It is a good plan to build an extension to your house; it will be interesting too. This provides you with more room for living while at the same time increasing the worth of your house. Nevertheless, some important measures such as planning well and seeking advice from experts need to be taken before you move on with construction.

One professional who should always be consulted when planning a house extension is a structural engineer. The role of structural engineers in this process is very crucial since they guarantee that the house is safe and secure. The size, shape, materials – all these are the responsibilities of a structural engineer in determining whether or not a house extension is sound.

These calculations matter because they let them know what kind of underpinnings will be required to hold up the extra load in a safe manner. Such professionals also consider the nature of soil, surrounding structures, and local building codes when making their calculations.

What is the Primary Role of a Structural Engineer in a Building Project?

The role of a structural engineer in a building project is very important. They are the main professionals who should guarantee that every construction, whether it is a recon or a new one, would possess a proper level of safety and stability.

Completing extensive structural calculations is among the many duties that they attend to. Here, they have to look at every detail including the sizes of cross extensions, properties of constructional materials (weight, etc.), and the strength of each supporting element. These calculations are fundamental in making any architect’s drawing because through this way constructors can follow the rules stated in building control regulations while constructing the building.

It is usual for people to want to take out supporting walls, convert lofts, or change rooms when they extend their houses. However, these alterations can seriously compromise the structural stability of a building. This is where a structural engineer comes in. For example, if you plan on removing a load-bearing outer wall to create space for a kitchen in your house, he or she will determine the nature of supporting elements that are necessary and provide proper formulas for carrying out safe changes in the structure.

Sometimes, it may be necessary to carry out additional investigations like digging a trial pit to ascertain the depth of the foundation. Through this, the structural engineer will know whether underpinning should be done to prevent the sinking of house walls.

What is the Role of an Architect?

Designing attractive structures is not the only task assigned to architects. In London, especially on matters regarding house extensions, architects need to cooperate closely with structural engineers.

The design process of house extensions includes a significant chapter on structural calculations. These calculations help determine whether a building is strong enough to stand on its own. For this reason, architects team up with structural engineers so that they monitor and take into account the different sides of the plan like; what it should look like and how it can be actualized safely.

Afterwards, the architect draws the plans which are in turn taken for approval under planning and building regulations. These approvals confirm that the intended addition follows the law in every respect, including meeting all required building codes and regulations. Again, this is an important aspect of the approval process as with any other in design; where we look at structural calculations.

At this point, the calculations made by the structural engineer are carefully examined by the local authorities. This is done to make sure that nothing has been left regarding the safety regulations of the house extension.

Do You Really Need a Structural Engineer?

Do you have any plans for a house extension or renovation but are not sure if you should employ a structural engineer? Perhaps you believe that this will do nothing except increase the already high cost of your project. However, here is some good news for you– at Architect7, we have the perfect package for your extension and renovation projects at a decent price.

Among other professionals, we have internal structural engineers who specialize in these calculations. They work with different types of construction materials including steel, glass, concrete, timber, and aluminum to ensure accurate results. As such, you will not need to contract a separate engineer and this way you will save time as well as money.

We know that each location and building has its peculiarities, so our engineers can develop options even for the most difficult ones. Be it an out-of-ordinary plan or a location with complex topography, there is nothing beyond the capability of our staff.

Are you thinking of increasing your house size by adding one more bedroom or converting the loft into usable space? No worries! Besides house extensions, our services cover various other forms of extensions as well as loft conversions designed specifically to meet your requirements.

What makes us stand out from other architectural companies out there is the fact that we provide a complete structural engineering package from the beginning up to the construction stage. This promotes smoothness all through without any formality that may slow or complicate the process.

Reach out to us today if you require additional details about how our extensive structural engineering services can facilitate turning your dreams into reality at affordable costs and without compromising safety!