Structural alterations in Brighton

Covering Brighton

We work in Brighton (BN2) and the places around it, including Hove, Rottingdean and Burgess Hill.

Homes in the South East

The South East has a lot of 1930s and post-war semi-detached housing, well suited to rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions, alongside period properties in conservation areas that need a more careful design.

What does a structural alteration involve?

Structural alterations change the load-bearing parts of a house, most often removing a wall between two rooms and putting in a steel beam to create an open-plan layout. The work needs a structural engineer’s design and building regulations approval.

Structural engineer’s design and calculations
Steel beam installation on padstones
Making good floors, walls and ceilings

How much should I budget for a structural alteration?

Guide prices for structural alterations, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.

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 Brighton?

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 should I think about before starting?

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.

How does the project run?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
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.

Structural alterations: common questions

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.

Do I need building regulations approval to remove a wall?

Yes, for any load-bearing wall. Non-structural partitions usually do not need approval.

Can you visit a house in Brighton to quote?

Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.

Other towns nearby

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