Domestic Alterations & Extensions
Domestic clients approach structural engineers with the intention of extending or altering the layout of their property, from simply knocking a wall through (to create an open plan living area), converting existing roof space to form another bedroom or by extending their property to increase kitchen and dining room sizes and create new bedrooms at first floor level.
Typical Example
The client wishes to remove the wall between the dining room and kitchen to create an open plan living area. We would visit the property (at a mutually convenient time) to obtain dimensions, take photos and establish load paths. We would wish to locally lift carpet finishes to confirm floor joist spans and would also require access to the loft area to confirm the roof layout and any impact it may have on the design.
We would then return to the office and prepare calculations for the new steel beam (and associated bearings and padstones) and provide a plan and sections as necessary in order for a builder to install it. Three copies of the documents would then be issued to the client along with an electronic copy (if required). The client/builder would then send two copies to the Local Authority Building Control Department for their approval (the local authority will usually charge around £200 + VAT for this service).
Our fees for the design of the beam and associated sketches would be £410 (we are not VAT registered and, as such, VAT is not applicable). If there are any additional structural elements which require designing (i.e. additional steel beams, windposts, masonry columns etc) we would charge an additional £90 per element (although if there are a large number of elements, we will rationalise this, and the price will reduce).
If you are unsure what is possible we are happy to visit your property and give advice based on a call out fee of £190 (again, VAT is not applicable to this fee). We will then return to the office and provide you with a fee quote for the design and detail of the structural alterations (based on the fees described above). If you are happy for us to proceed on this basis we will waive the initial call out fee.
If you'd like an idea of our costs for a larger project please email us your Architects drawings and we will write back with a no-obligation fee quote.