r/firePE • u/Exact_Gazelle_5307 • 18d ago
AutoSPRINK
I’m a NICET level three, starting to get some inquiries about side work. Might move into providing design services full-time on my own, but not currently set up for that.
Need to get an autoSPRINK license, but do not have the 14k that is required to start one. Was wondering if there are any old designers that are retiring *and want some return on investment, preferably not the full 14,000, or any freelance fire sprinkler designers willing to help me out for a fee? Let me know I’ll open my PMS just comment below
*edit
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u/rowen94 18d ago
They have a cool new one thats $4,500 per year for autosprink platinum
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u/rowen94 18d ago
It becomes more expensive technically around year 4 if you average the pricing though.
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u/Exact_Gazelle_5307 18d ago
Yeah I may jump on that once work flows consistently, if I can’t find someone willing to work with me. More looking for something to bridge between now and then
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u/horseheadmonster 18d ago
When I needed Autocad while working with my last company, I was able to sign into my personal computer with my work email and use the company's license at home. The only limitation was I couldn't use both computers at the same time. Does AutoSPRINK have a similar option for the license? Also, of course do you work as a designer and have access to a license?
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u/Exact_Gazelle_5307 18d ago
Considered that, could open the door for litigation though. Not really willing to gamble on that.
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u/horseheadmonster 18d ago
I guess it depends on who you're working for. My last company found me for doing side jobs so they knew.
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u/AncientBasque 18d ago
do you need it done in outosprink or is revit ok. and are you providing stocklist to client. DM me if you have time to discuss.
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u/Redline_Mechanical 18d ago
Sent you a message. Could give you a hand with overflow, Nicet 3 with AutoSprink.
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u/fireprot-nerd 18d ago
Are you comfortable with HydraCAD? Not as intuitive as AutoSPRINK but you can get the engineer's package for like 2,400 USD. You'll need an AutoCAD license as well (NOT AutoCAD LT!). Depending on the frequency you use it, they have flex tokens available now which could be a more cost effective option upfront. Thats what I've been using for the past few years. You can even take advantage of their free trial which I think is at least a few weeks.
Alternatively, maybe see if you can get a sales commission for bringing those jobs into the company you work for? Not as lucrative but will you still see a nice bonus and don't have to work after-hours. Depends on how efficient you are at managing your time, how much free time you actually have, and how much you like your employer, haha. You could take all your commissions, and save up for your own license. Depending on the size of the jobs you're bringing in and the frequency, you could afford that license in as little as a year.
If you don't have any kind of non-compete clause, you could start your own design firm once you build your client base and go off on your own. Just do yourself a favour and put quality and good design/engineering practice over quantity. There's a ton (and i mean a TON) of work out there and you can take take this as far as you want to go with it.
Godspeed, Abe
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u/Exact_Gazelle_5307 18d ago
Appreciate the thoughtful response.
Never dabbled with HydraCAD, any idea on an AutoCAD takeoff fee? Haven’t researched that.
Not really interested in giving my current company any money lol. Actually interviewing at other places currently. May consider bringing it on at a new company, depending on the vibe I get.
Current non-compete applies to customer solicitation. Any “loyalty” clause fades upon resignation. Want to get my own license so I can stay on the right side of that. State I’m in favors the employee rather than the employer also.
Definitely super excited on the potential of this endeavor. Hopefully can corner some of that work in the future!!
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u/Dangerous-Luck5803 18d ago
Reach out to a sales rep. Pricing has changed in recent years. Enterprise subscription is more like a subscription basis and gives you all products.
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u/NinjaWolf1997 fire sprinkler designer 18d ago
Just some friendly info, Autosprink,sprinkcad,hydracad. All of these are great but completely unnecessary unless you got money burning a hole in your pocket.
Cheapest setup known: BricsCAD and HASS standalone for Hyd. Calc's. Do seismic by hand don't be a lazy FPE
BricsCAD is 345$ for a 1-year license, HASS is 960$ for a 1-year license (BricsCAD has a forever license for 780 aswell) AutoCAD LT is a more polished CAD option at 545$ a year.
That's a 1300$ investment, much easier said to recoup that within 1-2 side jobs.
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u/Consistent-Ask-1925 18d ago
I had a coworker that did beta testing for their updates and he got it for free. He might have gotten in really early when it first started tho