FAQ's

Yes, our professional indemnity insurance extends to all of our Engineering services. We can provide confirmation of coverage on request.

There are three options for applications to seek approval for building works under Building Regulations; Full Plans, Building Notice and Regularisation.

The type of application most relevant will depend on the nature and scale of your project. The main differences relate to the timing and level of detail of the submission, the review process and the stage at which approval is sought relative to the stage of construction.

Full Plans Application:
With a Full Plans Application, detailed plans and specifications of the proposed building work are submitted to the local authority Building Control department for review and approval before construction begins. The local authority checks the plans to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations. They may provide feedback and require modifications before granting approval. Once approved, the plans serve as a legally binding document, providing assurance that the proposed work meets the required standards. The advantage of a Full Plans Application is that potential issues can be addressed and resolved before construction starts, reducing the risk of delays or modifications during the build process.

Building Notice:
A Building Notice is a simpler and faster method compared to a Full Plans Application. Instead of submitting detailed plans upfront, the building work is simply notified to the local authority Building Control department before commencing construction. With a Building Notice, there is no formal plan review process. The local authority conducts inspections during the construction to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations. Building Notices are typically used for smaller, less complex projects, where the building work is straightforward, such as a wall removal. Building Notice applications offer less comprehensive protection compared to Full Plans Applications, thus posing higher risk. In certain scenarios, the submission of a Full Plans Application may be required.

Regularisation:
‍ Regularisation is a process used to gain retrospective approval for building work that was carried out without obtaining the necessary building regulations approval. If building work has been completed without approval, the homeowner or property owner can submit a Regularisation application to the local authority Building Control department. The local authority will inspect the completed work to assess its compliance with the Building Regulations. If the work meets the required standards, a Regularisation Certificate may be issued, providing confirmation that the building work is compliant. Regularisation is typically more time-consuming and costly compared to obtaining approval upfront through a Full Plans Application or Building Notice. It's usually considered a last resort for addressing unapproved building work.

Our team can provide indicative estimates for structural works that have been designed by or recommended by us. Please note that any estimated costs are indicative only; we would recommend obtaining a minimum of three quotes prior to appointing any contractors or parties completing works.

There are two options to consider when appointing a Building Control Inspector. You have the option to either appoint your Local Authority Building Control (Building Inspectors) or opt for the services of a private Building Control firm (known as Approved Inspectors or, more recently, Registered Building Control Approvers) to complete approvals and issue a certificate to the Council. Regardless of which option you choose, both parties are bound to the same set of regulations and must ensure projects adhere to the same set of standards and practices. As of April 2024 the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), a new regulatory body tasked with regulating Building Control standards and overseeing the Building Control profession, will establish and maintain registers for both types of Inspector.

For more information, visit https://www.hse.gov.uk/building-safety/regulator.htm

Where an Architect has been appointed for a project, it is common for the Architect to oversee the Building Control submission and approval process. Where an Architect has not been appointed, usually for minor works, submissions will be completed by the Client. Our structural packages provided are compliant with and satisfy Building Regulations Part A. We are on hand to liaise with Building Control to address any queries relating to structural works that arise throughout the approval and construction process.

For party wall matters, we would recommend consulting a party wall surveyor.

More information regarding notices and the agreement process can be found on the GOV.uk website:
https://www.gov.uk/party-walls-building-works

Any works which are completed near or on a shared property boundary (a party wall), or party structure will require a notice to the neighbouring property owner.

More information regarding notices and the agreement process can be found on the GOV.uk website:
‍https://www.gov.uk/party-walls-building-works

Head over to our ‘Get a Quote’ page and tell us about your project. One of our team members will reach out to you shortly with a free, no-obligation quote. Alternatively, you can visit our ‘Contact Us’ page for alternative ways to connect with our friendly team.

Whether you should consult a Structural Engineer or an Architect depends on the specific expertise you require and the nature of your project.

In general, a Structural Engineer focuses on analysing, designing and evaluating the structural aspects of a project, such as the foundations, floors, walls, beams and columns amongst other structural elements in compliance with the relevant building regulations. In the majority of cases, if a project involves modifications to the main fabric of an existing structure, such as wall removals or extensions, involvement from a structural engineer will be required. This rule also applies to any projects that involve the construction of a new structure, such as a new-build property.

In general, an Architect focuses on the aesthetic design and planning phase of a project, concerning the overall layout and appearance of a structure or building, the materials used and compliance with the requirements set out by Local Planning Authorities and compliance with the relevant building regulations.

In projects of a sufficient size, it’s common to involve both a Structural Engineer and an Architect. As a rule of thumb, an Architect serves as the initial point of contact at the start of a project but both parties will collaborate to ensure that the project meets the project design requirements.

If you would like to discuss the requirements of your project, or are unsure which professional to consult and when, you can always reach out to us and one of our friendly team members will be able to assist with any questions.

A Structural Engineer handles the elements that concern the structural integrity of a project. The calculations and detailed plans form part of a Structural Engineering package to ensure your project is compliant with Building Regulations Part A.

Our team have a wealth of experience in multiple areas of the industry from residential to commercial, new builds to refurbishments. No project is too small and all projects are treated with the same level of utmost care and due diligence. To find out more, visit our services page for further information on how we can assist you.

Our main operating area covers the South-East and London region, however our projects take us all over the UK.

Visit our Contact Us page, to speak to a friendly member of our team. Alternatively you can complete the enquiry form and one of our team members will contact you shortly.

Typically, we are able to schedule in visits 3-5 working days from confirmation of appointment. We would recommend getting in touch with our team to confirm current lead times, as these may be subject to change with availability.

We recognise the importance of prompt turnaround times for your project. Due to the varied nature of projects that we complete, some projects may require more time than others. Our team will be able to advise on project turnaround times once we gain a clear understanding of the project brief.