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150+ five-star reviews

Chartered Structural Engineer Bristol | Fast RSJ & Extension Calcs

Our Chartered Structural Engineers in Bristol deliver safe, Building Control-approved designs for home extensions, lofts, and wall removals. Every project is handled by qualified IStructE engineers within 24–72 hours.

RSJ beams, wall removals, lofts, and extensions. Chartered IStructE.

24–72h turnaround
Building Control ready
🛡️ PI & Public Liability
Structural engineer calculations for a rear extension in Bristol

Our Structural Engineering Services in Bristol

We provide residential, commercial, and specialist structural design and calculations across Bristol. Every project is completed or reviewed by a Chartered Engineer, ready for Building Control submission.

Residential Structural Engineering

House Extensions and Alterations

Looking to extend your home or make alterations? Our team provides expert guidance and structural calculations to keep your project safe and compliant.

Loft Conversions

Transform your loft into a functional space. We assess the structural implications and design for maximum space and safety.

New Dwellings and Self Builds

Starting a new build? We provide structural designs and calculations so your new home meets the highest standards.

Commercial Structural Engineering

Commercial New Build Schemes

From offices to retail, we deliver structural solutions that match your business needs. For planning guidance, see the Planning Portal.

Remodelling of Commercial Premises

Remodelling or change of use? We provide structural calculations and designs for Building Regulations approval and practicality.

Steel, Concrete, and Timber Frames

We assess your project requirements and recommend the most efficient frame type for strength and cost-effectiveness.

Specialised Structural Services

Structural Beam Design

Expert beam design for steel, timber, and glulam with full connection details.

Structural Surveys and Calculations

Surveys and calculation packs to support safe, well-informed project decisions.

Retaining Wall Design & RICS Surveys

Retaining wall design and RICS-aligned reporting to maintain long-term structural integrity.

Local Trust & Area Coverage

We support homeowners, architects, and builders across Bristol with fast, Building Control-ready calculations. Every design is completed or reviewed by a Chartered Structural Engineer.

150+ five-star reviews
Building Control ready
24–72h turnaround
🎓 Chartered IStructE

Neighbourhoods We Cover

  • Clifton
  • Redland
  • Cotham
  • Bishopston
  • St Werburghs
  • St George
  • Fishponds
  • Bedminster
  • Southville
  • Totterdown
  • Henleaze
  • Westbury-on-Trym
  • Stoke Bishop
  • Sneyd Park
  • Horfield
  • Brislington
  • Filton
  • Patchway
  • Bradley Stoke
  • Keynsham
  • Long Ashton
  • Portishead
  • Clevedon

Local Landmarks & Sites

  • Clifton Suspension Bridge
  • SS Great Britain & Harbourside
  • Bristol Temple Meads area
  • Cabot Circus & Broadmead
  • Ashton Court Estate

Our Structural Engineering Process in Bristol

1

Initial Consultation

We start by understanding your project goals and requirements in detail. This helps us provide a tailored solution that fits your needs. Learn more about how we handle consultations here.

2

Design and Planning

We prepare detailed designs and structural calculations that comply with Building Regulations. Our team coordinates with architects to produce clear, practical designs.

3

Execution and Project Management

Once designs are approved, we support execution, oversee key stages, and work with contractors to ensure the project runs safely and efficiently. Understand our pricing and value.

4

Completion and Aftercare

After completion, we conduct final checks and provide aftercare support. You receive ongoing advice to keep your structure safe and compliant.

Structural engineer reviewing loft conversion design in Bristol

What Bristol Clients Say

Recent feedback from homeowners and architects we’ve worked with across Clifton, Bishopston, and Southville.

4.9/5 average rating 📝 150+ verified reviews 🏛️ Building Control-ready packs

“Fast quote, clear beam calcs, and drawings our builder loved. Building Control approved first time.”

Avatar of reviewer Hannah L.
Hannah L.
Bishopston • RSJ for kitchen knock-through

“SECalcs worked with our architect, adjusted steel sizes for cost, and delivered a clean pack. Inspectors were happy.”

Avatar of reviewer Tom R.
Tom R.
Clifton • Rear extension steels

“Loft conversion calcs delivered in two days. Clear notes for the builder and fast replies to our questions.”

Avatar of reviewer Sarah N.
Sarah N.
Southville • Loft steel & timbers

You can also email us with your plans for a free consultation.

Chartered Structural Engineer in Bristol - James Carter

James Carter

CEng MIStructE

Chartered Structural Engineer

Meet Your Lead Engineer

James Carter CEng MIStructE is your lead Chartered Structural Engineer for Bristol and the South West. With over 20 years of design experience in residential and commercial structures, James has worked on everything from period home alterations in Clifton to new-build steel and timber frame projects across Redland, Bedminster, and Portishead.

His approach is practical and safety-driven — delivering clear, buildable designs that satisfy both Building Control and your builder on site. James personally reviews every SECalcs project in the Bristol area to make sure your calculations are compliant, efficient, and ready to approve the first time.

When he’s not designing, you’ll often find him mentoring younger engineers through the Institution of Structural Engineers’ chartership programme or helping homeowners understand how to choose the right structural engineer for their project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers for Bristol homeowners. Click a question to open.

How much should a structural engineer cost in the UK?
Small jobs like RSJ or wall removal calcs are often £200–£450. Full reports or larger extensions usually start from £400–£750. Read the full guide: engineer costs and load bearing wall costs.
At what point do I need a structural engineer?
Any work that changes structure. Examples include wall removals, new openings, lofts, extensions, subsidence or large cracks. Guide: when to hire.
Is it worth getting a structural engineer?
Yes. Good design prevents mistakes, saves money on site, and passes Building Control. See: why it matters.
Do structural engineers give free quotes?
Yes. We give free, fixed quotes once we see your drawings or photos. Request one: get a fixed-fee quote.
How to find a reputable structural engineer?
Look for Chartered status, strong reviews, and clear scopes. Helpful guides: choose the best engineer and common mistakes to avoid.
Is a structural engineer better than a surveyor?
Different roles. Surveyors assess condition. Engineers design and check structure. For alterations you need engineering calcs. See: what engineers do.
What would be considered a structural red flag?
Cracks wider than 5 mm, doors that bind after movement, sloping floors, bowing walls, failing lintels or subsidence. Overview: building survey basics.
What drawings or information should I send for a quote?
Address, plans or sketches, clear photos, and any past drawings. Send them via our quote form.
How long do structural calculations take?
RSJ and wall removal designs: 24–72 hours. Lofts and extensions: about five to seven working days. Process: our turnaround.
Will my structural engineer deal directly with Building Control?
Yes. We supply Building Control-ready packs and reply to inspector queries. More: submission help.
Can a structural engineer design RSJ beams and remove load-bearing walls?
Yes. We size the beam, bearings, padstones and posts. See: RSJ design and wall removal guide.
What insurance should a structural engineer have?
Professional Indemnity and Public Liability. What to check: choosing an engineer.
Do I need calculations for small internal walls or chimneys?
Yes if the element supports load. Even short openings and chimney removals affect stability. See this guide.
Can a structural engineer visit my property before quoting?
Yes. We can visit if photos or plans are not enough. For many small jobs a remote quote is fine. More: site visits and reports.
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
Signs include joists or beams bearing on it, stacked walls above, or thick internal masonry. Read: how to check safely.
What’s the difference between structural calculations and drawings?
Calculations prove the design is safe and compliant. Drawings show what to build. Building Control expects both. See more detail.
How quickly can you provide Building Control-ready calculations?
Most small projects are ready in 24–72 hours once we have everything. Examples: service overview.
Do you offer fixed-fee quotes with no hidden costs?
Yes. Fees are fixed and set out in writing. Post-submission help for Building Control is included where stated. See our service page.
What areas around Bristol do you cover?
Greater Bristol, including Clifton, Bishopston, Southville, Redland, Filton, Bradley Stoke, Portishead, Clevedon, and Keynsham. More info: Bristol coverage.
Are your designs checked by a Chartered Engineer?
Yes. Every job is completed or reviewed by a Chartered Structural Engineer (MIStructE) with full PI and PL insurance. Read about us: SECalcs.

Get in Touch with Our Structural Engineer in Bristol

We’re here to provide expert structural engineering services in Bristol. Whether you’re planning a home extension or a commercial new build, our team is ready to deliver exceptional results. Contact us today to get started.

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