In general, Structural Engineers design the structures around us to with stand the vertical and horizontal forces acting upon them, so that they safely transmit these to the foundations without excessive movement or deformation. Structural Engineers are responsible for choosing the appropriate construction materials and methods are adopted for the project, which will also suit the project scale and budget.
You will need to appoint a qualified Structural Engineer if you want to undertake any refurbishments at your property such as removing an internal wall, building a new extension, or converting your loft into a habitable room. A Structural Engineer will also be required when building a new property, buildings, or a factory etc. It is important to know that a Structural Engineer is nearly always required for a building project to ensure it is safe.
A Structural Engineer will provide you with a full structural package that would include structural design calculations and drawings. They will be used by your Architect to produce Building Regulations drawings and by the Contractor to initially price the work and later during the construction process to build. All documentation provided will be suitable for Building Regulation approval and issued for construction status purposes.
Building Regulations
Building regulations set standards for the construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health for people in or about those buildings. Building regulations approval is different from planning permission. You might need both. Most of the alterations made to properties require approval under the Building Regulations.
The Building Regulations 2010 cover the construction and extension of buildings. You might also need building regulations approval for many alteration projects, including if you plan to:
