Extend or move?

We’re seeing a definite rise in the number of house extensions, with homeowners seeing it as the more cost and ease-effective way to get the home they want. Together with rising property prices, increased stamp duty costs and the stress of moving it’s easy to understand why improving an existing home is an attractive option.

We’ve worked on well-designed extensions that completely transform a home and make it perfectly suited to the homeowner’s needs, and even better, increase the value well beyond the cost of the extension in the first place. Whether it is a rear extension, loft conversion or side extension, creating additional usable space can increase both the practicality and market value of your home, representing a sound financial decision because the cost of extending is often lower than purchasing a larger home in the same area.

So, if you want a bigger kitchen, an extra bedroom or a more open plan living space, here’s some essential information to get your project off the ground.

Your extension project team

We’re often asked, ‘Do I need an architect for a small extension?’ Or even, “Do I need a structural engineer for my extension?”. Legally, for a smaller project you don’t have to, BUT the advice and expertise you get by appointing architects and structural engineers could save you money overall and you’ll likely get a better, long lasting, structurally sound extension. We like to work closely with architects, builders and local authorities to help ensure the project runs smoothly from start to finish and believe having such a professional team on board helps to prevent costly mistakes, reduce delays during approvals and deliver better results.

When appointed as the structural engineer for extension projects, DSA take responsibility for ensuring the new extension and associated alterations to the existing house, are safe, stable and capable of supporting loads correctly. To do this we assess how a building will safely support loads and what needs to be in place to comply with current regulations.

This can include foundation design, steel beam calculations, roof support design and assessing load-bearing walls. All tasks are just as important when creating open-plan living spaces, removing load-bearing walls or adding additional storeys to a property. If this already sounds a bit daunting for you, don’t worry, DSA’s experienced residential structural engineers will identifying any potential structural issues before work begins, helping to prevent costly mistakes during construction.

So, to answer, “What does a structural engineer do?”, we help ensure your extension is safe, compliant and cost-effective by accurately assessing the strength, stability and safety of the extension or alteration, before any construction work begins. A structural engineer for extension projects will provide the structural calculations, design steel beams, assess foundations, check ground conditions and advise on the suitable construction methods.

Do I need planning permission and building regulations?

In our experience, planning permission requirements vary depending on the size and type of extension being proposed, and the relevant local authority. There are permitted development rights, which may mean your house extension avoids any planning permission applications, while others require full planning approval.

What you can be sure of is that your project will require building regulations approval. This is where our structural calculations and drawings are often necessary to demonstrate safety and compliance, particularly where walls are being removed and steel beams introduced. This is why working with experienced residential structural engineers, such as us, is an important part of the process.

How to find a structural engineer?

Lucky for you, you’ve found your way to reading this news feature and DSA! We are experienced structural engineers, committed to ensuring your project is safe, compliant and successful, helping you to live your life as you want in your newly extended home. If you’re looking for further reassurance that we’re the right residential structural engineers for you, check out our reviews, qualifications and previous project experience.

We look forward to hearing from you.