Structural Alterations London
Structural alteration works across London including load-bearing wall removal, structural openings, RSJ and steel beam installation, internal reconfiguration and structural works forming part of extensions, refurbishments and commercial construction projects.
Request a Structural Works Quote Explore Structural WorksPlanning structural alterations to a London property?
Tell us what you want to change, where the property is located and whether structural drawings or calculations are already available. Crestane can consider the structural works individually or as part of a wider construction or refurbishment project.
From the existing structure to the new layout
Structural alterations need to be approached in the correct sequence so loads remain adequately supported while the existing structure is altered.
Request a structural works quote
Provide the main project information below.
Alter the structure to create a different property layout
Structural alterations are often required when an existing building needs to work differently. A homeowner may want to open two rooms into one larger space, an extension may require the original rear wall to be opened, or a commercial property may need substantial internal reconfiguration.
Unlike non-structural partition removal, altering a load-bearing element can affect how loads from walls, floors and roofs are transferred through the building.
Crestane Construction provides structural alteration works across London including load-bearing wall removal, structural openings, RSJ and steel beam installation and structural works forming part of extensions, refurbishment and commercial construction.
Where the structural work is only one element of a wider project, Crestane can also coordinate the surrounding building works, plastering, flooring, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, kitchen installation and final finishes.
Structural alterations for residential and commercial property
Structural alteration can range from forming a single opening through to substantial reconfiguration forming part of a larger construction project.
Load-Bearing Wall Removal
Removal or alteration of load-bearing walls where the proposed layout requires the existing structure to be opened or changed.
Structural Openings
Formation of larger doorways, room openings and connections between existing and newly constructed spaces.
RSJ Installation
Installation of structural steel beams and associated support components where specified by the structural design.
Steel Beam Installation
Structural steel incorporated into residential and commercial alteration projects where required.
Rear Wall Openings
Structural alteration of existing rear walls to connect a house with a new extension or enlarged living space.
Internal Reconfiguration
Structural changes forming part of wider modifications to room layouts, circulation and the use of existing space.
Extension Structural Works
Structural openings, beams and alterations required where new extension construction connects into the existing property.
Refurbishment Structural Works
Structural alterations coordinated with wider whole-house refurbishment and property renovation.
Commercial Alterations
Structural changes incorporated into suitable commercial refurbishment, fit-out and construction projects.
Removing a wall does not remove the load above it
A load-bearing wall may support floors, walls, roof elements or other parts of the building above.
When that wall is altered or removed, the loads it previously supported still need an appropriate route through the remaining structure and ultimately into suitable support below.
Depending on the design, this can involve beams, columns, bearings, padstones or other structural components.
This is why structural alteration is different from simply removing a lightweight internal partition.
More than just installing a steel beam
Structural alteration projects frequently involve surrounding building work before and after the main structural installation.
Remove relevant finishes and expose the existing construction where required for the proposed work.
Temporary works and support as required by the specific structural alteration and method.
Form the opening or alteration in accordance with the appropriate structural information.
Install specified beams and associated structural components.
Complete required bearing and supporting construction associated with the structural design.
Associated brickwork, blockwork and structural making good where required.
Relocation or alteration of electrical services affected by the structural change.
Adjust services where pipework or other installations conflict with the proposed structural works.
Close up and finish the surrounding walls and ceilings following completion of the structural work.
Repair, preparation and finishing of affected floor areas where included within the wider project.
Skirting, architraves, doors and other associated finishing work.
Final decoration and finishing around the completed structural works.
Structural work often forms part of a much larger transformation
Removing a load-bearing wall is often not the end goal by itself. The real objective may be to create an open-plan kitchen, enlarge a living area, reconfigure several rooms or transform an entire property.
In these situations, the structural work needs to connect with electrical, plumbing, plastering, flooring, kitchens, carpentry and decorating.
Crestane can therefore undertake structural alterations as part of a wider refurbishment rather than leaving the client to appoint separate contractors for every stage surrounding the structural work.
For larger residential renovation projects, see our House Refurbishment London service.
Connecting new extension space with the existing house
House extension projects frequently require structural alteration of the existing building where the old house connects into the newly constructed space.
A rear extension, for example, may require part of the original external wall to be opened so that the new and existing areas function as one room.
Depending on the structural design, this may require beams, columns or other support components before the internal space can be completed.
Crestane can coordinate these structural works with foundations, new construction, roofing, glazing, services and interior finishes.
See our House Extensions London service for wider extension projects.
Establish the structural requirements before altering the building
Structural alterations should be considered alongside the relevant structural design, Building Regulations requirements and any property-specific legal or boundary considerations.
Structural Design
Where structural elements are being altered, suitable structural information should establish the proposed support arrangement, member requirements and relevant construction details.
Building Regulations
Structural elements of buildings are covered by Building Regulations requirements. The appropriate approval route should be established for the specific project before relevant works progress.
Party Wall Considerations
Certain works involving a party wall, party structure, boundary or excavation near neighbouring buildings can fall within the Party Wall etc. Act. Requirements depend on the proposed work.
What affects the cost of structural alterations?
Structural alteration costs depend on the existing building, the size and complexity of the proposed change and how much surrounding construction is required.
From existing structure to completed opening
Review
Understand the existing property, the proposed alteration and any drawings or structural information available.
Define the Structure
Establish the structural arrangement and relevant construction information for the proposed works.
Prepare
Prepare the working area, expose relevant construction and coordinate affected services.
Support & Alter
Progress the structural alteration in the required sequence with appropriate support.
Permanent Structure
Complete the new structural arrangement including specified steelwork and associated construction.
Make Good
Complete surrounding walls, ceilings, floors, services and finishes included within the project.
Structural alterations across different property types
Existing construction varies considerably across London. Structural works should respond to the actual building rather than assuming every property is constructed in the same way.
Structural change can form part of commercial construction too
Crestane's structural alteration capability is not limited to residential property.
Suitable commercial projects can also require structural openings, steelwork or reconfiguration where an existing space is being refurbished, altered or fitted out.
Structural works can be coordinated with strip-out, partitions, ceilings, building services, flooring and final finishes as part of the wider commercial project.
For larger commercial works, see Commercial Construction London .
What should you send with a structural alteration enquiry?
You can contact Crestane before every detail is finalised. The following information can help us understand the proposed work.
Property Address
Provide the postcode, property type and basic information about the building.
Proposed Opening
Explain which wall or structural element you want altered and what you are trying to achieve.
Photographs
Photographs of both sides of the wall and surrounding rooms can help explain the existing arrangement.
Structural Drawings
Send structural drawings and calculations where they are already available.
Architectural Drawings
Proposed plans can help show how the structural change relates to the final layout.
Wider Works
Tell us whether the alteration forms part of an extension, refurbishment or wider commercial project.
Structural alterations often connect with larger building works
Structural alteration projects across Greater London
Crestane considers suitable residential and commercial structural alteration projects throughout Greater London.
Frequently asked questions
What structural alterations does Crestane undertake?
Suitable projects can include load-bearing wall removal, structural openings, RSJ and steel beam installation, rear-wall openings, internal reconfiguration and structural works forming part of extensions and refurbishments.
Can Crestane remove a load-bearing wall?
Load-bearing wall alteration or removal can form part of Crestane's structural work where the appropriate structural requirements have been established for the project.
Do you install RSJs and steel beams?
Structural steel beams and associated construction can be installed where they form part of the specified structural arrangement for the project.
Can you create a large open-plan kitchen and living area?
Yes. Where achieving the proposed layout requires structural alterations, these can be coordinated with the surrounding refurbishment, kitchen and finishing works.
Can you open the rear wall of a house for an extension?
Rear-wall structural openings commonly form part of extension projects. The appropriate structural arrangement depends on the property and proposed design.
Do I need a structural engineer for a load-bearing wall?
Structural alterations require suitable structural information for the proposed support arrangement. The exact design and documentation required should be established for the specific work.
Do structural alterations require Building Regulations approval?
Structural elements of a building are covered by Building Regulations. The appropriate approval requirements and route should therefore be established for the particular structural alteration.
Does the Party Wall Act apply to structural alterations?
It can apply to certain work involving a party wall or party structure, and to certain excavation near neighbouring buildings. Whether it applies depends on the specific building and proposed work.
Can you undertake all the making good after the structural work?
Yes. Where included in the project, Crestane can coordinate plastering, ceilings, flooring, carpentry, decorating and other associated works following the structural alteration.
Can electrical or plumbing work be moved at the same time?
Yes. Services affected by the structural change can be considered as part of the wider project so the structural and building works are coordinated.
Can structural alterations be combined with a full refurbishment?
Yes. Structural alterations can form part of a complete property refurbishment involving new layouts, kitchens, bathrooms, electrical works, plumbing, flooring and decorating.
Do you undertake commercial structural alterations?
Suitable commercial structural alteration projects can be considered, including works forming part of commercial refurbishment, construction and fit-out.
How much do structural alterations cost in London?
Cost depends on the size of the opening, existing structure, steel specification, temporary support, access, affected services and the amount of making good and wider construction required.
What should I send with my enquiry?
Send the property postcode, a description of the proposed alteration and photographs where possible. Architectural plans, structural drawings and calculations are also useful where already available.
Which areas of London does Crestane cover?
Suitable structural alteration projects can be considered throughout Greater London including Central, North, North West, West, South West, South, South East and East London.