Look, I've seen project budgets balloon into oblivion because no one bothers to get a handle on engineering costs. In Minneapolis, you're looking at structural inspections running anywhere from $500 to $900. Full-blown residential projects? Easily $3k to $10k, depending on how complex your dream house is (and how many zoning variances you think you can charm out of the PAPER-STAMPERS). And don't forget the hidden fees - like that surprise soil report for your backyard which sits on expansive clay. So, brace yourself or don’t bother getting out of bed.

Here’s the cold hard truth: Not all engineers are created equal. Structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, even those fancy environmental types. You need a PE with a proven track record, someone who's not afraid of getting mud on their boots while inspecting your foundation's settling. Avoid the unqualified draftsmen who think 'load-bearing' is something you only find at the gym. You want a pro who knows the quirks of Minneapolis soil (yep, I've been on sites with sandy loam and clay) and the nightmare of MEP systems integration in older buildings.

Look, finding a licensed engineer is like a treasure hunt with a bad map. Start local – word of mouth can be a godsend, ask around. Check state license boards and don't skip a personal meeting; you wanna see the whites of their eyes when they talk structural load capacity. Online reviews? They're good for a laugh, but don't call it gospel. Don’t fall for slick websites (they’re probably designed by someone who’s never set foot on a construction site). Ask them about soil reports, and watch their face – true pros love this stuff.

Now, I can't name-drop here, but I've seen some firms that actually do the math before throwing numbers at you. Look for companies with a diverse portfolio; one-trick ponies get stale fast. Look for those who've been around long enough to have seen the evolution of zoning laws in Minneapolis (because they’re a NIGHTMARE). Experience with both residential and commercial projects is key – you wanna know your team can handle anything from basement water issues to multi-story wind load assessments. Avoid those who rely too heavily on CAD and can’t walk a job site without getting lost.

Residential projects often have you dealing with homeowners who don't like surprises (like, oh, your foundation’s sinking), while commercial gigs can be a test of your patience and sanity. They both have their quirks, but I've seen more fights over blueprint audits in residential. Commercial projects demand full coordination of MEP systems, which means more cooks in the kitchen. Still, the stakes are higher with commercial, so if you're not up for both the paperwork and on-site realities of each, you're in for a world of hurt.

Timelines? I've seen residential projects wrap up in a brisk 6 months, but I've also seen them drag on for years due to permit office nightmares and zoning changes. Commercial projects can take even longer, especially if the PAPER-STAMPERS have their way. Your best-case scenario? Plan for at least 9 to 12 months for any substantial project. Remember, the more variations you introduce (thanks to a creative architect perhaps), the longer it takes. Add local weather into the mix – Minneapolis winters aren’t exactly conducive to speedy construction.

Free consultations? Don't make me laugh. Okay, some might offer a 'freebie' to reel you in, but chances are you'll get what you pay for – a quick chat and no real insight. The real deal involves a deep dive into your project specifics, an audit if you will. Remember, engineers who know their worth won't be giving away half their brain for free. If they do, it might be time to question if they really know how to calculate a structural load, or if they think that's just a fancy term for... something else.