Structural alterations in Barnet

Covering Barnet

Alongside Barnet, we also cover Potters Bar, Borehamwood (3 miles to the west) and Finchley.

Homes in London

Much of London’s housing is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which is why side return extensions, rear dormers and mansards are so common. Many streets are in conservation areas, and several boroughs use Article 4 directions that remove some permitted development rights.

What is a structural alteration?

We arrange the structural calculations, support the floors and roof above with temporary props while the wall comes out, install the steel on padstones, then encase it for fire protection and make good. Chimney breast removals and new openings in external walls follow the same process.

Structural engineer’s design and calculations
Steel beam installation on padstones
Fire protection and plaster encasement

What will a structural alteration cost?

Typical ranges for structural alterations. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.

Structural alterations	Guide price incl. VAT
Single load-bearing wall removal with steel	£3,000 to £7,500
Chimney breast removal with support	£1,800 to £4,500
Multiple walls or full open-plan remodel	£8,000 to £20,000

Do you need permission for a structural alteration in Barnet?

English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.

Internal work like this does not usually need planning permission unless the house is listed or your permitted development rights have been removed. It does need building regulations approval because it affects the structure.

What can affect a structural alteration?

The beam size can mean a downstand in the ceiling unless it is set flush within the floor.
Pipes and cables in the wall need rerouting first.

What are the steps?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Questions about a structural alteration in Barnet

How much does it cost to remove a load-bearing wall?

Usually £3,000 to £7,500 including VAT for a single wall with a steel beam, calculations and making good.

How long does it take?

The structural work is usually done in a few days, with one to three weeks including making good.

Who deals with the council for a project in Barnet?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Also covering

Learn more about structural alterations, or see every project we cover in Barnet.