Structural alterations in Stevenage

Covering Stevenage

Our coverage around Stevenage (SG1) also includes Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City and Welwyn Garden City.

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 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
Building control application and inspections
Fire protection and plaster encasement

How much should I budget for a structural alteration?

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

What approvals does a structural alteration need in England?

In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it 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?

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 are the steps?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
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.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Structural alterations: common questions

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 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 Stevenage 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.

Also covering

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