Why Engineers Cannot Simply Rubber Stamp Third-Party Plans

Quick Answer

A licensed professional engineer cannot legally or ethically stamp drawings they did not engineer. Stamping engineering documents creates professional liability and represents to the public that the PE reviewed, approved, and takes responsibility for the work. Stamping plans produced by others without responsible charge is an ethics violation that can result in license revocation. Engineers who agree to do this are putting their licenses and the public at risk.

Why Rubber Stamping Is a Licensing Violation

Engineering licensing law in every state requires the PE to be in responsible charge
Stamping work the PE did not engineer misrepresents the PE's review and oversight
Building departments rely on PE stamps as certification of engineering accuracy
State engineering boards can revoke licenses for rubber stamping
Professional liability insurance typically does not cover claims from rubber-stamped work

What to Do When You Have Unlicensed Engineering

Engage a licensed engineer to review and, if appropriate, redesign the systems
A licensed engineer may be able to work from existing drawings as a starting point
This is different from rubber stamping — the PE actually reviews and verifies the engineering
If the existing work doesn't meet code, the PE redesigns what needs to change
Engineering from contractor-produced plans is a legitimate service Apex Grid provides

Engineering From Unlicensed or Non-PE Plans

Apex Grid can engineer from contractor drawings, architectural plans, or owner-produced documents
We review the existing design, verify structural and MEP adequacy, and produce PE-stamped documents
This is a legitimate engineering service, not rubber stamping
We will identify and correct deficiencies in the source drawings as part of our engineering scope

Ready to Get Started?

Send us your project details and we'll respond with a proposal within one business day.

Request Engineering From Your Existing Plans 480-490-0064