Structural Alterations in London
Load-bearing wall removal, RSJ installation, chimney breast removal, new structural openings and loft floor upgrades. Structural engineer coordinated. Building Regulations approved. Fixed price before we start.
Why structural alterations need the right contractor
Structural works — removing walls, installing beams, modifying floors — are the highest-risk category of residential construction. Done correctly, they transform your home. Done incorrectly, they cause subsidence, structural failure, and serious safety risks.
The risks come not just from the works themselves, but from the process: insufficient propping, undersized beams, inadequate bearing lengths, and cutting corners on Building Control notification. We see the aftermath of poorly executed structural works regularly.
Our approach: structural engineer specification for every job, correct propping and sequence, fixed-price transparency, and full Building Control sign-off. No shortcuts. No guesswork.
Structural alteration works we deliver
Load-bearing wall removal
Open-plan living starts here. We remove load-bearing walls, install the correct steel or timber beam, and ensure the structure is properly supported above. All works are structural-engineer-specified and Building Regulations approved.
RSJ and steel beam installation
We install universal steel beams (RSJs / UBs) to carry loads across openings in load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, and at loft floor level. We work with your structural engineer or can recommend one.
Chimney breast removal
Chimney breast removal on one or multiple floors to free up floor space in rooms and alcoves. We maintain the structural integrity of the chimney stack above and ensure correct support and load transfer.
New structural openings
Creating new door openings, window openings, or bifold door apertures in existing walls — including load-bearing walls. We assess the wall type, specify the correct lintel or beam, and execute to building regulation standard.
Loft floor upgrades
Upgrading the existing ceiling joist structure at loft level to a new structural floor that can support habitable use. Required for all loft conversions. We install new engineered floor joists to the structural engineer's specification.
Party wall and foundation works
Where structural works affect party walls or require foundation strengthening, we manage the full sequence — including party wall notice service referrals where required.
How we manage structural alterations
Initial assessment
We assess the wall, floor or structure in question on site, confirm whether it is load-bearing, and advise on the correct approach. No obligation, no charge for the first conversation.
Structural engineer coordination
We work with a structural engineer — yours or ours — to specify the correct beam size, bearing length, padstone requirements, and propping sequence. You receive an SE-stamped specification.
Fixed-price scope of works
You receive a detailed, itemised scope and a fixed price before any work starts. Structural alterations are complex — we make the cost transparent before you commit.
Delivery and propping sequence
We manage the propping, removal, beam installation and making good to a fully managed sequence. All temporary support is designed to ensure safety throughout.
Building Regulations sign-off
All structural alterations require Building Control approval. We manage the notification, inspections, and final sign-off. You receive your completion certificate.
Common questions about structural alterations
Do I always need a structural engineer for a wall removal?
For any load-bearing wall removal, yes. A structural engineer is required to calculate the beam size, bearing lengths and padstone specification. For non-load-bearing partitions, an SE is not always required — but we will always advise you which type of wall you have before work starts.
Do I need Building Regulations approval for structural works?
Yes. All structural alterations — including load-bearing wall removal, chimney breast removal, and loft floor upgrades — require Building Regulations approval and inspection. We manage the notification and inspections as part of the project.
How do I know if my wall is load-bearing?
We can assess this for you on site. The general indicators are: walls running perpendicular to floor joists, walls on the line of the original house structure, and walls that continue from floor to floor. However, confirmation requires a structural engineer's assessment for any wall removal — which we coordinate.
How long does a structural alteration take?
A single wall removal with RSJ installation typically takes 1–3 days depending on complexity. Multiple openings, chimney breast removal, and loft floor upgrades take longer and are usually sequenced within a wider project. We will give you a programme before work starts.
Can structural alterations be combined with extension or loft work?
Yes — this is very common. Many of our projects combine an extension with a ground floor structural opening, or a loft conversion with a floor upgrade. Combining works is often more efficient and cost-effective than separate projects.
Useful guides
Load bearing wall removal cost in London — RSJ guide
What it costs to remove a load-bearing wall and install a steel beam. Realistic breakdown for 2026.
Party Wall Act London — what you need to know
When you need a party wall notice, what surveyors do, and how to avoid delays on your project.
Building Regulations for house extensions
What gets inspected, why it matters, and how to get your completion certificate.
Need structural alteration works in London?
Free site assessment. SE-coordinated specification. Fixed price before we start. Building Regulations managed.
Or call 07359 872594