A structural engineer designs buildings/structures, providing calculations and drawings to ensure structural integrity and compliance with building regulations.

If proposed work alters structure or adds significant loads, you need a structural engineer; when unsure about structural status (e.g., load-bearing walls), seek advice.

If you have concerns about a structural defect within your property then you should hire a structural engineer to visit and inspect your property and advise you whether the defects are ongoing, historic and whether they are serious or minor. Also, if you are preparing to embark on structural works (e.g., extension, loft conversion or internal structural changes), it is recommended to hire an engineer to inspect and prepare necessary drawings & calculations. ​

Engage a structural engineer early during design and before construction; engineers and architects coordinate through project stages.

Calculations and drawings are needed for compliance with regulations and safe construction; speak to an engineer to assess needs.

A structural engineer specifies structural elements for altering or building structures through drawings & calculations. A surveyor can carry out general building surveys, valuations, or act as expert witness; party wall surveyors handle boundary disputes and compliance with party wall legislation.

Usually a full set of architectural drawings (plans, elevations, sections). Other documents such as tree, soil, drainage or historic reports may be required.

Yes, unless otherwise dictated. Site inspections are good practice to collect necessary information for design.

Inspections to report structural defects (cracks, water damage, subsidence); initial reports are based on visual inspection; further investigations if needed.

Inspections do not involve moving furniture, fixtures, fittings, or the use of invasive procedures. The purpose of the inspection is to determine, as far as is reasonably practicable, whether the structure has any visually evident defects that may compromise its stability. If any intrusive measures are required then the surveyor will raise the request accordingly.

Surveyors will open cupboards to check for unseen damage or defects that might worsen. The surveyor will take care of the contents and ensure they have the owner’s consent before moving anything.

Surveyors will inspect the loft and pay particular attention to the roof. The roof is often where structural problems hide, particularly as this is an area not typically shown to buyers. The loft must be equipped with a ladder as our surveyors won't bring their own ladders.

Cracks can arise from many causes; subsidence/movement may cause damage. Further investigation is often needed.

Reports by a qualified UK chartered engineer (MICE or IStructE) are generally accepted; confirm with the provider about their qualification requirements. MICE or IStructE Signatures will cost an extra £200 + VAT. on top of the Structural Survey fees.

Consult a structural engineer first; they can assess load-bearing status and advise.

Speak to a structural engineer first; they can advise whether the wall is load bearing and how to proceed.

Duration varies by project; e.g., 3–4 bedroom house inspections take approximately 90 minutes.

Depending on the size of the property and what they find, a structural survey can take anywhere between an hour or two on site to complete the report. The report can take 5 to 15 working days to complete. The timing will vary depending on access and the property size. While you fill your form, there is a service for faster turnaround called "Priority Service" you can opt in if you feel your project needs it.

Typically the architect, or Principal Designer. Please note we are not appointed as a Principal Designer by default in your project.

Yes; we have a list of reputable building contractors and can recommend one suitable for your project.

You can start once you have complete design, necessary agreements (planning, party wall, finance, building control or NHBC if required) and a chosen contractor. Please note Building Control may raise more reports to be done. This can delay the work so it is always better to get the plan check from Building Control before actual start on site.

Permitted development is the right given to the house by the government to allow you to build without the need for planning permission. These are rights given to houses by the government to allow you to build without the need for planning permission. There are several others and various criteria your property must meet.

Approved drawings last three years from the approved date. As soon as you start the building work you can take as long as you like to finish the build.

Yes, but only the changes that do not affect the Structural Engineering Design or the Building Regulation Package. You can have as many revisions or changes as you like, at any time. You will be billed for any changes that have any effect on the Structural Engineering Drawings if the Structural package has been started.

Usually, we make a planning application on your behalf.

Building regulation drawings are a detailed set of drawings that the builder needs. The drawings should include detailed build notes that conform with minimum British building regulations.

Yes, we create building regulation drawings. Contact us to quote for your project now!

No, to commence building, you will need a set of building regulation drawings. A Structural Engineering Package is required too.

No, all revisions or changes are included in your fixed fee quotation, unless the change you want affects the Structural Engineering design. That only applies if we are your architects as well.

You can have as many revisions or changes as you like, at any time. Architectural is included as long as they are not affecting the Structural Engineering. Once the Structural Engineering will be affected then we will have to quote you for the change.

Work will start right after paying the Invoice. For the Full timeline, please refer to the contract and a quote will be provided to you. Under any circumstances, your project will be in the Planning Department in less than 30 Days.

We have over 25 years of experience in the planning and construction industry. We would never create and submit a set of drawings to a planning authority without being confident that it will be approved. We are a transparent company and give clear sound advice to all our clients from the outset.

Yes, we can arrange all the third-party services you need.

You may use whichever third-party services you wish. All quotes from third-party services that we provide are from companies that we have worked with for many years. Therefore, we are confident that you will receive excellent service from these parties.

Yes, your local planning authority will notify your adjoining neighbours of your new proposed home improvement. After you have submitted your drawings, it is a good idea to speak with your neighbours and let them know of your intentions, if you have not already done so.

The majority of architects work on an hourly rate or a percentage of the build costs which makes it impossible to offer a final price until works have been completed. This can lead to unforeseen costs and an unexpectedly high final invoice. We have streamlined our service to provide you with only that which is necessary. We charge for your drawings only and will give you the finished price before you appoint our service, this includes one revision of your first draft plans.

We advise waiting on approval of a certificate of lawful development before the commencement of construction if your project falls within permitted development guidelines. Once you have the necessary approval from the council for the design of your project a building control application is submitted. We recommend submitting the building control application at least 3 weeks before the start of your build to allow building control the time to approve your documentation. You are however within your rights to start building works just 5 days after submitting your building control application.

Your building control application can be submitted to either the council or a private building control firm. As a private building control Is a business, they have a higher focus on customer service and are generally more readily available for queries and site visits. The final sign-off that you receive from a private building control company is exactly the same as the approval you would receive from the council.

Upon approval of your planning application your building regulation drawings and engineers’ calculations will be submitted to building control for an application, this is to ensure all the information we have provided is double checked and compliant by a third party before work commences. This also goes for the builder too, the inspector will ensure the builder has followed our plans and installed them correctly resulting in a certificate, signing off the project. Once the application has been submitted you will receive a name and number of your assigned inspector who your builder can contact to arrange the different site visits, this should be normal practise for the builder.

Project management is not a service that we offer, nor do we believe it is something required for most projects. If a competent contractor is capable of running the majority of residential extension projects. Building control is appointed to liaise with the builders during construction to ensure the works are being completed to the necessary standard.

A building control application must be submitted prior to commencement of construction works for all building projects. Building control are responsible for checking and approving your building regulation drawings and specifications and your structural engineering documents. You will be appointed a building inspector who will liaise with your builder and visit site throughout construction to ensure building regulations are being complied with.

The drawings we provide are created to the same (if not better) standard as your local Architect. Our plans are created by an experienced member of our design team and will include everything the council require to process your planning or permitted development application. By streamlining our process and removing the unnecessary site visits we can provide the same detailed plans at a much cheaper price.

In an ideal world, this wouldn’t happen! We try to do as much research as possible prior to submitting your plans and we also reach out to the planning officer throughout the application to ensure they are happy. If the project is somewhat ambitious and the council do refuse the application, we will look to amend the drawings in line with the planning officer’s refusal notice, we will quote you a fee according to the changes required by the council. This will cover both the changes to the plans and us acting as the agent for the resubmission to the council.

A normal planning application is 8 weeks long however, the countdown doesn’t start until the council have validated the application which can take a couple of weeks. Upon validation the council aim to determine the outcome of the application within 8 weeks.

We may suggest that you apply for a pre-application if your proposed project is contentious or high risk. This is a low cost exercise as the level of detail that we need to produce is much less than full planning. It gives the council a chance to give feedback on your project and issue guidance on the likelihood of you gaining their approval.

Your satisfaction is our highest priority. If you feel our service has fallen short of your expectations, we encourage you to give us a call or drop us an email.

We can indeed! Simply book in a free consultation with our team to kick off your project.

Put simply: yes! Architects are masters of their craft and can bring plenty of benefits to the home renovation process. By bringing one on board you will enjoy… A more beautiful and functional space. Architects can help ensure you maximise your space and customise the layout to the unique way your family lives, rather than just following the trends. Increased planning success. Architects come with years of experience, not only in design but planning. Chances are they’ll have dealt with your local authority in the past, and know how to research your area. This means you’re far more likely to secure planning success with an architect than without. Budget management. At IPS Structural Engineers, our architects make sure you have a clear view of not only our charges but of future professionals you’ll have to contract. We’ll advise on how much you’ll need for what, and when you’ll likely be parting with it.