Do I need a
structural engineer
to remove a wall?
Planning to remove a wall? Learn when a structural engineer is required and how to ensure your project is safe and compliant.
If the wall is load-bearing, you will need a structural engineer to do structural calculations to enable the safe removal of the wall. They can determine if the wall is load-bearing, do all the necessary calculations, and ensure safety is the top priority.
Without an engineer, you run the risk of hazardous work being carried out in your home and costly remediations down the line.
What does a structural engineer do?
Structural engineers design buildings and assess their integrity and durability. When modifications to your home are carried out, such as removing a wall, they will perform all the necessary calculations to determine how to safely redistribute the weight that the wall once supported.
Identify load-bearing walls
By surveying your property and reviewing the building’s original plans, structural engineers can find out if a wall is load-bearing. They can then create a plan to remove the wall, ensuring all work adheres to current building regulations.
Maintain your property’s structural integrity
If a load-bearing wall is taken away from your home and the weight isn’t properly redistributed, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Property damage is inevitable, and buildings can even collapse.
Insurance companies typically won’t cover the cost of damage done by DIY wall removals, leaving you with a hefty bill. A structural engineer prevents damage to your property by:
Conducting site surveys to determine the weight supported by the wall and what additional support is needed to be installed in your home. Calculating and designing a new support beam to hold the load.
Choosing an appropriate beam size and material, usually either timber or structural steelwork. Plan foundation reinforcements so the beam’s load can be safely transferred down to the foundations.
Fill in all the necessary paperwork
Once the work is finished, you will receive a building regulation completion certificate from your local authority.
The certificates confirm that the work is safe, meets construction standards, and is energy efficient.
If you decide to sell your home, you’ll need documentation to prove that any work done was performed safely. Failing to provide prospective home owners with proof of safe practices can result in buyers walking away.
Expert Structural Engineers for Wall Removal
Structural changes to your home require an expert who can ensure the work is built to last, legally compliant, and most importantly, safe. Finding a structural engineer you can trust is crucial.
From surveys to planning and construction, we provide a comprehensive service tailored to your needs. Get in touch to discuss your wall removal using the contact form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I know if a wall is load-bearing?
Load-bearing walls typically are typically solid and won’t sound hollow when you knock on them. However, the only way to know for certain if a wall is load-bearing is to consult a structural engineer.
Are all external walls load-bearing?
External walls are usually load-bearing as they provide structural support to the house. Any removal or modification of external walls will require a structural engineer.
Do I need planning permission to remove a non-load-bearing wall?
You usually do not need planning permission to remove a non-load-bearing wall. However, in some circumstances, you are expected to get planning permission, such as if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
Do I need planning permission to remove a party wall?
In some instances, you need planning permission to remove a party wall. This is often the case when the removal will cause significant structural changes or the work is extensive.
How much does it cost to remove a wall?
The price to remove a wall depends on several factors: size of the wall, ease of access, if it is load-bearing, and if it houses concealed utilities such as electrical wires.