Structural Openings London
Structural opening contractors in London for new openings, enlarged openings, load-bearing wall alterations, extension connections and property reconfiguration. Crestane Construction can coordinate suitable projects from temporary support and controlled demolition through structural steel installation, masonry, making good and wider refurbishment works.
Discuss Your Project Explore Structural OpeningsNeed to create or enlarge an opening?
Tell us about the property, proposed opening, London location and any architectural or structural information already available.
From existing wall to completed opening
Structural openings can affect loads, finishes and building services, so the work needs to be coordinated as a complete construction sequence.
Discuss your structural opening
Provide the main project information below.
Create larger openings while maintaining structural support
Structural openings are commonly formed to connect rooms, enlarge existing doorways, create open-plan layouts or connect an existing building to a new extension.
Where the affected wall carries structural loads, forming or enlarging the opening needs to be treated as a structural alteration rather than straightforward demolition.
Crestane Construction can undertake suitable structural opening projects across London, including temporary support, controlled wall alteration, structural steel installation, masonry and making good.
The structural package can be delivered individually or integrated into a larger extension, refurbishment or commercial construction project.
New openings, enlarged openings and structural reconfiguration
The exact construction depends on the existing building and structural design, but suitable projects can include the following.
New Structural Openings
Form suitable new openings through existing structural walls where required by the proposed layout.
Opening Enlargement
Widen or increase existing structural openings where the proposed design requires additional clear space.
Load-Bearing Wall Alteration
Alter suitable structural walls with appropriate temporary and permanent support arrangements.
RSJ Installation
Install specified structural steel beams supporting suitable new or enlarged openings.
Temporary Support
Support relevant parts of the structure while the permanent alteration is carried out.
Extension Openings
Form structural connections between existing properties and suitable rear or side-return extensions.
Masonry Alterations
Complete relevant brickwork, blockwork and supporting construction around structural openings.
Service Alterations
Coordinate suitable electrical, plumbing or other services affected by the opening.
Making Good
Complete relevant walls, ceilings, plastering, carpentry, flooring and decoration after the structural works.
An opening can change how loads move through the building
A structural wall may support floors, walls, roof elements or other parts of the building.
When an opening is formed, the required loads still need to be transferred safely through the remaining structure and permanent support.
Crestane coordinates suitable opening works around the relevant structural information and construction sequence.
Open existing rooms into larger connected spaces
Structural openings are frequently used when creating larger kitchens, dining rooms and connected living spaces.
An existing doorway may be widened substantially, or most of an internal wall may be removed while retaining the structural support required above.
Crestane can coordinate suitable structural opening works with kitchen renovation, flooring, electrical, plumbing, carpentry and decoration where these form part of the same project.
For more substantial wall removal projects, see our Load-Bearing Wall Removal London service.
Establish the structural solution before creating the opening
The design and approval requirements depend on the existing construction and the proposed structural alteration.
Existing Structure
Establish how the affected wall relates to the surrounding floors, walls, roof and other structural elements.
Structural Design
Suitable engineering input may be required to determine the permanent structural support for the proposed opening.
Building Regulations
Forming an opening in an internal structural wall normally needs to address applicable Building Regulations requirements.
Opening Dimensions
Width, height and surrounding construction affect the structural solution required.
Bearings & Supports
Permanent beams need suitable supporting construction at the locations identified by the structural design.
Construction Sequence
Temporary support, demolition, permanent structure and making good need to be coordinated in the correct sequence.
What can the construction package include?
Review the opening and available project information.
Coordinate suitable structural information where required.
Protect suitable surrounding areas before structural works.
Support affected construction before alteration.
Remove the required wall section in sequence.
Increase suitable existing openings where required.
Install specified permanent structural support.
Prepare supporting construction according to project information.
Complete suitable blockwork and brickwork alterations.
Coordinate services affected by the structural opening.
Make good suitable walls and ceilings around the opening.
Prepare affected internal surfaces for final finishes.
Complete suitable skirting, trims and related joinery.
Repair or replace suitable flooring around the opening.
Complete suitable final preparation and decoration.
Integrate the opening into a larger construction project.
Connect an existing property to a new extension
Rear and side-return extensions frequently require a new structural opening through part of the existing property.
This creates a connection between the original building and the new extension while maintaining the required structural support.
Crestane can coordinate suitable opening works alongside extension construction, steelwork and wider internal refurbishment.
See our House Extensions London service.
Structural reconfiguration within commercial properties
Suitable commercial refurbishment projects can require new structural openings or alteration of existing openings as internal layouts are changed.
Crestane can coordinate suitable structural works with strip-out, building services, partitions, ceilings and subsequent refurbishment.
The appropriate design and construction method depends on the existing building and proposed alteration.
See our Commercial Construction London service.
What affects the cost of creating a structural opening?
Cost depends on the structure, required permanent support, access and complete scope of associated works.
From proposed opening to completed alteration
Review
Review the proposed opening, property and available drawings.
Structural Information
Establish suitable structural support information and requirements.
Prepare & Support
Protect the area and install suitable temporary support.
Form Opening
Complete controlled structural alteration in the planned sequence.
Permanent Support
Install the specified steelwork or other supporting structure.
Make Good
Complete surrounding construction and suitable final finishes.
Common projects requiring structural openings
What should you send with your enquiry?
Clear information about the opening and existing property helps us understand the proposed structural alteration.
Project Address
Provide the London property address or postcode.
Photographs
Send photographs of the wall and surrounding areas.
Drawings
Provide architectural plans where already available.
Structural Information
Include structural drawings or calculations if prepared.
Opening Size
Explain the approximate size and location of the opening required.
Wider Works
Tell us about extensions, kitchens or refurbishment also required.
Structural opening services that work together
Explore more Crestane construction services
Structural opening works across Greater London
Crestane considers suitable residential and commercial structural opening projects throughout Greater London.
Frequently asked questions
What is a structural opening?
A structural opening is an opening formed or enlarged within a wall or other element that forms part of the building's structure. Suitable permanent support may therefore be required.
Can Crestane create structural openings in London?
Yes. Crestane can undertake suitable new and enlarged structural opening projects across Greater London.
Can an existing doorway be made wider?
Suitable existing openings can often be enlarged. Where the surrounding wall is structural, the required support needs to be considered before the alteration proceeds.
Does creating a structural opening require Building Regulations?
Forming an opening in an internal structural wall will normally need to address applicable Building Regulations requirements and the appropriate building-control process.
Do I need a structural engineer?
Suitable structural engineering input may be required where loads need to be assessed and permanent support designed for the proposed opening.
Can Crestane install the RSJ or steel beam?
Yes. Suitable specified structural steel can be installed as part of the complete structural opening package.
Can you remove the load-bearing wall as well?
Yes. Suitable load-bearing wall removal can be coordinated with the opening and permanent structural support.
Can structural openings be created for extensions?
Yes. Rear and side-return extensions commonly require suitable openings connecting the existing property to the new construction.
Can you create a kitchen and dining room opening?
Yes. Suitable kitchen and dining room structural openings can form part of a wider kitchen or house refurbishment project.
Can electrical or plumbing services be moved?
Suitable electrical and plumbing alterations can be coordinated where services are affected by the proposed structural opening.
Can Crestane make good after the opening is formed?
Yes. Suitable plasterboard, plastering, flooring, carpentry and decorating can be included within the completed work package.
Can the structural opening be part of a full refurbishment?
Yes. Structural openings can form one package within a larger residential or commercial refurbishment project.
What affects structural opening cost in London?
Cost depends on opening size, existing structure, permanent steelwork, temporary support, access, affected services and the level of making good required.
What should I send with my enquiry?
Send the property address, photographs, approximate opening dimensions and any architectural or structural information available.
Can I contact Crestane before structural drawings are ready?
Yes. An initial discussion can take place using the information currently available, with further project information provided later.
Do you undertake commercial structural openings?
Suitable commercial structural opening projects can be considered, particularly where they form part of wider refurbishment or construction works.
Which areas of London do you cover?
Crestane considers suitable projects throughout Greater London, including Central, North, North West, West, South West, South, South East and East London.