If you’re carrying out some significant renovations or undergoing a building project, it is likely that you will require the help of structural engineers. A structural engineer specialises in building structures and will be on hand to oversee the construction process, ensuring that safety standards are met and determining structural integrity. When you work with reputable structural engineers in London, they will collaborate with the architects or building contractors during the design and planning stage of the project, having involvements in the types of materials used to meet the end goal from a safety perspective.
Are structural engineers an essential part of the project?
In many cases, a structural engineer offers vital insights which can ensure your project runs smoothly, avoiding potential problems that could affect the stability of your building. When you have established a rough plan, your builder should be able to advise you on whether or not a structural engineer is a necessary part of the project. Some of the main renovations which will likely require a structural engineer include:
- Removing or modifying walls within an existing property
- Modifying internal doors or windows
- Removing a chimney breast
- Altering the size or location of existing structures
- Undergo basement or loft conversions
- Installing solar panels
Your structural engineer will quickly become a valuable asset to the project and will be required to create structural calculations so you can establish a realistic project plan before you get too far into the work. If you require planning permission, their assistance will help ensure you comply with any regulations for a more successful application. You may be asked to provide structural drawings and calculations during the planning permission process if it is appropriate, so ensure you have all the relevant information ready to speed up the procedure.
The benefit of structural engineers when moving property
As well as providing insights during renovations, structural engineers are also valuable if you are looking to purchase a new property. By attending the site to undergo a survey, you can get insights to any potential structural issues which could cause you problems down the line and require costly work to solve. Some examples of issues that could be raised include cracking, flood damage and sagging roofs which are not all closely inspected by chartered surveyors.
Finding structural engineers that you can count on
With a structural engineer being such a key part of the process, finding the right one for the job is vital. To ensure you find one who is trained and qualified in the field, keep an eye out for those who are members of either the Institution of Structural Engineers (iStructE) or the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), both of which are reputable institutions.
As well as filtering the options by qualification, ensure your structural engineer of choice is experienced in the right areas. For example, if you are undergoing a home renovation, then you should partner with a firm who has carried out numerous residential projects, rather than those who specialise in commercial work.
