Covering Christchurch
We work in Christchurch (BH23) and the places around it, including Bournemouth, New Milton and Poole.
Homes in the South West
The South West mixes stone and render cottages, Victorian terraces in the larger towns and modern estates, and many historic centres are conservation areas where materials and roof shapes are closely controlled.
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
- Building control application and inspections
- Temporary works and propping
How much should I budget for a structural alteration?
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 |
Do you need permission for a structural alteration in Christchurch?
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.
What can affect a structural alteration?
- Removing walls can affect the fire escape route on open-plan ground floors in three-storey houses.
- Pipes and cables in the wall need rerouting first.
What happens after I enquire?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- 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.
What people ask before starting
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 do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
We check on site and confirm with the structural engineer.
Can you visit a house in Christchurch 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
- Structural alterations in Bournemouth
- Structural alterations in New Milton
- Structural alterations in Poole
- Structural alterations in Wimborne Minster
Learn more about structural alterations, or see every project we cover in Christchurch.