How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost in the UK?
In 2026, most UK homeowners pay between £60 and £2,500 for a structural engineer, depending on the job. A single RSJ beam calculation typically costs £60 to £450. A full loft conversion or home extension sits between £750 and £2,500. Structural reports range from £500 to £2,000.
This guide breaks down the cost of a structural engineer by job type, UK region, and project complexity — so you know what to expect before you pick up the phone.
Structural Engineer Cost Table (2026)
| Service | Typical 2026 Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £90 to £200 per hour |
| Basic beam or RSJ calculation | £60 to £450 |
| Complex RSJ or multiple beams | £450 to £950 |
| Load bearing wall removal (structural engineer fee) | £300 to £700 |
| Structural inspection (no full report) | £175 to £300 |
| Structural report | £500 to £2,000 |
| Loft conversion calculations | £750 to £2,200 |
| Home extension calculations | £900 to £2,500 |
| Standard site visit | £250 to £350 |
| Retrospective calculations for Building Control | £350 to £750 |
Structural Engineer Cost for Load Bearing Wall Removal
Removing a load bearing wall is one of the most common reasons homeowners hire a structural engineer in the UK. The structural engineer's fee for this type of work typically sits between £300 and £700 for a standard domestic project.
For the structural element, the engineer needs to:
- Calculate the loads carried by the wall
- Design the correct steel RSJ or beam to replace it
- Specify the padstones and bearing lengths
- Produce calculations and drawings for Building Control
What Affects the Cost for Wall Removal?
A straightforward single opening in a standard semi-detached house will usually sit toward the lower end — around £300 to £450. The fee climbs toward £700 if:
- There are multiple openings or multiple beams to design
- The loads are complex (for example, walls carrying upper floors and a roof)
- The support conditions are unusual (poor bearings, old timber or masonry)
- A site visit is required to measure and confirm the existing structure
Do I Always Need a Structural Engineer for Wall Removal?
Yes, if the wall is load bearing. Building Control will ask for structural calculations and drawings before approving the work. A builder alone cannot provide these — you need a qualified structural engineer. Some homeowners ask their builder first, but the builder will still need to send you to an engineer for the beam design.
If you are not certain whether your wall is load bearing, an engineer can confirm this during a short paid visit or telephone consultation. Most domestic structural engineers in the UK offer this at low cost as an initial step.
RSJ Calculation Cost: What to Expect in 2026
An RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist) calculation is the structural engineer's design work for the steel beam that replaces a load bearing wall, supports a new opening, or carries a new floor. The cost of an RSJ calculation in the UK in 2026 sits between £60 and £950, depending on complexity.
| RSJ Job Type | Typical Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Single beam, simple load path | £60 to £250 |
| Single beam, standard domestic (e.g. kitchen wall removal) | £250 to £450 |
| Multiple beams or cranked/complex beam | £450 to £700 |
| Multiple beams with detailed connection design | £700 to £950 |
What Does an RSJ Calculation Include?
A standard RSJ calculation from a structural engineer covers:
- Load takedown — working out what load the beam needs to carry
- Beam size selection and deflection checks
- Padstone and bearing design
- A calculation sheet for Building Control
- A simple sketch or drawing showing beam position and key dimensions
How Long Does an RSJ Calculation Take?
For a single domestic beam, most structural engineers in the UK turn this around in 1 to 3 working days. More complex jobs with multiple beams or unusual loads take 3 to 5 days. Priority turnaround is often available for an additional fee.
Structural Engineer Cost for Loft Conversion
A loft conversion is one of the more involved domestic structural engineering jobs. The structural engineer's fee for a loft conversion in the UK typically runs between £750 and £2,200, depending on the type of loft, its size and complexity.
| Loft Conversion Type | Typical Structural Engineer Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic room-in-roof (no dormer) | £750 to £1,000 |
| Rear dormer loft conversion | £1,000 to £1,500 |
| Hip to gable conversion | £1,200 to £1,800 |
| Mansard or complex loft | £1,500 to £2,200 |
What Structural Work Is Involved in a Loft Conversion?
The structural engineer designs every element that makes the loft safe and Building Control compliant. This typically includes:
- New floor joists (to carry the new room's loads)
- Steel beams supporting the new floor structure
- Ridge beam or alternative structural system for the roof
- Dormer structure if applicable
- Load paths down through the existing walls to foundations
- Connection details for beams and joists
What Size Steel Beams Are Used in a Loft Conversion?
The most common steel sections used in UK domestic loft conversions are 203 × 133 UB or 254 × 146 UB (Universal Beam) sections, though the actual size depends entirely on the span, loading and roof configuration. Your structural engineer will specify the exact section required once they have run the calculations. Specifying this incorrectly is a common builder mistake that leads to failed Building Control inspections. Always rely on the engineer's drawing, not a builder's estimate.
For a full breakdown of steel sizes and structural design for loft conversions, see our guide to loft conversion steel beams.
What Affects Structural Engineer Costs?
Project complexity
A single beam calculation is straightforward and quick. A loft conversion with several beams, joists, rafters and a dormer is more complex and takes longer. More time means more cost.
Number of beams or structural elements
One RSJ may take under an hour to check and draw. Four or five beams, plus connection details and load checks, can take several hours.
Site conditions and access
If the house has tricky access, trees, clay soil, unusual foundations or previous alterations, the engineer may need extra time or a site visit, which adds cost.
Location in the UK
London and the South East usually sit at the higher end of the ranges above. Many other areas of the UK are closer to the middle of the ranges.
Renovation versus new build
Older homes can hide history inside walls and floors, so renovation work often needs more investigation. New builds tend to be cleaner to analyse and can be quicker.
Urgent or same day work
If you need a visit or design at very short notice, for example during active construction, the engineer may charge a higher hourly rate or an uplift for priority work.
Structural Engineer Costs by UK Region (2026)
Structural engineer costs vary across the UK. Labour rates, travel, demand and local market conditions all play a role. Here is what to expect in different parts of the country.
Manchester Structural Engineer Costs
Manchester prices usually sit around the UK average, with strong availability of domestic structural engineers. Most homeowners in Manchester pay £300 to £1,200 for standard domestic structural work. Costs are influenced by property type, access, and whether the work involves older terraced housing or modern estates.
Typical domestic work includes:
- Load bearing wall removals in terraces and semis
- Loft conversions in 1930s to 1960s housing stock
- Chimney breast support and internal remodelling
For a full local breakdown, see our detailed guide to structural engineer cost in Manchester.
London & South East
Prices in London and the Home Counties are the highest in the UK. This is due to high labour rates, congestion charges, and difficult parking. Complex access to terraced properties often increases the time required for site visits.
Typical domestic range: £450 to £3,500
Most common jobs:
- Basement conversions and digging out
- Complex rear extensions on tight sites
- Removal of load bearing walls in flats
North West England
The North West has a strong industrial heritage which can mean complex ground conditions. However, the market is competitive and offers good value compared to the south.
Typical domestic range: £350 to £950
Most common jobs:
- Wall removals in terraced houses
- Loft conversions in period properties
- Chimney breast support design
Midlands
Centrally located, the Midlands generally reflects the national average for structural engineer costs. A good mix of rural and urban work means travel costs are usually reasonable.
Typical domestic range: £350 to £1,800
Most common jobs:
- Semi-detached home extensions
- Garage conversions
- New build structural calculations
Yorkshire (Leeds + Sheffield)
Yorkshire has many stone-built properties requiring careful structural assessment. In cities like Sheffield, steep sites can also add complexity to foundation designs.
Typical domestic range: £320 to £1,500
Most common jobs:
- Stone wall openings and lintels
- Dormer loft conversions
- Cellar tanking and structural support
South West (inc. Bristol)
High demand in Bristol and Bath, combined with many conservation areas, keeps prices firm. Hilly terrain and period limestone properties often require more detailed structural investigation.
Typical domestic range: £400 to £2,200
Most common jobs:
- Period property renovations
- Retaining walls for sloping gardens
- Eco-home extensions
Scotland & Wales
In rural areas, travel costs can be a significant factor if the engineer has to travel far for a site visit. Building regulations in Scotland differ slightly, affecting the design process.
Typical domestic range: £350 to £2,000
Most common jobs:
- Timber frame extensions
- Barn and steading conversions
- Wind load checks for exposed sites
Other UK Cities (Liverpool, Nottingham, Stoke, Norwich)
In hubs like Liverpool, Nottingham and Stoke-on-Trent, pricing is competitive. Urban density keeps travel time low, helping keep inspection costs down.
Typical domestic range: £350 to £1,200
Most common jobs:
- Standard RSJ calculations
- Internal remodelling layouts
- Structural reports for property purchases
Structural Engineer Costs by Project Type
RSJ beam design for wall removal: £60 to £950
This is one of the most common domestic jobs. You might remove a wall between the kitchen and dining room, or open up the back of the house for bifold doors. The engineer designs the new steel beam and checks the loads. A simple single opening with a standard span usually sits under £450. Multiple beams or tricky supports push toward the top of the range.
Loft conversion structural calculations: £750 to £2,200
A loft conversion needs several key elements designed properly: new floor joists, steel beams for the floor and dormer, a ridge beam or alternative roof support, and load paths down to foundations. Simple lofts with no dormer are at the lower end. Hip to gable changes, big dormers and chimney removals sit at the higher end.
Home extension calculations: £900 to £2,500
A typical home extension fee covers the structural side only: steel beams or lintels over openings, roof structure, foundations or ground beams, and lateral support. Standard single storey rear extensions usually sit under £1,500. Large or double storey extensions often sit between £1,500 and £2,500.
Structural report: £500 to £2,000
A structural report is used where there is concern about movement, cracks or subsidence, or where a surveyor has advised further structural checks. Minor cracking with simple access is at the lower end. Wide cracks, subsidence or complex movement pushes the cost higher.
Structural inspection without full report: £175 to £300
Sometimes you do not need a full written report, only professional advice. The engineer visits with verbal feedback and a brief email summary. Useful for early guidance before you commit to a full design.
Retrospective calculations: £350 to £750
Building Control or a buyer's solicitor may ask for calculations where work has already been done without an engineer. The engineer must inspect what is built and then design to suit the actual situation, which can be more involved than a normal design on paper.
Real UK Project Examples
Example 1: Wall removal in a 1930s semi
The homeowner removes a 3 metre load bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room. The engineer provides beam design, padstone sizes, basic connection details and structural notes for Building Control.
Typical fee: around £320
Example 2: Loft conversion with rear dormer
The project includes new floor steels, a ridge beam, dormer opening and checks on the existing walls and supports.
Typical fee: around £1,250
Example 3: Single storey rear extension
The engineer designs the main opening to the rear, beams over bifold doors, roof structure and foundations where needed.
Typical fee: around £1,450
Example 4: Crack inspection before purchase
A buyer's survey flags cracks to the flank wall. The structural engineer visits the house, inspects the cracks and issues a short report with recommendations.
Typical fee: around £600
Do I Need a Structural Engineer?
As a simple rule, you need a structural engineer if your project involves:
- Removing a load bearing wall
- Converting a loft
- Building an extension
- Fitting steel beams or large lintels
- Cracks, subsidence or movement
- Building Control asking for structural calculations
How Long Does Structural Design Take?
- Small beam design: 1 to 3 working days
- Loft conversion calculations: 3 to 7 working days
- Home extension calculations: 3 to 10 working days
- Structural reports: 1 to 3 working days after the inspection
Fixed Fee or Hourly Rate?
Many homeowners prefer a fixed fee for domestic work because it is easier to budget. For clear tasks such as beam design, loft conversions or home extensions, a fixed fee with a clear written scope is usually the best option. Hourly rates work well where the scope is unclear, for example investigating ongoing subsidence.
How to Reduce Your Structural Engineer Costs
Prepare drawings first
If you already have decent plans or sketches before the engineer starts, they need less time to work out the basics. This saves you money.
Keep the layout simple
Clean, straight lines and sensible spans almost always lead to lower steel costs and less design time. Complex shapes, big cantilevers or awkward corners lead to more steel and more calculation time.
Avoid late design changes
Each time the layout changes, the engineer may need to recalculate beams, supports or foundations. That adds time and cost.
What Is Included in a Structural Engineer's Fee?
For domestic projects, a typical fee usually covers:
- Structural calculations for beams, joists, rafters and supports
- Structural drawings showing beam positions and key details
- Basic structural notes for Building Control
- Reasonable email contact during the design stage
When Do Extra Costs Apply?
Extra costs may apply if the site is more complex than first thought, ground conditions need extra investigation, you change the design after the engineer has finished, Building Control ask for significant revisions, or previous work was done with no drawings and no calculations.
What Qualifications Should a Structural Engineer Have?
CEng (Chartered Engineer)
A high level of professional recognition. Chartered engineers have proven experience, advanced training and a strong understanding of technical standards.
MIStructE or FIStructE
Member or Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers. Shows solid experience and a long track record of safe design work.
MICE (Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers)
Some structural engineers are civil engineers by background. MICE shows they are qualified and competent in structural design.
Is chartered status required?
No. Many excellent domestic structural engineers are not chartered but still deliver high quality work. What matters most is experience, insurance and clear, accurate design.
What matters most for homeowners?
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Good knowledge of domestic steelwork and extensions
- Clear communication
- Accurate drawings and calculations
- A solid portfolio of similar projects
How Structural Engineers Fit Into Your Project
1. Architect creates the layout
The architect draws the floor plan, elevation and general design. They show the openings, room layouts and where beams might be needed.
2. Structural engineer designs the structure
The engineer calculates steel beams (RSJs), padstones and bearings, floor joists, roof structure, foundations and load paths — making sure the architect's design can actually be built safely.
3. Builder uses the engineer's drawings on site
The builder relies on the engineer's drawings to order steel, cut openings and place beams. Good drawings reduce mistakes and speed up the build.
4. Building Control checks the calculations
Building Control usually require structural calculations and drawings for wall removals, loft conversions and extensions before they will sign the work off.
5. Final sign off
When the structure is complete, Building Control issue approval or a completion certificate. This is required if you sell the property in the future.
How to Choose a Good Structural Engineer in 2026
When you compare quotes, look for clear fixed fees, strong experience in domestic work, reasonable turnaround times, good communication, professional indemnity insurance and reviews from real clients. A good engineer does not just keep the building safe — they also help keep steel sizes sensible so you do not overspend on materials.
FAQ: Structural Engineer Costs in 2026
How much does an RSJ calculation cost in 2026?
For most domestic beams you can expect to pay between £60 and £450, depending on the span, loads and how many beams are involved. Complex jobs with multiple beams can reach £950.
How much does a structural engineer cost for a load bearing wall?
The structural engineer's fee for a load bearing wall removal typically runs from £300 to £700. This covers the beam design, padstone specification, calculations and drawings for Building Control.
Do I need a structural engineer for a load bearing wall removal?
Yes. Building Control will ask for structural calculations for the new beam that replaces the wall. A structural engineer provides these — a builder cannot.
How much does a structural engineer cost for a loft conversion?
Structural engineer fees for a loft conversion in the UK range from £750 to £2,200. Simple room-in-roof conversions are at the lower end; hip-to-gable or mansard conversions are at the higher end.
How much does a structural report cost?
Most reports sit between £500 and £2,000. Simpler issues are at the lower end, complex movement or subsidence pushes the fee higher.
How long does a structural engineer visit last?
Most domestic visits last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how many issues need to be checked.
Can a structural engineer design my extension?
Yes. The structural engineer designs the beams, roof structure and foundations that sit behind your architect's plans. See our guide to structural engineers for extensions.
Conclusion
In 2026, most UK domestic structural engineering jobs sit between £60 and £2,500 depending on the size and complexity of the work. RSJ calculations for wall removals are at the lower end. Full loft conversions and extensions are at the higher end.
Getting the right structural advice at the start of your project keeps your build safe, your Building Control approval straightforward and your material costs controlled. If you would like a fixed quote for your specific job, use the form on this page.