Neasden Structural Engineers
Your structural engineering questions, answered
At Neasden Structural Engineers our main intention is the provision of structural engineering consultancy services. Making sure your building is built structurally sound is vital when embarking on any construction project. It’s of paramount importance that your final build is safe for your family, colleagues and/ or your customers. Furthermore, you need to ensure that your completed property cost effectively matches your vision.
We provide smart, economical and buildable structures by:
• having a rich knowledge of materials and structural forms
• having a detailed understanding of design codes of practice and
• having the ability to harness computational methods and analysis software
We understand that if you have never hired a structural engineer before that you may have lots of questions. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions, which we hope will help you to understand our services better.
We are based in Neasden, North London and for residential projects we cover the following areas: Camden, Chiswick, Ealing, East Finchley, Edgware, Hampstead, Harrow, Kilburn, Shepherds Bush, Wembley and Willesden. We also travel further afield for larger projects and commercial construction projects.
Yes, we are qualified structural engineers with experience working in the UK.
Our Professional Indemnity Insurance will cover works that are carried out in accordance with our drawings and specifications. However, if your builder doesn’t carry out the work in accordance with our drawings, we will not be held responsible
All of our engineers take health and safety responsibilities very seriously. Our drawings and structural calculations are based upon information gathered following a site inspection. Each design is tailor made to meet your project’s requirements. We always factor in Building Regulations and Construction, Design and Management Regulations.
Yes, we can answer building control queries as part of our fee. We have 100% building regulations approval.
Firstly, we will carry out a site inspection. We will then speak with you and your architect to finalise the project brief and then supply you with structural designs and structural calculations. Once this is signed off, construction can begin.
For structural reports we aim to get these to you within 5 working days following an inspection. For home alterations and simple commercial projects, we normally issue drawings and calculations within 10-15 days following your instruction and receipt of your architectural drawings. We will usually notify you of our turnaround times when you appoint us.
Simple – your architect will present the structural calculations to the designated Building Control Authorities for approval.
As soon as you have the complete design package, planning permission, party wall agreement (if applicable), freeholder consent (if applicable), finance, building control you can start the building process. Please check with your local authority as to whether other requirements are needed.
If you require any amendments to the structural drawings, please contact us immediately. This could impact the structural integrity of the building and the costs of the final project may increase. Additional fees to resolve the drawing changes are likely.
Structural engineers, also known as structural consultants, assist clients in the evaluation or design of your residential or commercial building project.
An architect will focus predominantly on the design, look and outline of a property; a structural engineer completes design checks, using structural tools, to ensure that the proposed building works are structurally sound
If you are planning an extension, loft conversion, full internal remodelling or a new build then you will need to hire an architect as well as a structural engineer. If your project is limited to the removal of one or a few walls within your property, then you might only need to hire a structural engineer.
The client usually instructs the architect to submit the building control application.
You will need to check with your local council as to whether your project requires planning permission.
Structural surveys assess structural defects and the general condition of a building or structure. Some people also refer to them as structural inspections. A structural engineer may be called in to inspect the feasibility of proposed alterations and extensions. Inspections for insurance purposes may also take place following a fire, flood or building collapse. Structural consultants also give advice on works needed to comply with Building Regulations.
Structural inspections and surveys are normally limited to structural elements only (they do not cover electrics, plumbing, fixtures and fittings, or finishes) Unfortunately, Luton Structural Engineers does not offer Structural Home Surveys for pre-purchasing a property.
It depends upon the complexity of the project and how much time is required to create drawings, calculations and reports, as well as visiting the property. Fees for structural engineers are calculated on a time basis. We can advise you the approximate cost of our structural engineering services in advance.
If you are:
• building a wall up to or across the boundary with a neighbouring property
• undertaking work to an existing wall
• excavating near a neighbouring building
Your building works will fall under the Party Wall Act 1996. We would recommend that you speak to a party wall surveyor, this is not the role of a structural engineer.
Our advice is to wait until your planning has been approved. You can then speak with the architect to ensure that the drawings have the necessary construction and specification details. Once these construction drawings are in place, you are then in a better position to get accurate quotes from builders.