01
Describe the change or concern
Tell us what you want to alter, build or understand. The address and a short description are enough to start. Add photographs, sketches or drawings if you have them.
HOW IT WORKS
Your structural engineering project, explained from the beginning.
You do not need technical knowledge or finished drawings to contact us. Start with the property address, the change you want to make or the concern you have noticed. We will explain what is needed, why it is needed and what happens next.
Four clear stages from first question to issued information.
02
We confirm what is needed
We review the information and explain whether the project needs calculations, drawings, a survey, a site visit or input from another professional before a proposal is issued.
03
Receive and accept the proposal
The written proposal sets out the deliverables, assumptions, exclusions, fixed fee and likely programme. Engineering work begins only after the appointment is accepted as stated in that proposal.
04
Design, review and support
Your engineer prepares and reviews the agreed information, then issues it for its stated purpose. Building Control or contractor questions are handled where they fall within the agreed scope.
APPROVALS, WITHOUT THE JARGON
A project can involve three different checks.
They answer different questions. Depending on the work and its location, you may need one, two or all three.
01
Planning permission
This decides whether the proposed development is acceptable under planning policy. It can consider size, appearance, use and neighbours. It does not confirm the structural design.
02
Building Regulations
These set minimum standards for matters including structure, fire safety, insulation and drainage. Building Control reviews information and may inspect work, but does not design the project.
03
Structural engineering
This determines how the load-bearing parts will work safely. The agreed calculations and drawings explain the structural solution for Building Control and the construction team.
You can contact us before you have drawings.
A good first enquiry explains the property, the intended change or concern and the decision you are trying to make. Send whatever you already have. If more information is genuinely required, we will say what it is and why before you commit.
01 Property address and a short description
02 Photographs or a simple sketch, if available
03 Existing, planning or architectural drawings, if available
04 Who has asked for information and any target date
WHO DOES WHAT?
The people involved have different responsibilities.
Not every project needs every role. We will explain where structural engineering starts and ends, and flag when another professional appears to be needed.
01
Client or homeowner
Explains the intended change, provides available information and access, makes decisions and appoints the people needed for the project.
02
Architect or designer
Develops the layout and design, prepares or coordinates drawings and often manages planning and Building Regulations information.
03
Structural engineer
Designs or checks load-bearing elements, records assumptions and prepares the agreed calculations, drawings or report.
04
Building Control
Independently checks relevant Building Regulations requirements. It reviews the design information but does not take responsibility for producing it.
05
Contractor or builder
Plans and carries out the work, follows the issued information and raises questions before changing the agreed structural solution.
06
Party wall surveyor
Deals with the statutory party wall process where it applies. This role is separate from structural design, although the two may need to be coordinated.
Start with your project details
Submit the project information through the quote form for an engineer-reviewed scope and next step.