Structural alterations in Chatham

Covering Chatham

Chatham sits 8 miles north of Maidstone, with Gillingham 1 miles to the north-east and Rochester 1 miles to the north-west.

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?

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 is the guide price for a structural alteration in Chatham?

Indicative costs for structural alterations. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.

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

What approvals does a structural alteration need in England?

Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.

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 change the price or programme?

Shared chimney breasts and walls can involve the Party Wall Act.
Pipes and cables in the wall need rerouting first.

What are the steps?

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.

Questions about a structural alteration in Chatham

Do I need building regulations approval to remove a wall?

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

How long does it take?

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

Do you work in Chatham?

Yes. Chatham is within our coverage for structural alterations, along with nearby Gillingham and Rochester.

Structural alterations near Chatham

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