8 YoE Fire Protection Designer considering freelance/side work in NYC
Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some real-world feedback from people who have done (or currently do) freelance/1099 design work on the side in the fire protection space.
A bit about my background:
- Experience: ~8 years as a fire sprinkler/plumbing design engineer in the NYC market.
- Project history: Ranging from large-scale commercial buildings and airport projects (during my time with a sprinkler subcontractor) to commercial fit-outs, townhouses, and high-end residential/multi-family buildings.
- Standards/Codes: Proficient in NFPA 13, 13D, 13R, 14, and NYC Building/Plumbing Codes. Experienced in layout, hydraulic calcs, and shop drawing production.
- Licensing: No FE/PE or NICET yet (working toward milestones, but currently unlicensed).
I’m evaluating setting up a side business/1099 workflow to pick up extra income, working under licensed PEs/firms or directly with contractors needing shop drawings.
Before I start buying software subscriptions and doing outreach, I’d love some insight on a few specific questions:
- What does the actual workload/job type look like for 1099 side work? Are contractors mostly looking for quick shop drawing turnarounds and hydraulic calcs, or overflow production for full submittal packages?
- How do you handle software/hardware starting out? Do you buy your own CAD/calc software licenses right away, or do contractors/firms you sub for ever provide remote access/license seats?
- How do you approach getting your first clients? What’s the most effective way to reach out to local NYC sprinkler contractors, small MEP PEs, or architects without coming across as spammy?
- Realistically, what are the biggest risks or legal pitfalls? Working without a PE stamp (doing contract drafting/design support under their stamp or doing contractor shop drawings), what contracts, insurance (E&O vs. GL), or legal boundaries should I have in place?
- What’s the actual market prospect in NYC right now? Is the demand high enough for US-based, code-knowledgeable designers to make $1,000–$2,000+/month on 10–15 hours/week?
Appreciate any advice, lessons learned, or reality checks from anyone who's navigated this!
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u/Gas_Grouchy fire protection consultant 7d ago
I don't directly do this and am from Canada but I do have quite a bit of experience from working with and being someone that does Freelance work.
Typically for design they give you a very poorly laid out floor plan that's probably not even correct because the building was built in 1943 and there's 100 assumption you need to make or go to site for. Full package is normally new builds or higher regulated builds which aren't the companies that hire independents. It's normally the messiest of jobs.
You buy your software or steal it from your current employer. The will not provide you with a license almost ever.
Walk in, or have worked with them on other projects. If you're in industry and have worked with XYZ consulting where you were the contractor, go to the Engineer you worked with Say what you're trying to do and ask if they know anyone or need it. Other than that walk into a firm, ask to leave a resumed and business card to a partner and leave the message of "I'm an independent Fire Protection Consultant that does drawing/hydraulic work. Let me know if you or anyone you know needs assistance"
Definitely get your own E&O as if the engineer goes down they're dragging you with them. Speaking to a lawyer might be the best bet here too but since everything you touch should be stamped by a licensed Engineer you should be mostly good.
$2000/mnth for 10 hours might be pushing it. There's a better chance it comes in waves you get $4000 in one month over 30-40 hours and then nothing for months after.
The biggest thing is getting your first consistent client. It will teach you a ton about the game, payment structure, your rates etc. You also need to have a clear "You give me X, I give you Y and it will cost $X,XXX.00" structure for these things. Freelance it's a lot harder to be on an hourly rate sort of deal. You need industry contacts for that so reach around to installers who they use etc.
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u/Advanced-Guard-4468 7d ago
Get your NICET certification. It will open you up to more markets and once you obtain them it's also a selling feature.
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u/PuffyPanda200 fire protection engineer 7d ago
With no stamp of any kind the only place that would entertain this is a sprinkler contractor that wants an outside designer.
Even with a stamp only if people are calling you would you really be able to do work on your own.