What exactly does a QP do on your landed A&A project?

A Qualified Person (QP) is the licensed professional who takes legal responsibility for your building's structural safety and regulatory compliance. In Singapore, you cannot submit plans to BCA or start major structural work without a QP's endorsement.

We've had our QP in-house since 2018 because we got tired of waiting weeks for external consultants to review our structural plans. When you're doing load-bearing wall removals or adding a third storey, timing matters. Our QP reviews plans within days, not weeks, because they understand exactly what we're building and how we build it.

The QP's signature on your plans tells BCA: "I stake my professional licence on this design being structurally sound." That's not a responsibility any qualified engineer takes lightly. Our QP has endorsed over 200 landed projects without a single structural failure - because we design conservatively and build to specification.

Why structural sign-offs matter more than you think

Every time we remove a load-bearing wall, add steel beams, or modify your foundation, those changes need structural calculations. The QP verifies that your new 150mm steel beam can actually carry the load from the floor above, plus live loads, plus safety factors.

We've seen too many projects where homeowners assume "the contractor will figure it out." That's not how it works. If structural calculations are wrong, the building fails inspection. If they're missing entirely, BCA stops work immediately. We've taken over three projects in the past two years where external QPs had made calculation errors that delayed completion by months.

Having our QP review designs as we develop them means we catch issues before they become problems. When we're planning your kitchen extension, our QP sees the beam sizes we're specifying and can immediately flag if something doesn't work structurally. No back-and-forth emails with external consultants.

How BCA and URA submissions actually work

Your landed A&A needs approval from both URA (planning permission) and BCA (building safety). The QP handles the BCA submission, while our in-house architect manages URA coordination.

BCA wants to see structural plans, fire safety provisions, and compliance with building codes. Our QP knows exactly what BCA officers look for because they submit plans regularly, not occasionally. We maintain good working relationships with BCA because we submit accurate, complete drawings the first time.

The practical benefit: when BCA has questions during review, they call our QP directly. No delays while external consultants check emails or schedule site visits. Our QP can walk BCA through any design decision immediately because they were involved in making it.

We also handle amendments quickly. If you decide mid-project to add a dormer window or modify the staircase, our QP can assess structural implications and submit amendments within days. External consultants often take weeks for amendment reviews because your project isn't their priority.

What happens during construction supervision

The QP's job doesn't end when permits are approved. They're required to supervise critical structural work - steel beam installations, concrete pours, foundation modifications. This supervision isn't optional; it's a legal requirement for major structural elements.

Our QP visits every project at key structural stages. When we're installing that steel beam to replace your load-bearing wall, our QP verifies the beam size, welding quality, and connection details match approved drawings. They sign off each stage before we proceed to the next.

Having our QP on-site regularly means issues get resolved immediately. If soil conditions differ from initial surveys during foundation work, our QP can assess and approve design modifications on the spot. External QPs often require site visits to be scheduled days in advance, creating delays whenever unexpected conditions arise.

The real cost of external QPs

Many contractors use external QPs to keep their quoted prices lower. But external consultants charge separately for plan reviews, amendments, site visits, and additional submissions. Those costs add up quickly, and they're usually not included in initial contractor quotes.

We include all QP services in our project fee because we control the costs internally. Our QP works efficiently because they know our construction methods and typical details. An external QP needs time to understand how we build before they can review our plans effectively.

Time delays cost more than consultant fees. When external QPs take two weeks to review amendment requests, your project schedule slips. Our skilled workers move to other projects, and you wait longer to move into your completed home. We've seen external QP delays add months to project timelines on complex A&A works.

Do I need a separate QP if Wong Lye already has one?

No, our in-house QP handles all structural approvals and submissions for your project. You don't need to hire additional consultants, and all QP fees are included in our project cost.

What if I want to use my own QP?

We can work with external QPs, but it typically slows the project timeline. External consultants need time to review our construction methods and details before they can endorse structural plans. We've found projects run smoother when our experienced QP handles all submissions.

Does your QP visit the site regularly?

Yes, our QP inspects all critical structural work - foundation modifications, steel beam installations, major concrete pours. This supervision is required by BCA and ensures work matches approved drawings exactly.

Who handles URA planning submissions?

Our in-house architect manages URA submissions for planning permission, while our QP handles BCA structural approvals. Both work closely together to ensure your project meets all regulatory requirements without delays.

If you're planning landed A&A work that involves structural changes, we'll be happy to explain exactly how our QP services streamline your project timeline and approvals process. Message us on WhatsApp to discuss your specific requirements.