Opening up a home is often the change that makes the biggest difference. Removing the wall between kitchen and dining room, widening an opening for bi-fold doors or taking out a chimney breast can completely change how a house feels.
When a wall is load-bearing, it has to be done properly. A structural engineer designs the steel beam and supports, Building Control approves and inspects the work, and we prop the house safely while the beam goes in. Structural work is at the heart of most extensions and kitchen renovations we build.
Removing a load-bearing wall
We start by confirming whether the wall is load-bearing and what it supports. The engineer then calculates the beam size, padstones and any posts. On the day, we install temporary props, remove the wall, fit the steel, pack it tight and inspect with Building Control before making good with plasterboard and skim.
Chimney breast removal
Removing a chimney breast frees up valuable space, but whatever is above must be supported. That usually means steel beams or gallows brackets, depending on what the engineer and Building Control will accept. If the chimney is shared with a neighbour, the Party Wall Act applies. Read party wall agreements explained.