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 Corby?
In Corby, a structural alteration typically costs £4,250–£9,000 for a typical knock-through with steel beam, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the East Midlands run about 5% below the UK average, and the figures for Corby are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A typical knock-through with steel beam | £4,250–£9,000 |
| Higher specification | £9,000–£11,000 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Moving radiators, sockets and pipes
- Span of the opening
- Floor and ceiling repairs
- What sits above the wall
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 Corby?
The approval route for Corby is set by planning law 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
The work we manage on a structural alteration:
- Building control application
- Steel beam supply and installation on padstones
- Building control sign-off
- Party wall notices where needed
- Making good, plastering and flooring repairs
- Fire protection to the steel
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Corby
The East Midlands has a mix of red-brick terraces, inter-war semis and newer estates, so rear extensions and garage conversions are common projects.
From NN17 outwards, we take on projects throughout Corby and the surrounding parts of Northamptonshire.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about structural alterations in Corby
Do you build structural alterations in Corby?
Yes. We build structural alterations across Corby, including postcodes NN17. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Can the beam be hidden?
Often, by setting it within the ceiling depth. It depends on the joists and span.
How long does a knock-through take?
Usually 1 to 2 weeks on site, plus a few days for plastering to dry.
Do I need a party wall notice?
In England and Wales, if the beam sits in a party wall, yes.
How much does a structural alteration cost in Corby?
In Corby, a structural alteration typically costs £4,250–£9,000 for a typical knock-through with steel beam, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.