GUIDE TOPICS
10
STATES
TX, FL, & NC
UNIQUE DESIGN GUIDES
30
COST INCREASE OVER 2026
~4%
01
COSTS & ROI
Estimate 2027 permitting, civil, structural and stormwater soft costs for homes, ADUs, metal buildings, subdivisions, pools and commercial sites.
02
FOUNDATIONS
ADU construction cost per square foot, permitting and engineering fees, rent, vacancy, property tax impact and annual ROI for 600 to 1,200 sq ft.
03
FOUNDATIONS
Choose a metal building foundation by size, soil type and wind speed. Pier spacing, slab thickness, minimum rebar and 2027 cost per square foot
04
PERMITTING
The top 10 reasons building and site permits are rejected in 2027, why each fails review, and the quick fix.
05
STRUCTURAL
Gunite shell thickness, rebar size and spacing, bonding grid requirements, engineering costs and common rejection reasons for pools and outdoor structures.
06
SITE & CIVIL
A 10-question, 86-point site feasibility scorecard covering lot size, zoning, soil, utilities, flood risk, access and title.
07
SITE & CIVIL
Required storage volume per acre, surface area, depth, length-to-width ratio and side slopes for stormwater detention ponds, plus common approval mistakes.
08
SITE & CIVIL
Phase-by-phase subdivision development checklist with typical durations, state-specific notes and common hold-ups.
09
WIND & INSURANCE
Design wind speeds, exposure categories, risk category speeds, roof uplift and insurance credit triggers by region under ASCE 7-22.
10
FOUNDATIONS
Compare post-tension slab and post-and-pier foundations by soil condition, 2027 cost per square foot, pros, cons and best use.
THE LIBRARY
The 10 Guides
CHANGELOG
What's new for 2027
All 10 guides were updated in October 2026 for the 2027 build year.
Costs +~4%
Cost range uplifted about 4% from the baseline
FBC 9th Edition
Florida references updated to the Florida Building Code 9th Edition (effective December 31, 2026) and ASCE 7-22.
Product Approval / NOA
Stronger Product and NOA language for Florida.
500-year flood
Flood language reflects emerging 500-year considerations where the 2027 IBC is adopted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the JRH Engineering Reference Guides?
The JRH Engineering Reference Guides are a free collection of practical civil and structural engineering checklists and guidelines to apply in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
Why can floodplain mitigation requirements make a site unbuildable?
Yes
Do the reference guides include 2026 updates?
Yes
Does JRH Engineering provide full engineering design and permitting services beyond the free guides?
Yes. JRH Engineering offers complete professional civil and structural engineering design, site planning, infrastructure design, foundation engineering, and full permitting services.
What non-permitting factors can make a site unusable for its intended purpose?
Utility availability, such as natural gas service required for certain industrial operations, can be a deal-breaker even when the permitting path itself is workable.
How can I get personalized engineering help after reviewing the guides?
If you need personalized assistance, contact JRH Engineering for a free 15-minute consultation. Call 800-227-9635 or use the JRH chat function.
Disclaimer: These guides are for general reference only and are not engineering advice for any specific project. Verify current local codes, fee schedules and site conditions with the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
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Proprietary reference material of JRH Engineering. Free for personal and professional use with attribution. Commercial redistribution prohibited without written permission.
Important Note: The information in these guides is for general reference only. A licensed Professional Engineer should review any actual design or construction work. JRH Engineering assumes no responsibility for the application or use of these materials.