Construction FAQs

If the wall is load-bearing, yes. An engineer calculates the beam, padstones and any column needed, and Building Control will expect to see those calculations. We can recommend engineers if you don't have one.

Yes. Removing load-bearing walls, new foundations and extensions all need Building Regulations approval, either through the council's Building Control or a registered building control approver. Inspections happen at key stages and a completion certificate is issued at the end.

Installing a typical RSJ to open up a ground floor can take a few days, including propping, removal, fitting the steel and making good. Plastering and decoration add time. We give a programme with your quote.

For most structural alterations, no, though some rooms will be out of use. For larger refurbishments or work affecting kitchens and bathrooms, some clients choose to stay elsewhere for part of the job.

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies to much structural work near a shared wall or boundary. Notices are the building owner's responsibility, but we'll advise on timing and work with appointed surveyors so the programme isn't held up.

Yes. Most of our projects come with plans and engineers' details already prepared. If anything is missing for construction, we'll flag it at the quoting stage.

After planning approval, a new build typically moves through site set-up, groundworks and foundations, superstructure, roof, first fix services, plastering, second fix and finishes, with Building Control inspections along the way.

We price from the drawings and specification, broken into a schedule of works. Where something can't be known until opened up, such as ground conditions, we say so and explain how it would be costed.

Insurance certificates are available on request and are sent before structural work is booked. We’d encourage you to check them, along with your engineer’s and Building Control paperwork.