Structural Alterations UK: Removing Load-Bearing Walls and Adding Steel Beams

Opening up rooms, creating an open-plan kitchen-diner, or widening doorways often involves structural alterations. This guide explains the main types of work, when you need a structural engineer, what planning permission and building regulations require, realistic 2025 costs, common mistakes—and how Fixiz delivers safe, compliant projects.

What Are Structural Alterations?

Structural alterations are changes that affect the stability/load paths of a building—e.g., removing or modifying load-bearing walls, inserting steel beams (RSJs/UBs), enlarging openings, or adding posts/padstones. These works are controlled under Building Regulations (Approved Document A – Structure). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Types of Structural Work

Removing or Part-Removing Load-Bearing Walls

Knock-throughs & widened openings: Typically require temporary propping, an engineered steel/lintel solution, padstones or columns, and inspection by Building Control. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Adding RSJs/Steels

Beams & posts: Designed to carry redistributed loads from floors, roofs and above walls; fixings, bearings and lateral restraint must follow the engineer’s design and Part A. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Opening Up Spaces

Large spans & corner openings: May need compound steelwork, goal-post frames or box frames with careful deflection and connection design. Temporary works must be designed and checked. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

When Do You Need a Structural Engineer?

Always when removing or altering any load-bearing element or creating significant new openings. Building Control commonly expects structural calculations as part of approval and inspection. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Temporary works & propping: Should be specified by a competent designer; install and inspect per the design (HSE guidance). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Building Regulations Requirements

Part A (Structure): The work must maintain overall stability, provide adequate bearing to beams/lintels, and control deflection/vibration. Building Control will normally ask for calcs and details before sign-off. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Other parts may apply: Part B (fire protection/linings), Part C (moisture), Part E (sound), Part F (ventilation) and Part K (stairs/guarding) depending on the scope (e.g., open-plan layouts, lining changes). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Usually not for internal alterations such as removing/altering internal walls in houses; listed buildings need consent, and flats have quirks—but Building Regulations still apply. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Typical Costs for Structural Work in 2025

Removing a load-bearing wall: Guide totals of around £1,250–£1,750 for simpler openings, plus engineering and making good (spec/location dependent). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
RSJ (beam) supply & fit: Smaller doorway-type RSJs ~£700–£1,100; larger 4–5 m spans commonly £900–£1,700+ for steel & installation (excludes finishes). :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Structural engineer: Site visit/calcs typically a few hundred pounds for simple domestic openings; more for complex frames. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Planning & Building Control: The Practical Steps

1) Survey & design: Confirm which walls are load-bearing; agree beam sizes, bearings and padstones with a structural engineer. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
2) Building Control route: Apply via Full Plans (preferred for clarity) or Building Notice for straightforward domestic work; include calcs and details. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
3) Temporary works plan: Set out needle props, sequencing and checks—don’t improvise on site. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
4) Inspections & sign-off: Book key inspections (exposing bearings/padstones) and obtain the Completion Certificate for resale/mortgage files. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Common Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them

Skipping Building Control: Fitting an RSJ without approval risks enforcement and resale issues. Fix: Submit calcs and get staged inspections. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
No engineered propping: Ad-hoc props can cause movement/cracking. Fix: Follow an engineer-designed temporary works scheme. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Undersized beams or bearings: Leads to deflection and cracks. Fix: Use signed calcs; install correct padstones/plates per design. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Forgetting knock-on regs: Altered layouts can change fire/smoke separation or ventilation. Fix: Coordinate Parts B/F/E as needed. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Optimistic budgets: Not allowing for making good, rerouting services, or finishes. Fix: Add contingency and include plastering, flooring and decoration in quotes. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

How Fixiz Manages Structural Projects Safely

Engineer-led design: We appoint a structural engineer to assess load paths, size RSJs, specify padstones and design any temporary works. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Approvals handled: We prepare and submit Building Control information (drawings & calcs), book inspections and secure your Completion Certificate. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
On-site control: Sequenced propping and safe methods; bearings and connections exposed for inspection before closing up. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Transparent pricing: Itemised quotes separating engineering, steelwork, making good and finishes—benchmarked to current 2025 ranges. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

Conclusion

Structural alterations can transform your home—but they must be engineered, approved and executed correctly. Confirm whether walls are load-bearing, design the beam and temporary works, get Building Control on board, and allow budget for finishes. With Fixiz coordinating engineering, approvals and safe delivery, you’ll gain the open, modern space you want—backed by compliance paperwork.

Ready to open up your space safely?

Speak to Fixiz today for structural surveys, engineered RSJ designs, Building Control approvals and a smooth, inspection-ready installation—done right, first time.

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