Residential Structural Engineers in Manchester, London, Bristol, Birmingham & Cardiff
While homeowners, property owners, and designers may have a pretty good idea of what a renovation or home improvement might look like when finished, few understand the structural whys and wherefores of the outcome. Thankfully, structural problems and their solutions are not usually the domain of the average homeowner.
That said, many of us now have a much sharper eye on the renovation process, due to the popularity of television shows that feature fixer-uppers. And despite the hit-or-miss outcome that some of these shows depict, they make clear one important point: building something or changing something within a residential structure requires a structural engineer.
Let’s take a look at what exactly a residential structural engineer does and the services they provide that are most specific to residential projects.
Who is a Structural Engineer for Residential Buildings?
To understand what structural engineers do, particularly in the domain of residential projects, one must recognize that their work is intimately connected to the vital concerns of health and safety. If you want to add an extension to your home or convert your attic, then “structural engineering” directly pertains to the alterations you will make to the very structure of your house.
The principal responsibility of a structural engineer is to evaluate a proposed project for structural soundness. They do this by taking a close look at building plans and making a series of fundamental and important calculations. In case something isn’t quite right, the structural engineer either offers design modification suggestions or redesigns the parts of the project that need to be changed.
Do you require a Structural Engineer?
Typically, a structural engineer is engaged during home renovations when an existing space is converted into a new use or layout. Usually, they are involved in the floor plans of new builds, and they certainly work on the plans for any house extensions that add to the property’s footprint. If you are removing or changing any existing walls, you’ll need a structural engineer for a full survey before the work can commence. In this situation, the engineer serves primarily as a consultant who helps the property owner gather the necessary technical information to make the renovation possible—especially if that’s going to happen without the newly imagined space falling down.
To assist you in deciding whether your next residential project requires a structural engineer, we have listed some common circumstances where that support is essential. They are:
– Expanding your home
– Converting spaces such as a garage or loft
– Making changes to load-bearing walls
– Taking out chimney breasts
– Adding solar panels
– Putting in large beams to open up spaces
– Adding a green roof
You shouldn’t try and ensure that your project is compliant with health and safety regulations and building codes all on your own, either. Making sure the house is structurally sound when you’re making changes or renovations is a lot of work, but it prevents problems from cropping up in the future. Plus, it keeps the house safe for you and anyone else who lives there, and it helps the house retain its value.
Identify a competent Structural Engineer
Several key factors to consider when seeking a competent structural engineer to collaborate with you on your project are their professional background and the practicality of your working relationship, which is often determined by location.
To focus this discussion more specifically on the critical role of structural engineering in the home remodeling sector, it’s essential that you find an engineer whose primary focus is on residential projects and who has a proven record of successful completions of those projects—particularly ones that are similar to your scope and involve the home and its structural framework.
During your search, look for an engineer who can take you through the complete procedure for obtaining planning permission. This person should help you understand what it takes from an organizational standpoint to get permission for your project. They should be able to help you assemble an accurately measured blueprint right from the start and assist you in putting together a cost estimate for your project against a design that is reasonable and practical. They should also assist you in understanding how to safely assemble your project while staying in a budget.
What does a Structural Engineer need in order to Qualify?
If you really want to be sure, ask each potential engineer to show you evidence of their membership with either the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) or the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). That way, you’ll ensure their professionalism and qualification to perform residential structural engineering projects.
How Much Does Residential Structural Engineer Report Cost?
The costs associated with structural engineering can vary quite a bit, depending on the project’s size and complexity and how closely you plan to work with the engineering team to alter your original design. Generally, the first step in the process is a consultation, followed by an in-depth site inspection—both essential to the engineer’s understanding of the current conditions and the proposed changes.
A comprehensive structural engineering evaluation of a small home takes only a few hours to complete. The average cost is around £1,000, but if the home defects being evaluated are minor, the cost could average closer to £700. However, there are also additional charges for items like extra site visits, additional reports and design changes.
Surveys of Commercial Property
If you’re thinking of acquiring, leasing, subletting, disposing of, or altering commercial premises in Manchester, you would be well advised to locate a surveyor skilled in the nuances of commercial building surveying – should you spot a defect in a commercial building you can use that information to negotiate an asking price for the property that’s considerably lower than what the seller originally wanted, or you can talk your way out of a bad deal altogether.
Our Manchester-based team of RICS-compliant commercial building surveyors is equipped to handle matters throughout Manchester.
Contact
Our team prioritizes client care above all else. We look forward to being in touch with you so you can instruct a surveyor in Manchester, London, Bristol, Birmingham or Cardiff. You can reach out to us easily. Just fill out our form, and we’ll get back to you with a free quote for your survey. All our surveyors are qualified as members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and we are one of the UK’s leading providers of building survey and valuation services:
- Accredited Professionals: Certified by organizations like RICS, CIOB, and RPSA.
- Customized Survey Reports: inspections to meet your specific requirements.
- Local Expertise: Deep understanding and specialized knowledge.
- Expert Guidance: Professional recommendations and support.
The property survey you commission will be carried out by an accredited professional. Your chartered surveyor will be a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), or will belong to some other industry-standard professional body. Rest assured; you will receive highest quality of professional service for your survey.
