Frequently Asked Questions
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We take family homes (which may include upmarket residences, listed properties and new builds) and we help you make decisions that will serve them for decades.
But we don’t simply produce calculations and drawings. We give you:
Trust.
Experience.
Clarity.
Confidence.Read our blog here to find out more how our approach can benefit you.
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Yes, structural engineers can help incorporate energy-efficient designs by selecting appropriate materials, optimising the structural layout, and working with architects to improve insulation, reduce energy loss (both in material production, delivery and during the building life), and integrate sustainable building practices.
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The process can be divided into five distinct stages, each of which needs to be completed, or abandoned, before moving forwards to the next. Whilst the simple cases may be resolved within 6 months of notification a moderately complex case can last 18 – 24 months to final resolution.
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As the type, desired outcomes and implications of the work can vary from property to property, we can not provide a method to follow here. We would always recommend you seek our help to devise a scheme and methodology to allow you or (if you are not familiar with undertaken construction and demolition works) your appointed contractor.
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The cost of the report will largely be down to its purpose and therefore its content. For this article we will focus on the most common form of structural engineer’s report – the inspection type of report.
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A structural inspection needs to be appropriate for the level of involvement required from the structural engineer. Typically you can expect this to be around an hour but this is dependent on a number of factors but broadly comes down to: “What Is The Scope?”
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While a Homebuyer's Report may highlight signs of subsidence, it's essential to understand that it may not provide a comprehensive assessment of the property's structural integrity.
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Subsidence refers to the downward movement of the ground beneath a structure, which can lead to the settling or sinking of buildings and other structures.
This can occur for various reasons.
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A Party Wall Award is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon by adjacent property owners regarding work to be carried out on a shared or adjoining structure, known as a Party Wall. The award is typically created by a Party Wall Surveyor and is enforceable by law.
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A structural engineer is needed when the project involves designing or modifying the load-bearing elements of a building or structure, such as the foundation, beams, columns, or walls. If you are making major renovations or adding floors, it's advisable to consult a structural engineer to see if their input is required and to ensure the design is safe.
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A structural engineer is responsible for designing, analysing, and ensuring the safety and stability of structures like buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. They ensure that these structures can withstand the forces they are subjected to, such as wind, weight, and seismic activity.
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Structural design is the process of creating a plan that ensures the safety, stability, and functionality of a structure under various loads (dead load, live load, wind load, etc.). It involves the selection of materials, determining appropriate dimensions, and calculating the strength and stability of structural elements.
In renovations / refurbishments and extensions, a structural engineer assesses the existing structure to determine if it can handle the changes, such as removing walls, adding new floors, or extending the building. They will also design any necessary reinforcements or modifications to ensure the structure remains stable after alterations.
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An architect focuses on the design, functionality, and aesthetic aspects of a building, while a structural engineer focuses on the technical and safety aspects of the underlying structure, stability and foundations.
In simple terms, the structural engineer ensures the building can support the loads imposed on it by the design provided by the architect.
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To become a structural engineer, you typically need a Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering.
Obtaining a Master’s degree in structural engineering is also beneficial, for instance in terms of an educational base for routes to Chartered status.
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Yes, structural engineers typically collaborate with contractors during the construction phase. They provide detailed plans, specifications, and guidance on how the structure should be built, and they may conduct site inspections to ensure construction follows the approved designs.
The structural engineer also can assist with elements of the project that the contractor may need to be responsible for such as temporary works designs, steelwork connection design and reinforced concrete detailing.