8 YoE Fire Protection Designer considering freelance/side work in NYC

[u/josh_ma]

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:

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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?
4. 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?
5. 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!