Previous question:

(1)  I'd like to remodel my house, whom should I contact first? Contractors? Architects? Civil/Structural Engineers? City Building Department?

Answer:

As seen above, unless your house is a school or hospital, you can consult civil engineers or  structural engineers at your discretion.  Selection of architectural or engineering consultants, though, will be very much depend on the scopes & size of your project.  If it is relatively simple such as an addition of a deck on second floor, balcony, fence, landscaping retaining wall, etc., an experienced engineer alone should be able to assist you to secure a building permit. When the appearance

of the finished project is at high priority, requires coordination of several consultants, or something more complex in nature, contracting an architect is probably more approprate, even though a project of this nature will still requires engineering consulation.  Whether your project requires the services of an engineer or architect, be sure that he or she is properly licensed in California for your project.