Structural design
Steel · Timber · Masonry · ConcreteWe provide structural design, calculations and drawings for residential and small-scale development projects, working with architects, homeowners and contractors from initial design through to construction.
Our designs consider not only structural performance, but also buildability, cost and how the structure integrates with the architecture.
Extensions & alterations
Extensions · Openings · RemodellingFrom removing a single load-bearing wall to the structural design of a complete extension, we provide the calculations, drawings and advice required to take projects through Building Control and onto site.
Typical fees, shown for guidance. Fees include site visit.
Site visits & structural advice
Site Visits · Inspections · Practical AdviceSometimes you don't need a full structural design — you simply need an engineer to look at something and give you clear advice.
A site visit can be used to discuss several structural matters during the appointment. This might include establishing whether a wall is load-bearing, looking at cracking or movement, discussing proposed alterations or providing advice on an issue discovered during construction.
Includes up to one hour on site. Where the purpose of the visit is to establish whether a wall is load-bearing, we can follow up by email confirming our findings.
Where further calculations, drawings or a formal report are required, we will provide a clear fee before carrying out the additional work.
Structural inspections
Cracks · Movement · DefectsWhat is a structural inspection?
A structural inspection is a visual assessment carried out by a structural engineer to investigate concerns relating to the stability or structural condition of a building.
Unlike a general Building Survey, our inspection focuses specifically on the structure — how the building is behaving, the likely cause of any defects and whether further investigation, monitoring or remedial work is required.
We offer three types of structural inspection depending on the reason for the assessment:
- Specific Structural Inspection (SSI) — a focused inspection of a particular structural concern, such as cracking, movement, a bowing wall or sagging floor. This is often requested following a Building Survey where a specific issue has been identified.
- General Structural Inspection (GSI) — a broader assessment where there are several structural concerns or where the overall structural condition of the property needs to be considered.
- Mortgage Structural Inspection (MSI) — an inspection carried out where a mortgage lender or valuer has identified a potential structural concern and requires a structural engineer's report before proceeding.
If you are unsure which inspection you require, send us a copy of your Building Survey, mortgage valuation or details of your concerns and we can advise on the most appropriate inspection.
Specific Structural Inspection (SSI)
A Specific Structural Inspection (SSI) is suitable where there is one clearly identified structural concern or localised area requiring investigation. It is commonly requested following a Building Survey where the surveyor has identified a particular structural issue and recommended further assessment by a structural engineer.
This might include a particular crack, bowing wall, movement around an opening, sagging floor or another isolated structural concern.
The inspection is limited to the area or issue agreed beforehand and provides a proportionate way of obtaining professional structural advice without commissioning an inspection of the entire property.
Fees are based on a single identified structural concern and include a site inspection and written report. The final fee will depend on the location of the property and the nature and complexity of the issue. A fixed quotation will be provided before instruction.
General Structural Inspection (GSI)
A General Structural Inspection (GSI) provides a broader visual assessment where there are several structural concerns or where the overall structural condition of a property needs to be considered.
A GSI may be instructed by a homeowner, purchaser, building surveyor or other property professional. It is often requested following a Building Survey where several structural concerns have been identified, or where a broader assessment by a structural engineer has been recommended rather than investigation of one specific defect.
Depending on the property and the concerns raised, we may assess cracking and movement internally and externally, walls and openings, floors, visible structural elements, previous alterations and other signs of structural distress.
We will consider the pattern and likely cause of any movement and advise whether the defects appear historic, ongoing or require further investigation.
Fees include a site inspection and written report and will vary depending on the size, location and complexity of the property. Larger properties or buildings with more extensive structural concerns may require an individual quotation. A fixed quotation will always be provided before instruction.
Mortgage structural inspection
Mortgage Valuations · Lender ReportsA Mortgage Structural Inspection (MSI) is typically required where a mortgage lender or their valuer has identified a potential structural concern and requests further assessment before proceeding with a mortgage offer or releasing funds.
This may relate to cracking, historic or suspected movement, structural alterations, distortion, previous repairs or another issue identified during the mortgage valuation.
The inspection focuses on the concerns raised by the lender or valuer. We will assess the relevant structural elements, consider the likely cause and significance of any defects and provide a written report setting out our findings and recommendations.
Where possible, clients should provide a copy of the lender or valuer's requirements before the inspection so that the report can be prepared specifically in response to the matters they have raised.
Fees include a site inspection and written report and will vary depending on the location of the property, the scope of the lender's requirements and the complexity of the structural concerns. A fixed quotation will be provided before instruction.
Where the lender specifically requires the inspection or report to be undertaken or signed by a Chartered Engineer, please provide their requirements when requesting a quotation.
Why choose us?
- Clear, focused reports — our reports directly address the structural concerns identified by your mortgage lender or valuer, avoiding unnecessary information.
- Transparent fees — you will receive a clear quotation before we undertake the inspection, so you know the cost from the outset.
- Experienced structural engineers — your property will be inspected by an experienced structural engineer with extensive knowledge of residential buildings and structural defects.
- Practical recommendations — where defects are identified, we explain the likely cause and provide clear recommendations for any further investigation or remedial works required.
- Residential experience — we have extensive experience inspecting houses, flats, period properties, extensions and converted buildings throughout London and the South East.
Loft conversions
Lofts · Roof Structures · New FloorsWe provide complete structural packages for loft conversions, including the assessment of existing roof and floor structures and the design of new steelwork, floor joists, rafters and structural alterations.
Where possible, we look for efficient solutions that minimise unnecessary steelwork and disruption to the existing building.
A look before you commit
Feasibility · Early Advice · Property PurchasesBefore committing to a design, construction work or potentially even a property purchase, we can provide early structural advice to help identify what is feasible and where structural complexity or additional cost may arise.
For architects, this can also provide useful structural input during the early design stages, before layouts and architectural proposals become fixed.
On-site support
Builders · Site Queries · ConstructionConstruction does not always go exactly as shown on the drawings. Existing buildings can reveal unexpected structures and conditions once work begins.
We pride ourselves on being accessible and responsive when builders need structural input on site. Peter can be contacted directly to discuss time-sensitive structural queries, helping resolve issues quickly and keep construction moving.
Where a site visit is required, we will arrange one as quickly as reasonably possible.
Have something else in mind?
Not every project fits neatly into a category.
If you're planning structural alterations, have a concern about an existing building or simply want to understand what's possible, get in touch. Peter will be happy to discuss the project and advise on the next steps.
Discuss your project →