The argument is made that when retrofitting a suspension bridge, the greatest value is obtained when the engineer considers the fundamentals of engineering, rather than simply following the code. By 'fundamentals', two aspects are considered. One is a thorough understanding of not only structural behaviour, but also how loads, resistances and safety factors are derived. The other aspect covers the fundamentals of good design (as opposed to good analysis), in preparing designs that can be constructed during short occupancies and are tolerant of problems that might arise during the short construction period between deadlines. The design aspect includes looking for opportunities to reduce maintenance and improve inspection access, and produce such other benefits as may be desired.