West & North-West London
Walls out, steel in, signed off
Knock-throughs, load-bearing removals, chimney breast removal and full internal reconfiguration — including reconfiguring houses into multiple units.
Removing a load-bearing wall means a beam sized by a structural engineer, padstones that can take the load, and temporary propping while it goes in. Chimney breast removals need the stack above supported with gallows brackets or a beam. All of it is notifiable to building control. We have reconfigured houses extensively, including converting a three-bedroom property into a six-bedroom HMO with full internal reconfiguration and external insulation.
What the work covers
- Structural engineer's calculations
- Steel beams, padstones and temporary propping
- Load-bearing wall and chimney breast removal
- Room reconfiguration and new partitions
- Fire separation and escape routes for multiple occupancy
- Building control applications and sign-off
What it costs
A single structural opening with a steel beam typically runs £3,500 to £7,000 including the engineer, the steel and making good. Full reconfigurations are priced per project after a survey.
Structural Alterations by area
Each area has its own planning position and housing stock. Pick yours for the local detail.
Other services
Structural Alterations — common questions
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
Direction of the floor joists above, thickness of the wall and what sits above it on the next floor are the usual indicators, but it is not always obvious. We establish it on site and have an engineer confirm before anything is cut.
Do I need building control for a knock-through?
Yes. Removing or altering a load-bearing element is notifiable work. You get a completion certificate, which your conveyancer will want to see when you sell.
Can you convert a house into an HMO?
Yes — we have done full reconfigurations including taking a three-bedroom property to six bedrooms. Beyond the building work it brings in fire separation, escape routes, room size minimums and licensing, all of which we work to.
How long does a steel beam installation take?
The structural work itself is usually three to five days including propping and making good, but the engineer's calculations and the building control notice need arranging beforehand.
Thinking about a project?
Send a few details and we will come out, measure properly and put a written, itemised quote in front of you.
We reply to every quote request within 24 hours.