Structural Engineering advice for home extensions
Adding an extension to your home can be beneficial for your family. Not only does it create extra space that you will use for many years to come; it will also increase the value of your property. Whilst making alterations to your home can feel like a daunting process (namely due to the high levels of disruption that can occur) it’s important to remember that it’s a short period of time with a long term gain.
It’s common for people to automatically hire an architect and builders for a project, but factoring in the need for a Structural Engineer is often overlooked. Structural engineers are professionals who analyse, design, or plan the components of structural systems required for your extension so that it is built safely and will last for many years to come.
Hiring a structural engineer that has experience and knowledge of home extensions is vital. Neasden Structural Engineers can provide your new home with the structural integrity it needs to ensure that your property is safe and secure. Talk to us about whether you are looking to build a single, rear, wrap-around or double-storey extension.
Why do you need a Structural Engineer for an extension project?
When your home was built, design elements were put in place to ensure that its structural components wouldn’t suddenly fail. When building an extension, it alters and impacts the original structure of the house. Hiring the skillset of a Structural Engineer will therefore ensure that your build is compliant and that the original property can sustain and support the added space to your home.
For example, knocking down a load-bearing wall to provide access to the extension, will compromise the external wall that you are making that entrance in. A Structural Engineer will calculate the load of that wall above the entrance and provide calculations for a structural steel beam to be inserted above the door frame to support the weight from above.
Aside from protecting the existing building, a structural engineer must also ensure the stability of the extension Here are some factors that an engineer will need to consider:
- Where the extension is in relation to the original building?
- What materials will be used to create the extension, e.g., brick, glass or other materials?
- How much will the new structure weigh?
- What are the vertical and horizontal loads?
- What structural features are needed to support the load?
As you can see this is quite complicated and requires a specific skillset. The drawing and structural calculations they provide, will inform your architect and builders which materials can be used, where they should be located, and how they should be placed, ensuring that the planned extension will be solid and secure once built.
When should you contact a Structural Engineer?
If the plan for your proposed extension project does not require local authority approval, you can ask a structural engineer to do the calculations and make the drawings right away. However, if planning approval is required, it is better to wait until after Planning Permission has been granted.
Neasden Structural Engineers have worked on a number of home extension calculations. We can help clients located in Camden, Chiswick, Ealing, East Finchley, Edgware, Hampstead, Harrow, Kilburn, Shepherds Bush, Wembley, Willesden.. Contact us and tell us about your plans for a home extension and what you would like to achieve. We believe that no home extension project is too simple, or complicated! Our experienced structural consultants are always ready to provide you with valuable structural engineering advice. Call us now on 020 8088 2243.
