FAQ
What is Second Check?
Second Check is a specialized platform connecting Professional Structural Engineers primarily in British Columbia. It facilitates independent reviews mandated by the BCBC 2024 regulations and EGBC bylaws, ensuring compliance with documented independent review requirements before building permit applications.
How does Second Check work?
Engineers seeking independent reviews can upload their project drawings and specifications, putting them out for bidding. Verified engineers on the platform, equipped with the necessary qualifications and verified review capabilities, can then submit proposals detailing their approach to completing the review. The selected engineer gains access to high-quality, downloadable drawings, conducts the review, provides feedback, completes the independent review form, and submits comments to the client for compensation.
Can engineers bidding for reviews download project drawings?
The engineer requesting a review (Professional of Record) can upload select files which will be for quote preparation only. Engineers wishing to provide a quote for an independent review will have the opportunity to request access to the "quote" files. The Professional of Record can then review this request and accept or reject it. The person requesting access will then be able to download the "quote" files once they have been approved. The person who is awarded the IR get access to all the project files with the Professional of Record has uploaded to the platform.
How can engineers offer their services for independent reviews on Second Check?
Engineers interested in performing independent reviews can browse available jobs on the platform, bidding on projects aligned with their expertise. They outline their qualifications, proposed process, and approach for the review. If awarded the project, they conduct the review within the specified guidelines set by the client.
Is Second Check affiliated with any regulatory bodies?
No, Second Check operates independently and is not affiliated with regulatory bodies such as EGBC. Its sole purpose is to facilitate positive interactions among registered professional engineers.
Does Second Check operate in areas other than British Columbia?
Currently, Second Check primarily serves Structural Engineers in British Columbia. However, there are plans for potential expansion into other areas and jurisdictions in the future to accommodate the needs of the engineering community.
Does Second Check perform its own independent reviews?
No, Second Check exists only to facilitate the connection of engineers looking to have Independent Reviews completed and those looking to complete Independent Reviews.
What are Second Check’s fees?
Second Check is currently free. In the future, Second Check may collect a small percentage of the selected quote fee. This will be to cover their business costs. There are no other hidden fees.
What about taxes (specifically GST)?
It up to both parties to ensure that their tax obligations are met. We generally recommend that the engineer completing the independent review put the jobs on their books as they would any other jobs. Second Check requires that GST be included in the quoted price submitted by engineers looking to complete the review.
Is there an option to set up a company account which can help manage the accounts of all employees at their firm?
Currently, this is not an option, although we hope to roll it out soon. If you are a firm looking for this, please reach out to us at info@secondcheck.ca with your ideas and what you would like to see.
Where can I submit feedback?
We would love to hear from you, especially if you have ideas on how to make this platform better. You can reach out to us at info@secondcheck.ca.
How can I ensure that Second Check won’t use our data to compete with us?
Second Check is not a company which provided engineering services in itself. As such, the data stored on the site will not be accessed by any engineering services company. Further, as our privacy policy states, we will not use your data in any way, beside using it to provide this service.