Structural alterations in Exeter

Covering Exeter

Exeter is about 36 miles north-east of Plymouth. We also cover Exmouth (9 miles to the south-east), Tiverton and Newton Abbot.

Homes in the South West

In the South West, matching local stone, render or slate is often the main design question, and conservation areas and listed buildings are common in historic towns.

What goes into 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
Temporary works and propping
Fire protection and plaster encasement

What is the guide price for a structural alteration in Exeter?

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 Exeter?

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 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.

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.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Questions about a structural alteration in Exeter

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.

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

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

Also covering

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