Structural Engineering
Structural calculations, drawings and design coordination for building projects
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Structural engineering is required where building work affects the stability, load-bearing elements or structural performance of a building. Depending on the project, this can include the design of beams, columns, foundations, roof structures, structural openings and other load-bearing elements.
Planning World provides structural engineering design and calculations for extensions, loft conversions, structural alterations, wall removals and other residential and development projects. Structural information can be coordinated with the architectural and Building Regulations drawings to create a consistent technical package for the project.
We review the proposed works and available drawings before establishing the structural engineering information, calculations and site investigation required for the particular project.
When might you need a structural engineer?
Structural engineering input may be required where proposed building work alters existing load-bearing elements or introduces new structural loads. Common examples include:
- Removing or altering load-bearing walls
- Installing steel beams, columns or structural frames
- Loft conversions and dormer structures
- Single and two-storey extensions
- New dwellings and annexes
- Foundation design
- Underpinning and certain basement works
- Roof alterations and structural strengthening
- Chimney breast removals
- Conversion of buildings into flats
- Structural work forming part of a Building Regulations submission
The level of structural design required depends on the existing building, proposed works and construction method. Planning World can review the project and identify the structural engineering information likely to be required.
For Structural Engineering
What can a structural engineering package include?
The scope depends on the proposed works and structural complexity of the project. Depending on the requirements, a structural engineering package can include:
- Structural calculations for beams, columns, joists, rafters and other load-bearing elements
- Steel beam and structural frame design
- Padstone and bearing requirements
- Foundation design where required
- Load assessments
- Structural layout drawings
- Structural engineering details
- Connection design or details where included within the scope
- Coordination with architectural and Building Regulations drawings
- Supporting structural information for Building Control
The structural scope is established for the individual project so that the calculations and drawings correspond with the proposed construction and available site information.
Our process
A coordinated, accuracy‑driven workflow:
- Project and drawing review — We review the architectural drawings, proposed works and available information about the existing structure.
- Site information — Where required, a site inspection, measured information or further investigation is obtained to establish relevant structural conditions.
- Structural design — The required structural elements are designed according to the project requirements and available information.
- Calculations and drawings — Structural calculations and associated drawings or details are prepared for coordination with the technical design.
- Design coordination — Structural information is coordinated with the architectural and Building Regulations package where included within the service.
- Building Control queries — Where included within the scope, we can assist with structural queries raised during the Building Control assessment.
Fees
Typical fees start from:
- £295–£495 for single beams or wall removals
- £495–£895 for loft conversions
- £695–£1,495 for extensions
- £1,495+ for new builds or complex structures
A fixed quote is provided once we have reviewed the available drawings and structural scope.
Project-Specific Structural Considerations
Structural requirements depend on the existing building, proposed alterations, construction type, loading conditions and available information about the structure and ground conditions.
Older masonry buildings, terraced properties, loft conversions, extensions and buildings undergoing significant internal alterations can each present different structural considerations. Some projects may require opening-up works, trial holes, ground information or other investigation before the final structural design can be confirmed.
Where heritage or conservation considerations apply, the structural solution may also need to minimise unnecessary intervention in existing building fabric and coordinate with the wider architectural and planning requirements.
Common structural design issues
Building Control queries, construction problems or redesign can arise where:
- Structural work begins before appropriate calculations are available
- Beams or supports are selected without adequate structural design
- Architectural and structural drawings are not coordinated
- Load paths and bearing conditions are not properly considered
- Foundation design does not reflect the project or available ground information
- Existing structural conditions have not been adequately established
- Structural changes are made on site without appropriate design review
Planning World helps reduce these issues by coordinating the structural design with the architectural and technical information available for the project.
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Why choose Planning World
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- Structural calculations and drawings for residential and development projects
- Steel beam, structural opening and framing design
- Extension, loft conversion and alteration calculations
- Coordination with Revit and Building Regulations drawings
- Site inspection or additional investigation arranged where required
- Structural information prepared for Building Control
- Clear information for contractors
- Fixed, transparent fees
Structural engineering calculations and designs are prepared by appropriately qualified structural engineering professionals according to the agreed project scope.
Usually, yes. Removing or altering a load-bearing wall changes how loads are transferred through the building and may require a new beam, supports, padstones or other structural elements. A structural engineer can assess the proposed opening and prepare the calculations and details required for the structural design and, where applicable, Building Control.
Structural engineering input is commonly required for extensions where the project involves new foundations, steel beams, structural openings, roof alterations or other load-bearing elements. The precise requirements depend on the existing building, proposed design, construction method and available ground information. The structural design should be coordinated with the architectural and Building Regulations drawings.
Structural calculations are commonly required for loft conversions because the existing roof and ceiling structure may not have been designed to support the loads associated with a habitable floor. Structural design may be needed for new floor joists, steel beams, altered roof members, dormers, openings and supporting elements. The requirements depend on the existing structure and proposed loft design.
Not in every case. Some structural calculations can be prepared from sufficiently detailed and reliable drawings, measurements, photographs and information about the existing construction. However, a site inspection or additional investigation may be necessary where existing structural conditions cannot be established confidently from the information available. Opening-up works or trial holes may also be required on some projects before the final design can be confirmed.
Building Control may require structural calculations where proposed work affects the structural stability or load-bearing elements of a building. This commonly includes new beams, structural openings, extensions, loft conversions, foundations and other significant structural alterations. The information required depends on the project, and Building Control may raise further technical queries during its assessment.
Yes. Planning World can coordinate the structural calculations, drawings and details with the architectural and Building Regulations package so that the structural and construction information is consistent. Where specialist structural input is required, this can be incorporated into the wider technical design and coordinated for submission to Building Control.