Frequently Asked Questions
Would you charge to come out and provide a quote?
Our initial consultation is complimentary for Design & Engineering (30 minutes).During this visit, we walk away with your overall scope of project ideas. We then send you an email with our proposal for your project.If you need a site visit or inspection, please see our Site Visits page for more information.
How long has ISE been in business?
ISE was established in 2002.
Are permits really required?
Permit vary by city and county but they are generally required for any framing, mechanical, plumbing or electrical changes.
Who will apply for the permits?
Usually your general contractor takes care of obtaining permits. But the homeowner is also welcome to do so.
ISE also provide this service for an additional fee.
Are you familiar with the requirements in my city?
ISE provides services around the bay area including (but not limited to): San Jose, Santa Clara County, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Saratoga, Gilroy, Sunnyvale and Cupertino.
What if after submitting the city sends back a letter with comments?
ISE addresses the city plan checks accordingly. In our contract, it specifies the details if additional fees apply for addressing plan check comments.
How much do you charge for design and engineering services?
Each job is unique and we can only determined the appropriate service fee until after our initial consultation.
After our first consultation, we email you a proposal based on the scope of your project. There are so many variables that we take in consideration such as:
- Raised or slab-on grade
- level or slope lot
- one or two stories
- basement
- roof system
- City/county requirements