Structural alterations in Dunstable

Covering Dunstable

We work in Dunstable (LU6) and the places around it, including Luton, Leighton Buzzard and Harpenden.

Homes in the East of England

The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.

What do you get with a structural alteration?

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.

Building control application and inspections
Temporary works and propping
Steel beam installation on padstones

How much should I budget for a structural alteration?

Use these ranges to budget for structural alterations; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.

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

How is a structural alteration approved in Dunstable?

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.

What can affect a structural alteration?

Shared chimney breasts and walls can involve the Party Wall Act.
Removing walls can affect the fire escape route on open-plan ground floors in three-storey houses.

What are the steps?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

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.

How long does it take?

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

How do I get a price for structural alterations in Dunstable?

Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.

Other towns nearby

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