How do I know if the wall is load bearing?

If it carries joists, rafters or masonry above, it is likely load bearing. We can usually confirm from photos and a few measurements.

Do you need a site visit?

Most Manchester projects only need clear photos and measurements. We visit if the structure is unusual or complex.

Will Building Control accept your design?

Yes. Our structural calculations are used and accepted by Manchester, Trafford and Stockport Building Control.

Do I need padstones under the RSJ?

In almost all cases, yes. Padstones spread the load so the brickwork does not crush under the beam bearing.

What if the builder changes the opening?

Tell us before work starts. Even small changes to span or layout can change the beam size and design.

Is removing a wall safe?

It is safe when the wall is replaced with a properly sized beam and the builder uses the right temporary supports.

Why does deflection matter in a beam?

Deflection controls how much the beam moves under load. Too much movement leads to cracking and uneven floors.

What temporary supports are needed during the knock-through?

Most jobs use acrow props with needles or strongboys. We give clear notes on where and how they should be used.

Mon - Sat 09:00-18:00

+ (44) 07359267907

info@structuralengineercalcs.com

★★★★★

Structural Engineer Manchester: Residential Calculations for Extensions, Lofts & Wall Removals

We are residential structural engineers dedicated to Manchester and the wider Greater Manchester region. Unlike commercial firms that dabble in housing, we focus entirely on domestic projects - from Victorian terraces in Didsbury to 1930s semi-detached homes in Sale and Stockport.

Mathematical proof for Part A (Building Regs)
No site visits needed for 90% of projects
Fixed-fee proposal within 24 hours
Dedicated to Manchester & Greater Manchester

We provide the "mathematical proof" required by Part A of the Building Regulations. Whether you are planning a kitchen knock-through in Chorlton or a double-storey extension in Bolton, we deliver a clear calculation pack and marked-up drawings that allow your builder to quote accurately and Building Control to sign off the work.

Services Provided in Manchester

Steel Beam & RSJ Calculations

When timber cannot span a wide opening, we design steel beams (RSJs) using S275 or S355 grade steel. This service is ideal for creating open-plan layouts in Victorian properties where removing the rear wall requires a stable "box frame" or "goalpost" design.

Party Walls: If your beam sits in a shared wall - common in Manchester terraces - we can advise on Party Wall Agreement requirements.

Load Bearing Wall Removals

Removing an internal wall in a Manchester terrace often involves supporting floor joists, roof struts, or chimney stacks. We determine if the wall is load-bearing and calculate the RSJ specifications and padstones needed to transfer the weight safely to the foundations.

Home Extension Structural Design

We design the structural shell for rear, side, and wrap-around extensions. This includes calculating steel beams for bi-fold doors, sizing roof rafters, and designing foundations (strip, trench-fill, or pad) suited to local Manchester soil conditions.

Local Insight: For projects in areas like Sale, we check foundation depths against local clay or sandy soil profiles to prevent future settlement.

Loft Conversion Engineering

Converting a roof requires significant structural alteration. We design the steel ridge beams and floor strengthening needed to support a habitable room while aiming to maintain the critical 2.2-metre headroom.

Scope: Includes designs for dormer framing, hip-to-gable steelwork, and purlin removal support.

How It Works

Share Your Plans: Email us your architectural drawings, estate agent floor plans, or clear photographs of the property.

Fixed-Fee Proposal: We review your project requirements and provide a fixed quote within 24 hours. There are no hidden costs.

Engineering Design: We analyze the load paths, size the beams and foundations, and produce the technical calculation pack.

Building Control Support: You receive a PDF pack ready for submission to Manchester City Council or your private inspector. We remain available to answer any queries they may have.

Typical Costs & Fees

Fees cover the specific structural calculations required for Building Control approval.

Steel Beam / RSJ Calculation	£200 – £300
Internal Wall Removal	£300 – £900
Home Extension Design	£600 – £1,500
Loft Conversion Design	£1,200 – £2,500

Note: Complex projects such as removing a chimney breast or designing a box frame will be quoted individually.

Areas We Cover

We support projects across the entire Greater Manchester conurbation:

South Manchester: Didsbury (East & West), Chorlton, Withington, Fallowfield, Levenshulme, Burnage.
Trafford: Sale, Altrincham, Timperley, Hale, Bowdon, Stretford, Urmston.
Stockport: Cheadle, Bramhall, Hazel Grove, Heaton Moor, Marple, Gatley.
North & West: Bolton, Farnworth, Westhoughton, Salford, Bury, Wigan, Rochdale, Oldham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use a 'Full Plans' application or a 'Building Notice'?

We strongly recommend the 'Full Plans' application. A Building Notice allows you to start quickly but carries financial risk; if a Manchester City Council inspector finds non-compliance later, you may have to alter completed work at your own expense. A Full Plans application gives you "plans passed" protection before you start.

Do you need to visit my property?

Not always. We complete approximately 90% of residential beam and wall designs remotely using your drawings and photos, which keeps costs in the £200–£300 range. However, for complex structural issues or if drawings are unavailable, we can arrange a site visit.

What is the minimum headroom for a loft conversion?

Ideally, you need 2.2 metres from the top of the joists to the bottom of the ridge board before work begins. If height is tight, we may need to design a dormer or look at lowering ceilings, which changes the structural requirements.

Why do I need padstones?

Padstones are high-density concrete blocks that sit under the ends of your steel beam. They are critical because they distribute the concentrated load from the beam into the masonry, preventing the brickwork from crushing under the weight.

Can you work from my architect's drawings?

Yes. We regularly collaborate with architects across Manchester. If you have planning drawings (PDF or DWG), we can overlay our structural layer directly onto them, ensuring the engineering works with your aesthetic vision.