The technical audit is part of the building permit journey and focuses on the design's compliance with the code before approval. But some projects benefit from an independent structural review requested by the owner, as a second pair of eyes on the design: to confirm the structure is safe, that quantities are not exaggerated, and that the design can be built without surprises. On large projects, this review can save many times its cost. This guide explains when a third-party structural drawing review is necessary, what it covers, its economic value, and how to choose the reviewer.
When Is It Necessary?
- Large projects where any mistake is costly.
- Complex designs: long spans, deep basements, cantilevers and unconventional systems.
- Doubts about quantities: reinforcement that looks excessive or lower than usual.
- Adding a floor or modifying an existing building. Read: The additional floor permit and Structural assessment for an additional floor.
- Before purchase or financing of projects under construction.
- After repeated comments from the technical audit. Read: Why are structural drawings rejected?.
What Does the Review Cover?
- Reviewing loads and assumptions against the loads code (SBC 301).
- Reviewing foundations against the soil report and SBC 303. Read: The soil investigation report.
- Reviewing elements and reinforcement against SBC 304 or SBC 306.
- Checking coordination with the architectural and MEP drawings. Read: Clashes between drawings.
- A report of observations and recommendations.
Technical Audit vs. Independent Review
| Item | Technical audit | Independent review |
|---|---|---|
| Obligation | A mandatory part of the permit journey | Optional, requested by the owner |
| Goal | Code compliance | Compliance + economy + buildability |
| Timing | After the application is uploaded | Before upload or before construction |
| Output | Acceptance or comments | A detailed report with recommendations |
Economic Value
The review may reveal unjustified excess quantities that can be safely reduced, or a dangerous shortfall that must be corrected before construction. Read: How does structural design affect cost?.
How to Choose the Reviewer
- An accredited engineering office independent of the designer.
- Experience in the project type: residential, commercial or industrial.
- A clear scope of work and deliverables in the contract.
- A clear process for communicating with the original designer to address observations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an independent review replace the technical audit?
No, the technical audit is a mandatory part of the permit journey; the independent review is an optional addition.
When should I request it?
Before uploading the drawings for approval, or before construction on large projects.
Does it cause disputes with the designer?
When it is professional and documented, it improves the design; a confident designer welcomes it.
Is it useful for villas?
For simple villas it is usually not needed; it helps where there is a basement, long spans or doubts about quantities.
How long does it take?
It depends on the project size and the completeness of the drawings and calculations.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that provides independent structural review of drawings and calculations, with a clear report covering safety, economy and buildability. Learn about our structural drawing review and approval service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.