Building Works

Structural Alterations & RSJs

Knock-throughs, load-bearing walls and structural steel beams.

Overview

Knock-throughs, load-bearing walls and structural steel beams.

Opening up a kitchen-diner, removing a chimney breast or knocking two rooms into one almost always means a structural steel. We carry out structural alterations properly — with calculations, building control approval, the correct padstones and the right propping during the works.

Calculations first

Before anything is touched, a structural engineer calculates the steel size, padstone bearing and any additional support. We work with trusted engineers who turn around drawings quickly and sensibly.

Safe temporary works

While the wall is open and the steel goes in, the structure above has to be supported. We use proper acrow props on needles or strongboys — never shortcuts. Site is left safe at the end of every day.

Building control

Structural alterations are notifiable. We submit the works under a building notice or full plans, coordinate inspections, and hand you a completion certificate at the end. Important for resale, important for insurance.

RSJ and steel beam installations

Load-bearing wall removals

Chimney breast removals

Structural engineer calculations and building control sign-off

Padstones, propping and temporary works

Featured job

Kitchen-diner knock-through, Aylesbury

Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

A 1960s semi opened up by removing the wall between kitchen and dining room. Engineer-calculated 203×133 UB steel installed on twin padstones, supported on temporary acrows during the works, then plastered flush into the ceiling for an invisible finish.

Steel203 × 133 UB
Span3.6 m
Padstones2 × engineered
On site3 weeks

How we work

Our process

01
Structural survey
Engineer assesses the load path and specifies the steel.
02
Building control
Submission, inspection schedule agreed.
03
Temporary works
Propping installed, area made safe.
04
Steel install
Padstones built, steel craned or lifted in, fire-protected.
05
Make good
Plaster, finishes, sign-off.

Common questions

FAQs

How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?+

Don't assume — get it checked. We carry out a structural survey on the first visit and bring in an engineer to confirm before any wall comes down.

Do I need building control approval?+

Yes, always, for any load-bearing alteration. We handle the submission and inspections as part of the works.

Can chimney breasts be removed?+

Yes, but the stack above has to be properly supported — usually with a gallows bracket or a steel. An engineer's calculation is required and building control must sign it off.

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