What is a structural alteration?
A structural alteration changes how a house carries its loads, most often by removing a load-bearing wall and replacing it with a steel beam. It is how kitchens and dining rooms become open-plan, and how extensions are joined to the original house.
How much does a structural alteration cost in Bermondsey?
In Bermondsey, a structural alteration typically costs £5,750–£12,500 for a typical knock-through with steel beam, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). That range is adjusted for London, where domestic building work typically costs around 30% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A typical knock-through with steel beam | £5,750–£12,500 |
| Higher specification | £12,500–£15,500 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- What sits above the wall
- Moving radiators, sockets and pipes
- Span of the opening
- Flush or downstand beam
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a structural alteration in Bermondsey?
Here is how the rules work for a structural alteration in England. In England removing a load-bearing wall does not need planning permission but does need building regulations approval with an engineer’s calculations. If the beam bears on a party wall, a party wall notice must be served.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
On a typical structural alteration we handle:
- Steel beam supply and installation on padstones
- Fire protection to the steel
- Building control application
- Making good, plastering and flooring repairs
- Party wall notices where needed
- Structural engineer’s calculations and drawings
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 1 to 2 weeks on site for a typical knock-through. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Bermondsey
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
Our Bermondsey coverage includes postcode districts SE1 and SE16, and we also work in nearby places such as Peckham, Westminster and Greenwich.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about structural alterations in Bermondsey
Do I need a party wall notice?
In England and Wales, if the beam sits in a party wall, yes.
What fire protection does a steel need?
Usually fire-rated plasterboard or intumescent paint, as building control requires.
Who approves a structural alteration in Bermondsey?
Planning matters in Bermondsey go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
Only a survey can confirm it. Walls that carry floor joists, roof loads or walls above are load-bearing. We check on site and the engineer confirms.
How much does a structural alteration cost in Bermondsey?
In Bermondsey, a structural alteration typically costs £5,750–£12,500 for a typical knock-through with steel beam, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.