Which structural engineer?

[HouseyHouse21]

I'm trying to choose an engineer to design the foundations & steel beams for my extension - I've got three quotes, just weighing them up. There's not too much difference between them - say £600, £700 and £800. The problem is - I know very little about what they need to do, and what to look out for.

The cheapest one doesn't include a site visit and does everything remotely. I've used him before and I don't remember the builders mentioning any major problems with his design.

The middle one was recommended by my architect as they refer clients to them quite regularly.

The most expensive one has lots of excellent reviews on Google and Trustpilot.

How much of a difference does the engineer actually make to the final outcome. Should I just go with the one with the good reviews?

For me there would not be a contest. -
The architect will have to work with the engineer and the builder so go with the the architects suggestion/choice/experience.
Who is responsible overall for the job?
Who answers to the coroner if something goes horribly wrong?
Who get's sued if something affects neighbours or later owner?

I'd go with the one the architect has a working relationship (I'm an architect) it really helps with the communication especially if anything crops up (happens a lot) and informal conversations can often be had without incurring extra charges. Harder when they don't know each other.

I would think a site visit would be needed, we only work without for new builds.
The architects relationship with the engineer won't be a bad thing either, so I'd choose that one.

I work in the industry.

Great, it's unanimous. It looks like it has to be the middle one.

And it makes sense that a site visit is needed, that's reassuring.

Thanks very much for the responses.

I'm a structural engineer, never would I want to do a job without a site visit - and if you've found one that an architect will recommend that's deffo the best way forward. Middle it is!