Allcott Associates
Based in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire · Covers England and Wales (12 offices) Accreditation stated by provider: RICS, IStructE/ICEOwn websiteUK-wide
03 · Existing buildings & works · Structural
Structural engineer’s report
A structural engineer checks that a design will stand up safely and produces the calculations building control needs, or inspects an existing building to assess movement, defects or the safety of a specific element.
DWGuide by Dan Wallis · Updated 4 October 2026
This guide covers the rules in England. See Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Who needs oneAnyone removing a load-bearing wall, building an extension, converting a loft, or buying a home with signs of movement
Who can do itA chartered or incorporated structural engineer, often with the IStructE or ICE
WhenDesign stage for calculations; as soon as possible if movement or defects are a concern
8 structural engineers listed across the UK
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National providers (3)
Alpine Property Surveys
Based in Multiple UK offices (incl. Birmingham) · Covers West Midlands and nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Integrated Designs & Associates
Based in Great Barr, Birmingham · Covers West Midlands and UK-wide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
The two main types of work
Before you build
Design calculations
Beam sizes, foundation design and structural drawings submitted to building control to show a new structure or opening is safe.
When there’s a concern
Inspection and report
A site visit to assess cracking, movement or an existing structure, often for a mortgage lender, insurer or ahead of buying a home.
What to have ready
- Architectural drawings showing the proposed layout and any walls being removed
- Access to any areas of concern, including lofts, cellars and external walls
- Any previous reports, subsidence claims or underpinning history for the property
In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
This guide describes the rules in England. Building regulations are devolved, so here is how structural engineer’s report works in the rest of the UK.
Wales
The same structural principles and British Standards apply; calculations are submitted to Welsh building control in the same way.
Scotland
Structural calculations support the building warrant application rather than a building control submission, but the engineering principles are the same.
Northern Ireland
Structural calculations are submitted as part of the building control application, following the same British Standards as the rest of the UK.
Common questions
Do I need one to remove a wall?
Yes, if it’s load-bearing. Building control needs calculations showing the replacement beam and supports are adequate.
Is this the same as a building survey?
No. A building survey (RICS Level 3) assesses a property’s overall condition; a structural engineer focuses specifically on the structure, often brought in when a building survey flags a concern.
How much do calculations cost?
It depends on the size and complexity of the structural work. Engineers set their own prices, so compare quotes.
Can my builder do their own calculations?
Building control needs calculations from a competent person, which in practice usually means a qualified structural engineer.
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