Frequently Asked Questions >

Q: I'm having a single storey extension built and I'd like to knock down a wall, can you tell me how much you would charge for the beam calculations?

A: Without drawings and / or a site visit, I cannot say. Beam calculations, beam calcs and beam design depends entirely on what is being supported; wall type, materials and height, floor spans and directions, ceiling joists spans and directions, roof spans and directions and the presence of any other loading. The beam design may also be influenced by the bearings at the beam ends and perhaps even overall stability of the structure. While not difficult to deal with when all the information is available it is probably ill advised to suggest a cost without all the facts in clarity.

Q: I'm taking down the wall between the lounge and dining room, what beam should I use?

A: That would depend on if the wall is load bearing or not and if it is, what it is supporting; if and how much floor, wall, ceiling, roof, etc. While not difficult to deal with when all the information is available it is probably ill advised to suggest a cost without all the facts in clarity.

Q: I have some Architects drawings and he says that I need to appoint an Engineer to design some beams; can you help and how much do you charge.

A: Of course I can help, I would be delighted. If you send me the drawings by email or post I can look over them and talk to you about the structure that I think you need. Our fees would depend on what we need to do which we can talk and agree before I start. If you would prefer, just let me know who you Architect is and I can arrange for a set of drawings to be sent to me.

Q: If I want to make some alterations to my building, do you need to come and see me?

A: That depends. If you have some good and clear drawings, and the alterations and structure required are quite straightforward, then probably not. If you've not got any drawings and / or the alterations are not very straightforward, then it may be an idea that a site visit is made to determine and / or clarify any structural matters that I feel are relevant We'd need to be completely certain of matters for no site visit to be required. As a competent professional we would not be acting in accordance with your best interests to guess or assume structure without exceedingly good reason!!

Q: We've had some quotes from other Engineers and they seem very high, can you give me a quote for the works too.

A: Yes of course we can, but before I do I'd like to talk to you about what their costs are, what you require and why you think their quote is high. I'd also like the same access to drawings and information as the other Engineer. If I feel that their quote is reasonable, I will be tell you; I won't try to beat it or undercut them!!

Q: I have appointed another Engineer and he has provided me with some beam sizes but both myself and my builder think that everything is totally over designed. Please can you look at this for me.

A: Firstly, who is the Engineer and are they Chartered. What information and drawings etc are they working from and have they visited site [alterations to existing buildings only of course]. Subject to the answers to these questions I will have a better idea of what we're dealing with and I can advise you accordingly. In principle, as a Chartered Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers I am obliged to contact the other Chartered Engineer and advise them of my involvement.

Q: My Engineer has taken forever to provide me with the beam sizes and currently he's only given me some of them. I'd like to sack the Engineer and ask you to finish off the job for me.

A: Before I can help here you must determine your relationship with the current Engineer and ensure that you have finalise all fee matters between yourselves. As a Chartered Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers I will need to advise your current Engineer of my involvement.