated to delivering high-quality services and products while continuously striving for improvement. We prioritize identifying and complying with current quality standards and being considerate of customer priorities.
If I want to change the windows and doors in my house, do I need a project?
Yes, you need a specialized engineer and Eastern Engineering Group´s Windows and Doors Division can design your window and door system project. Eastern Engineering Group will provide signed and sealed drawings and structural calculations for window and door systems, tailored to the client´s specifications, using design standards established by the latest edition of the Florida Building Code and other applicable codes and standards. Visit us at Windows and Doors Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
What other types of projects can Eastern Engineering Group’s Windows and Doors Division design?
Eastern Engineering Group’s Windows and Doors Division can design curtain walls, window walls, and skylight systems. Additionally, we can perform structural evaluations required for One-Time Approvals (OTAs) for Miami-Dade and Florida, and provide wind load certificates for windows, doors, shutters, and other relevant elements. Visit us at Windows and Doors Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
Who designs curtain walls and window walls at Eastern Engineering Group?
Eastern Engineering Group´s Windows and Doors Division collaborates with designers to perform the engineering calculations and produce drawings necessary for any window wall or curtain wall system, tailored to the specific conditions of each project. Our professionals have extensive experience working with Notice of Acceptance (NOA) requirements. Visit us at Windows and Doors Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
What activities are included in One-Time Approvals (OTAs) realized by Eastern Engineering Group?
Our professionals develop mock-up drawings, calculations, and testing protocols for the Testing Lab. Additionally, our services encompass the preparation of signed and sealed shop drawings, calculations, and Statement Letters required to process the OTA at the Building Code Compliance Office.
What activities are included in the Notice of Acceptance (NOA) process realized by Eastern Engineering Group?
Our professionals provide shop drawings and structural calculations necessary to obtain a new Product Approval as per the design, in line with the products to be installed. Our firm has extensive experience engineering designs that have received NOA approval from Miami-Dade and Florida.
If I want to install fences in my house, do I need structural engineering?
Yes, you need an engineer for structural components and Eastern Engineering Group´s Structural Components Division can fulfill your needs. Our professionals have extensive experience in structural designs for specialty components such as fences, pedestrian gates, rolling gate systems of all varieties, stairs including spiral stairs, curved stairs, and monumental stairs. We specialize in custom stairs and materials including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and wood. Visit us at Structural Components Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
What other types of projects can Eastern Engineering Group’s Structural Components Division design?
Our professionals can design gazebos, trellises, awnings, screen, sculptures, and facades. Visit us at Structural Components Division – Eastern Engineering Group
What types of gazebos and trellises does Eastern Engineering Group design?
Our Engineers have wide experience with various types of trellises and gazebos, both structurally independent and those supported or attached to a building on one or more sides. Our designs meet the standards of the Florida Building Code Standards and contain all the necessary information to comply the standards of the different cities’ building officials. Visit us at Structural Components Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
I am an artist and I want to make my imagined sculpture a reality, do I need structural engineering?
Yes, Eastern Engineering Group´s Structural Components Division is your choice. Our engineers will provide specialty calculations and guarantee compliance with the standards of the Florida Building Code. Visit us at Structural Components Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
I am an artist and I want to make my artistic façade a reality, do I need structural engineering?
Yes, you need an engineering team and Eastern Engineering Group´s Structural Components Division is your choice. Our engineers will provide specialty calculations and guarantee compliance with the standards of the Florida Building Code. Visit us at Structural Components Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
Do I need structural engineering if I install or modify retaining walls on my property?
Yes, you do. But Eastern Engineering Group can assist with renovation project as well. Renovation often involves making structural changes to existing dwellings to increase functional space, which may include strengthening existing beams, columns and foundations. Such structural modifications often require drilling and epoxying to anchor new framing members for strengthening purposes, especially when attaching to existing concrete members.
How long has Eastern Engineering Group been operating in Florida?
Eastern Engineering Group was founded in 2005. Since then, we have worked on projects throughout the state of Florida, as well as in various states across the nation and in certain areas of the Caribbean. We boast an exceptional team of skilled civil and structural consulting engineers dedicated to delivering our promise of quality to our clients.
Are your structural engineers licensed in the state of Florida?
Yes, our structural engineers are licensed in the state of Florida.
How do I stay informed about emerging trends and innovations in the structural engineering field?
You keep yourselves informed about emerging trends and innovations in the structural engineering field through various means. You can visit our company’s blog, Civil Engineering Perspectives – Eastern Engineering Group, where you can read posts addressing different topics related to structural engineering, building recertification, and structural repairs.
What technology and software does Eastern engineering Group utilize for structural analysis and design?
Our professionals utilize a range of modern software applications tailored for structural analysis and design. These include AutoCAD, BIM360, Autodesk Revit, Risa, Etabs, and other industry-leading tools that ensure accuracy and efficiency in our engineering processes.
Is Eastern Engineering Group familiar with and experienced in working with Florida’s diverse soil conditions?
Yes, Eastern Engineering Group has extensive experience in designing projects across Florida, ranging from single-family homes to high rise buildings. This breadth of experience has provided us with valuable insights into Florida´s diverse soil conditions and the necessary considerations for successful structural engineering in various locations throughout the state.
Do I need structural engineering if I am expanding a room or building a new floor on my property?
Yes, you do, but Eastern Engineering Group can assist with addition project as well. Additions can involve extensions to existing buildings to create more functional space or detached buildings on an existing developed parcel of land. While not all additions require structural changes to existing dwellings, structural framing systems depend on building use, clear spans, and architectural requirements. Typically, additions to existing structures may require the use of starter columns and, if necessary, enlargement of existing foundations to accommodate new structural loading.
My building needs 25 Year Milestone Building Recertification, can you help?
Yes, you can request 25 Year Milestone Building Recertification. We maintain professionalism with highly competitive prices while offering the highest quality of services. We want our clients to feel welcome in our offices, ensuring they know they are always valued. Visit us at 25 Year Recertification – Building Recertification (yourbuildingrecertification.com).
My building needs 30 Year Inland Building Recertification, can you help?
Yes, you can request 30 Year Inland Building Recertification. We uphold professionalism with highly competitive prices, ensuring the highest quality of services. Our goal is to make our clients feel at home in our offices and know they are always welcome. Visit us at 30 Year Recertification – Building Recertification (yourbuildingrecertification.com).
My building needs 10 Year Interval Building Recertification, can you help?
Yes, you can request 10 Year Interval Building Recertification. We maintain professionalism with highly competitive prices, delivering the highest quality of services. Our aim is to ensure our clients feel at ease in our offices and know they are always welcome. Visit us at 10 Year Recertification – Building Recertification (yourbuildingrecertification.com).
My building needs Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS), can you help?
Yes, you can request a Structural Integrity Reserve Study. We uphold professionalism with highly competitive prices, providing the highest quality of services. Our goal is to make our clients feel welcome in our offices and know they are always valued. Visit us at Structural Integrity Reserve Study in Florida (yourbuildingrecertification.com).
My building´s façade has some issues, and I need to repair it. Can you help?
Yes, Eastern Engineering Group provides structural repair services. We assess your building´s façade to provide a comprehensive overview of its current condition. Additionally, we also offer a range of related services including Stucco Evaluation, Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) Evaluations, Balcony Restoration, and High/Mid/Low-Rise Façade Repair, Restoration, or Replacement. Visit us at Structural Inspection Assessment of Existing Conditions Services (structuralrepairplans.com).
My building has some issues, and I need to assess and repair it. Can you help?
Yes, Eastern Engineering Group provides repair plans and specifications. We commence with a detailed assessment, utilizing collected data to develop repair plans and manual specifications tailored to the project, ensuring compliance with construction industry standards, codes, local ordinances, and state laws. Our service includes providing project manual written specifications with specific guidelines to contractors, covering materials, methods of payment, insurance requirements, scope of work, and quantity estimates of required structural repairs. The repair plans provided can also be submitted to obtain permits from the Authorities Having Jurisdiction by the awarded contractor. Visit us at Repair Plans and Specifications – Structural Repairs (structuralrepairplans.com).
I need to repair some structural damages in my building. How can I know the estimated cost of repair?
Eastern Engineering Group can assist you with this. A structural repair damage estimate is a document providing an estimated cost for repairing damage to a building’s structure. Typically prepared by a professional engineer or contractor experienced in structural repairs, it offers insight into the expected costs. Visit us at Structural Repair Damage Quantity Estimate Services (structuralrepairplans.com).
I want to build a skylight in my house. How can I do it?
Eastern Engineering Group can design your dream skylight. Our Windows and Doors Division´s engineers can help with the structural calculations for the design of the skylight system. Our experience allows us to provide you with technical support and professional services to ensure the supporting structure and skylight system are compatible. Visit us at Windows and Doors Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
I need an awning to my backyard. Can you help me?
Eastern Engineering Group’s Structural Components Division has extensive experience providing you with the support your project requires and helping you balance function, economy, aesthetics, and maintenance of your design because we are involved in many awning projects in Miami. Visit us at Structural Components Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
I want to install a screen in my house. Can you help me?
Eastern Engineering Group’s Structural Components Division has extensive experience providing you with the support your project requires and helping you balance function, economy, aesthetics, and maintenance of your design because we are involved in many screen projects in Miami. Visit us at Structural Components Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
I need to obtain a Notice of Acceptance and One-Time-Approval from Miami-Dade County and Florida. Can you help me?
Our team of Structural Components can help you obtain your Notice of Acceptance and One-Time Approval from Miami-Dade County and Florida. We have broad experience with the preparation of the documents required, such as mock-ups, calculations, and test interpretations. Visit us at Structural Components Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
I want to change my house´s railings. Can you help me?
Our team for Structural Components has a wide range of experience with protective systems including railings and guardrails of all varieties. We can provide the support your project requires and help you balance function, economy, aesthetics, and maintenance in your design. Visit us at Structural Components Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
I am building my house and need a structural assessment inspection. Can you help me?
Our Structural Inspections Division can help you because our engineers are licensed as Special Inspectors, which are required by the state of Florida to perform inspections during the construction phase. They will verify compliance with construction works with the approved permit plans and documents. Letters addressing the state of compliance of the building, required for permitting procedures, are included as part of our scope. Visit us at Structural Inspections Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
My house has many cracks in its beams and needs repair. Can you help me?
You need a concrete restoration inspection after doing the repairs to ensure the structure is safe. Our structural inspectors can do a pre-restoration inspection. Visit us at Structural Inspections Division – Eastern Engineering Group.
My backyard floods every time it rains. Can you help me solve this problem?
Eastern Engineering Group´s Civil Engineering Division can help you. Our professionals can design grading plans to prevent property damage, flooding, standing water, and erosion of embankment areas. Visit us at Civil Engineering Division | Eastern Engineering Group.
I saw many cracks in my balcony, but I don´t know if it is safe. Can you help me?
Eastern Engineering Group has experienced and licensed professional engineers who can help with balcony inspections and structural repair plans if necessary. Our engineers are knowledgeable about the latest building codes and regulations in Florida and can provide expert guidance to ensure that your balconies are safe and compliant. Visit us at Structural Engineering Miami – Eastern Engineering Group.
How do you ensure compliance with Florida’s regulations in your projects?
Eastern Engineering Group´s engineers are constantly kept up to date with updates made to Florida Building Code regulations and standards such as ASCE 7-98, ACI 318, ACI 530, and ASD 9th Edition.
Can you explain the process of obtaining permits for structural projects in Florida?
First, you need to determine permit needs with your local building department because building codes and permitting requirements can vary by city or county in Florida. After that, you need detailed drawings and specifications prepared by a licensed architect or engineer to apply for permits. After that, the building department will review your application and project documents to ensure compliance with building codes and zoning regulations, and if your application is approved, you’ll receive a permit authorizing construction to begin.
Which sectors does Eastern Engineering Group serve most often?
Commercial & residential (low/mid/high‑rise), public sector, hospitality, education, parking structures, warehouses, specialty structures, and façade/repairs—delivered through EEG’s dedicated divisions.
Do you work outside Florida?
Yes—EEG is multi‑state (see existing FAQ Q4) and we confirm the applicable state licensure for sealing before each project.
Do I need a NOA or Florida Product Approval for window/door replacement?
Typically yes. Most jurisdictions require a Miami‑Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval for each system submitted with your permit. Verify on the official databases. Miami-Dade County.
What documents are usually required for a window/door permit?
Common checklists include: floor plan/opening schedule, product approvals (NOA/FL#), positive/negative pressures per opening, and sealed calcs (if applicable). See City/County checklists. City of Miami.
Does EEG provide engineering for windows/doors, curtain walls, skylights?
Yes—our Windows & Doors Division delivers signed & sealed drawings and structural calcs, including NOA/OTA support. Eastern Engineering Group.
Do fences and gates require engineering? Do you have standard solutions?
Often yes (height, material, HVHZ loads). EEG provides sealed plans/calcs; see also our Click to Plans store for permit‑ready fence/gate plans.
When do I need a Paving & Drainage (P&D) plan sealed by a PE?
When adding impervious areas or altering site drainage. Miami‑Dade requires a P&D package with sealed plans and related documents per its required‑docs list. Miami-Dade County.
Can EEG design grading/drainage to fix standing water in yards or parking areas?
Yes—our Civil Engineering team designs grading & drainage per local criteria and submittal procedures. Miami-Dade County.
Are Miami‑Dade “recertifications” the same as the State’s Milestone Inspections?
They refer to the same statewide program established in F.S. 553.899; local processes vary by jurisdiction. Florida Legislature
Which buildings require a Milestone Inspection and when?
Residential condos & co‑ops of 3+ stories need a Milestone Inspection based on age (e.g., at 30 years, or 25 if set locally) with follow‑ups every 10 years; see DBPR guidance for current scheduling details. DBPR Condo Info & Resources
Who notifies owners and what are the communication requirements?
The local enforcement agency notifies the association; the association must notify unit owners within 14 days of receiving the notice and share deadlines. Florida Legislature.
What is a SIRS (Structural Integrity Reserve Study) and who must do it?
A SIRS is a reserve funding study focused on structural/safety elements (roof, structural systems, fire protection, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing/exterior paint, windows & exterior doors, + qualifying items). Condo associations with buildings ≥3 stories must complete a SIRS at least every 10 years. My Florida License.
Does EEG perform Milestone Inspections, SIRS, and structural repair plans?
Yes—we provide assessments, reports, repair design, and construction‑phase support through our Inspections & Structural Repairs divisions. Eastern Engineering Group.
What is a Threshold Building in Florida?
Any building over three stories or >50 ft, or an assembly occupancy >5,000 ft² with >500 occupants (F.S. 553.71). The Florida Senate.
Who can serve as Special Inspector and what are the rules?
Florida PEs certified by FBPE per FAC 61G15‑35 (qualification program + common requirements). Florida Board of Professional Engineers.
Do you provide digitally signed & sealed documents?
Yes—Florida allows digital signing & sealing per FAC 61G15‑23.004; EEG provides digitally signed PDFs for e‑permitting. State of Florida.
What’s typically included in a permit package for windows/doors?
Signed/sealed drawings with opening schedule & details, required ± pressures, sealed calcs as needed, and NOA/FL approvals highlighted—matching local checklists. City of Miami.
What drives the cost and timeline of structural engineering services?
Scope/complexity (number of drawings/calcs), risk category, review cycles, required approvals (NOA/OTA), inspections (e.g., PP or threshold), and AHJ timelines under F.S. 553.792. Florida Legislature.
What is Click to Plans (C2P)?
EEG’s online store for permit‑ready engineering plans that are digitally signed & sealed and delivered as a PDF, typically within minutes after checkout—24/7 access. Click To Plans
What plan types are available right now?
A growing catalog focused on fences & gates and related site components—browse the live Shop to see current options. Click To Plans
Are C2P plans actually signed & sealed by a professional?
Yes—C2P clearly states plans are signed and sealed by professionals and ready for permitting. Click To Plans
Is C2P only for Miami‑Dade?
Plans are designed for Florida (including HVHZ) but AHJ requirements can vary; if a reviewer needs adjustments, EEG can customize or issue a site‑specific version. Eastern Engineering Group
Can you modify a C2P plan if the plan reviewer requests changes?
Yes—contact us with the reviewer’s comments; we’ll adjust as needed (additional fees may apply). Click To Plans
What information do I need to place an order?
Enter the project details (owner name, address, email) and client details (name, address, phone, email). Confirm the information and agree to the terms before placing your order. Click To Plans
Do contractors get discounts on C2P?
Yes—contractor accounts unlock differentiated pricing & perks.
