Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Planning a loft conversion, home extension, new build, or refurbishment? Get in touch for a competitive quote on structural calculations tailored to your project. Our structural calculation packs ensure a smooth Building Control approval process, helping you save time and money.
We provide full structural plan packages, beam calculations for extensions and loft conversions, and comprehensive support for all aspects of your project. Contact us today to get started with your construction project.
General Structural Calculations
What are structural calculations and why are they needed?
Structural calculations ensure that your proposed construction is safe, stable, and compliant with UK Building Regulations. They determine the size and strength of beams, joists, and foundations.
When do I need structural calculations for my project?
You need them for any structural change – including loft conversions, extensions, wall removals, or chimney removals – that affects load-bearing elements.
Who can carry out structural calculations?
Only qualified structural engineers or calculations specialists should carry out these assessments. At Loft Designs, all calculations are engineer-checked and Building Control-ready.
Can I do my own structural calculations?
Unless you're a qualified structural engineer, it's not recommended. DIY calculations often fail Building Control checks and risk structural failure.
How long does it take to get structural calculations?
Most projects are turned around in 3–5 working days once we’ve received all required drawings and information.
Loft Conversions
Do I need structural calculations for a loft conversion?
Yes. Loft conversions involve changes to floor joists, roofs, and often require steel beams – all of which need engineering calculations.
What structural elements are considered in a loft conversion?
We assess existing floor and roof structures, new load paths, steel beam sizes, dormer supports, and any openings for staircases.
Will I need steel beams for my loft conversion
In most cases, yes. Steel beams are commonly required to support new floors and to span across existing walls.
What is the minimum headroom needed for a habitable loft?
UK Building Regulations generally require a minimum ceiling height of 2.2 metres for habitable loft spaces.
Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?
Often no. Many loft conversions fall under permitted development rights – but Building Regulations approval is always required.
Home Extensions
Do I need structural calculations for a home extension?
Yes. Any extension that affects load-bearing walls, foundations, or roofs requires structural calculations for compliance.
What’s included in extension structural calculations?
We calculate beam sizes, foundation depths, lintels for openings, roof loads, and any structural modifications required.
Can you design for open-plan living spaces?
Absolutely. We regularly design structural solutions that allow for large open-plan layouts, including long-span steel beams.
Do I need calculations for new foundations?
Yes. If your extension adds new loads, we calculate appropriate foundation types and sizes to ensure stability.
Can you work with my architect or builder?
Yes. We collaborate with architects, builders and surveyors to ensure a smooth design and build process.
Internal Alterations & Wall Removals
Do I need structural calculations to remove a wall?
If it’s load-bearing, yes. We design replacement beams and supports to redistribute the loads safely.
How can I tell if a wall is load-bearing?
We can help assess this via drawings or site information. Load-bearing walls typically support floors or roofs above.
Do I need calculations to remove a chimney breast?
Yes. Chimney breasts are often structural and require beams or gallows brackets to maintain stability.
Can I make a new opening in a wall without structural calculations?
Not if it’s structural. Openings in load-bearing walls must be supported with correctly sized beams or lintels.
Will Building Control ask for structural calculations?
Yes. They’ll want calculations and drawings to approve any structural changes during your project.
Planning, Compliance & Location-Specific FAQs
Do you work with Building Control officers?
Yes. We prepare calculations ready for Building Control submission and liaise with them if any clarifications are needed.
What’s the difference between planning permission and Building Regulations approval?
Planning permission deals with how a development looks and fits its surroundings. Building Regulations deal with safety and structure.
Which areas do you cover?
We work across the UK, with a strong presence in London, East Anglia, and surrounding regions. Remote services are available nationwide.
Can you help if I’ve already started building?
Yes. We can assess ongoing work and provide retrospective calculations, though it’s always best to start with approved designs.
How much do structural calculations cost?
Prices typically range from £150 to £600 depending on project complexity. We provide fixed quotes based on drawings and scope.
Structural Calculations for Loft Conversions, Extensions & New Builds
Loft Conversion Structural Calculations
Our loft conversion structural calculation packages include everything needed for Building Control approval, material ordering, and builder reference. Simply provide architectural plans or a measured survey, and we’ll handle the rest.
Our calculation pack includes:
-
Steel beam calculations for loft extensions and roof support, including padstone/bearing plates, splice calculations, and fabrication details
-
Floor joist calculations, including trimming joists
-
Rafter and roof modification calculations
Structural Calculations for Home Extensions
A home extension is a great way to add space—whether it’s a larger kitchen, additional bedrooms, or an open-plan living area. Our team provides precise structural calculations for extensions, ensuring compliance with Building Control regulations.
We offer:
-
Steel beam calculations for single and double-storey extensions
-
Load-bearing wall assessments and modifications
-
Foundation and floor structure calculations
%20(39).png)
New Build Structural Calculation Packages
For new build dwellings, we offer comprehensive structural calculation packs to support your Building Control approval. All we need is your architectural plans and Phase 2 site investigation report.
Our full new build calculation packages include:
-
Foundation calculations
-
Masonry or timber-framed wall calculations
-
Floor calculations
-
Roof calculations
We deliver reliable solutions for residential loft conversions, attic conversions, home extensions, and internal alterations
Structural Calculations Suitable for Part A Building Regulation Submissions
%20(33).png)
40+
Backed by over 40 years of structural engineering experience
50+
Team members enabling engineering across the UK
1000+
Residential, commercial & industrial projects nationwide
1
quick and easy online structural calculations service
What Our Clients Say
A Fair Price
Always helpful, punctual delivery of designs & at a fair price. A pleasure to be associated with Loft Designs.
Brooks Building Plans
Helpful and Efficient
Loft Designs have been working on my projects for over 8 years, they are extremely helpful and efficient in finding cost effective structural solutions to my architectural projects.
Tony Angeletta Architect
Cannot Fault their Service
I have worked with Loft Designs for a couple of years now and cannot fault their service. They are always happy to help and I look forward to working with them going forward.
Steven C.
This is a very reliable & professional…
This is a very reliable & professional company with excellent service and very prompt in providing assistance !
L.Bin
Loft Designs A+
I have used Loft Designs on many projects and on each time they have delivered both in quality and costs. They always happy to help with any queries. I would highly recommend.
Bobyas
Professional & Knowledgeable
I couldn't be more happy with the service received from Loft Designs. From start to finish, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail.
Mr. J. Snitzer
Practical, Cost-Effective
Finding a structural engineer who truly understands the needs of our community isn’t easy, but Loft Designs does exactly that. Their experience with local properties and commitment to delivering practical, cost-effective solutions makes them the go-to choice for structural design.
S. Oppenheimer
Smooth & Stress-free
After researching several companies for our loft conversion project, we decided to go with Loft Designs, and we're so glad we did. Their expertise in structural engineering and their solutions made the entire process smooth and stress-free.
M.Reece
Incredibly Easy
Loft Designs made the experience of a loft conversion less stressful. They provided a design which ensured it was structurally sound and compliant with all regulations.
T.Syed
Frequently Asked Questions
Loft Designs is an online service, offering structural calculations for loft conversions across the UK.
*Prices are for guidance only. Final cost depends on the scope of work, site size, and location.