Our approach: from the first call to construction follow-up
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Our approach
Every assignment follows the same five steps: assignment, visit, analysis, report or sealed plans, follow-up. At each step, you know what we're doing and what you'll receive.
The method is the same for a crack in a plex, a facade inspection or the design of an addition. Only the scope and the deliverables change, and they are written into the service proposal before the work begins.
- Five stepsAssignment, visit, analysis, deliverable, follow-up
- Written service proposalScope, deliverables, fees and timeline agreed before we start
- Signed and sealedReports and plans produced by an OIQ member engineer
01
The five steps of an assignment
From your first message to the end of the work, here is how an assignment unfolds at GC4I.
- AssignmentYou describe the situation and send us your photos, plans or existing reports. We clarify the question to be answered and send you a written service proposal: scope, deliverables, fees and timeline. Nothing starts without your approval.
- VisitAn engineer comes on site: observations, surveys, measurements and photos. If needed, test probes or exploratory openings are agreed with you in advance.
- AnalysisWe trace the load path, run the required calculations under the Quebec Construction Code and the applicable CSA standards, then compare the possible solutions.
- Report or sealed plansDepending on the assignment: an expert report (findings, probable causes, recommendations, level of urgency) or signed and sealed plans and specifications, prepared for the permit application and for the contractor.
- Follow-upAnswers to the contractor's questions, supervision visits at key stages, written opinions on unforeseen conditions and, when planned, a certificate of compliance at the end of the work.
02
What you receive at each step
An engineering assignment is judged by what stays in your file once the work is done.
- A clear question: the service proposal restates the problem to be solved, so the report answers it directly.
- Verifiable findings: photos, measurements and the location of each observation, so another professional can find them.
- Prioritized recommendations: what is urgent, what can be planned and what is routine maintenance.
- Usable documents: plans the contractor can read, prepared for the permit application.
Typical deliverables
- Assignment
- Written service proposal
- Visit
- Photos and surveys, included in the report
- Analysis
- Calculation notes kept on file
- Deliverable
- Expert report or sealed plans and specifications
- Follow-up
- Visit reports, written opinions, certificate
The exact content of the deliverables depends on the assignment; it is set out in the service proposal.
03
Our professional commitments
These commitments flow from the engineer's obligations to the client and to the public.
- Signature and seal: every plan and every report is signed and sealed by the engineer who takes responsibility for it, a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec.
- Written scope: the service proposal describes what is included and what isn't; any change in scope is agreed in writing.
- Stated limitations: a report states what could be seen and what couldn't; we don't draw conclusions beyond what the findings allow.
- Professional secrecy: the information and documents in your file are treated as confidential.
- Current standards: calculations and plans prepared under the Quebec Construction Code and the CSA standards it references.
04
Preparing your first contact
The more precise your request, the more precise the service proposal. Here's what helps us.
- The building: address, type of building, year of construction if you know it.
- The situation: what you're seeing, since when, and whether it's changing.
- Photos: an overall view and close-ups, with an object in the frame for scale.
- Documents: plans, certificate of location, reports or quotes you've already received.
- The deadline: a purchase, a permit application, an insurance claim or a condominium meeting.
05
FAQ
How long does an assignment take?
It depends on the scope: assessing a crack and drawing plans for an addition don't take the same work. The timeline is stated in the service proposal and confirmed after the visit.
Why a service proposal before the visit?
It sets out the question to be answered, the deliverables and the fees. Before you commit, you know what you'll receive and on what terms.
Do I need to be there for the visit?
It's best, or a representative who knows the building. Plan for access to the relevant spaces: basement, attic, parking or roof.
What happens if the contractor finds something else during the work?
They contact us. We assess the condition, issue a written opinion or a directive, and adjust the plans as needed.
Do you carry out the work?
No. GC4I is an engineering firm: we design, inspect and supervise. The work is carried out by the contractor of your choice.
Next step
Let's talk about your project
Describe the situation and attach your photos or plans: we'll send you a written service proposal.
- Firm
- GC4I Inc., structural engineers
- Office
- 8350 Christophe-Colomb Avenue, Suite 18, Montreal
- Service area
- Montreal, South Shore, North Shore and across Quebec
- contact@gc4i.ca