Structural Engineer Manchester

Why people in Manchester come to us for structural help

Most people get in touch because they want a more open layout. Kitchen knock-throughs, larger rooms and rear extensions often mean removing a load bearing wall. If this is done without proper structural design, you risk sagging floors, cracking, doors sticking and sometimes serious structural issues.

Building Control will always ask for structural drawings and calculations before work begins. They need RSJ sizes, padstones, posts, bearings and connection details.

Manchester wall removal services always need proper calculations, whether the project is residential structural engineer Manchester work or part of a wider renovation.

Who you’re working with

James, CEng MIStructE, is our Chartered Structural Engineer. He has 17 years of residential experience and has completed more than 1,000 structural designs for homes across Greater Manchester. His work covers wall removals, RSJ design, goalposts, padstones and steel connections.

He holds full PI insurance and prepares every set of Building Control structural calculations himself. Nothing is handed to juniors. Every load path and beam size is checked and signed off by him.

He works daily with Manchester Building Control.

James works across Greater Manchester on everything from small wall removals to full structural design in Greater Manchester for extensions and open-plan layouts.

Areas we cover around Manchester

We cover Manchester and the nearby suburbs where most knock-throughs, lofts and extensions are happening right now:

• Structural engineer Didsbury for full design across the area
• Wall removal Didsbury for kitchen knock-throughs and RSJ design
• Beam calculations Didsbury if you only need calculations
• Stockport extension and loft projects for combined schemes
• Loft conversion structural engineer Manchester for dormers and hip-to-gable work
• Steel beam calculations Manchester for quick Building Control approval

If you need support anywhere in Greater Manchester, see this page as your starting point and we’ll point you to the right service.

What we design for your project

We take care of the full structural side of your build, including:

• RSJ / steel beam design in Manchester for knock-throughs and open-plan layouts
• Full beam calculations Manchester for Building Control
• Structural drawings Manchester with clear beam sizes, spans and details
• Posts, padstones and bearing design
• Goalpost frame Manchester solutions for large openings
• Temporary works notes so your builder knows how to support the wall safely
• A full Building Control structural calculations pack
• Direct support for your builder during construction
• Structural calculations for loft conversions

We handle both domestic and commercial structural engineer Manchester projects involving steelwork or alterations.

How this helps you during and after the build

• A safe structure with no sagging or cracking
• Smooth Building Control approval
• Clear drawings your builder understands
• Fewer delays and fewer surprises on site
• Better finish and cleaner steel installation
• Bigger, brighter, more usable spaces

How load bearing walls actually work

A load bearing wall carries weight from floors, joists, rafters, purlins or masonry above. When you remove that wall, the loads must be redirected into an RSJ, padstones and stable supporting walls.

In Manchester homes, loads behave differently depending on the age and construction. Even small walls can carry hidden weight from roof spread, chimney structures or old timber joists.

The same logic applies on larger commercial jobs, where spans are wider and roof structures heavier, but the principle stays the same.

The simple engineering behind beams and supports

An RSJ carries the load over the opening and its size depends on the span and the weight above. Deflection limits are checked so floors don’t bounce or crack.

Padstones spread the load into the wall so the brickwork doesn’t crush.

Posts are used when the wall cannot take the load directly.

A goalpost frame helps when the opening is wide or the supporting walls are weak.

These details matter because they control how your home behaves once the wall is removed.

How Manchester homes behave structurally

Manchester has many different house types.

• Victorian terraces often have shallow joists and shared chimney loads.
• 1930s semis have cavity walls and roofs that spread load onto internal walls.
• Post-war houses often mix materials and sizes.
• Modern timber-frame homes need careful connection detailing.

We design with these differences in mind and deal with Manchester Building Control every week.

We also help clients outside the city, including those looking for structural engineers Oldham or a local structural designer for smaller projects.

What we can design for you

RSJ beams for knock-throughs

Common for kitchen openings or combining two rooms. We size the steel, specify padstones and provide full calculations. This is one of the most common requests from people searching for wall removal Manchester or structural engineer Manchester cost estimates.

Longer spans and bigger openings

For spans of 5–7 metres, we check load paths carefully to keep deflection low and floors level.

Goalposts and box frames

Ideal for wide openings or when the supporting walls are aren’t strong enough. We design the posts, beams, plates and bolted connections.

Padstones, posts and connections

We specify the concrete padstones, steel posts, bearing plates and connections so the builder knows exactly what to install.

Design fees

Our fee structure works for both residential engineering Manchester projects and small commercial schemes.

Useful local links for Manchester homeowners

These links help you check rules, planning guidance and Building Control information:

• Manchester Building Control
• Trafford Building Control
• Stockport Building Control
• Oldham Council Building Control
• Planning Portal guidance for structural alterations

Adding these links helps homeowners and reinforces local authority signals for search engines.

Turnaround time

Most designs are completed within 24 to 48 hours once we have the photos and measurements.

Recent Manchester Work

Didsbury

If you’re planning a knock-through in Didsbury, see our beam calculation service for that area.

For a recent example of our work, see this Didsbury wall removal case study.

Problem: Kitchen wall removal in a 1930s semi.
Solution: Single RSJ with padstones and stiffening plate.
Outcome: Passed Manchester Building Control on first submission.

Chorlton

Problem: Large 6 metre opening in a post-war home.
Solution: Steel goalpost with bolted connections.
Outcome: Smooth install and no cracking.

Sale

Problem: Victorian terrace with hidden chimney loads.
Solution: RSJ with reinforced padstones to handle point loads.
Outcome: Clear drawings helped the builder avoid delays.

Stockport

Problem: Homeowner wanted a full open-plan living and dining space.
Solution: Two beams forming a T-shape with a central post.
Outcome: Strong structure with clean head height.

What people say

• “Fast turnaround and clear drawings. Builder had no issues.”
• “Manchester Building Control approved it first time.”
• “James explained everything in simple terms. Great service.”
• “Reliable, quick and professional.”

How the process works

Common questions

Get your quote

If you need a Structural Engineer Manchester for wall removals, RSJ design or beam calculations, we can help today.

We cover Didsbury, Chorlton, Withington, Sale, Altrincham, Hulme, Burnage, Stretford, Bolton and Stockport.

Call 07359 267907 or email info@structuralengineercalcs.com to get started.