Structural alterations in Willesden

Covering Willesden

We work in Willesden (NW10) and the places around it, including Cricklewood, Notting Hill and Shepherd's Bush.

Homes in London

Much of London’s housing is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which is why side return extensions, rear dormers and mansards are so common. Many streets are in conservation areas, and several boroughs use Article 4 directions that remove some permitted development rights.

What is included in a structural alteration in Willesden?

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.

Building control application and inspections
Steel beam installation on padstones
Making good floors, walls and ceilings

What will a structural alteration cost?

Guide prices for structural alterations, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.

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 Willesden?

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 change the price or programme?

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?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
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

How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?

We check on site and confirm with the structural engineer.

Can the steel be hidden in the ceiling?

Often it can be set within the floor depth, avoiding a downstand. The engineer confirms what is possible.

Can you visit a house in Willesden 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 Willesden.