What to Send a PE for Review-and-Seal

Every review-and-seal engagement draws on the same five parts. Drawings: the current, complete set for every discipline being sealed — the PE seals the issued version, so confirm it is final or clearly marked as the review version. Calculations: structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing as applicable, with assumptions and code references traceable. Basis of design: the narrative or notes explaining design criteria, code editions, and decisions the drawings do not self-explain. Site data: geotechnical report, survey, floodplain or environmental documentation where relevant. Context: the AHJ, permit type, deadline, and review history including prior corrections. Assemble all five before engagement and the review starts at full speed on day one.

The finished drawing set shows conclusions; the working record shows reasoning — and the PE needs the reasoning to take responsible charge. Working calculation sheets reveal which load combinations were checked and which were assumed. Superseded sketches show design paths that were considered and abandoned, which tells the reviewer what was already evaluated. The designer's explanatory notes capture intent that never made it onto the sheets. I encourage clients to send all of it without curation or embarrassment. The PE is not grading the original designer's tidiness; the PE is building the understanding required to certify the engineering. A thorough working record shortens the review and strengthens the seal.

A review-and-seal package is complete when these items are assembled. Gather them before engaging the PE and the engagement starts clean. • Current complete drawing set, version-controlled, for every discipline being sealed • Full calculations: loads, sizing, selections, energy compliance — traceable and readable • Basis-of-design documentation: criteria, code editions, assumptions, designer notes • Geotechnical report, survey, and site/environmental data where applicable • Project context: AHJ, permit type, deadline, and full prior correction history if any