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 Craigavon?
In Craigavon, a structural alteration typically costs £3,750–£8,250 for a typical knock-through with steel beam, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). The guide for Craigavon reflects typical costs in Northern Ireland, roughly 14% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A typical knock-through with steel beam | £3,750–£8,250 |
| Higher specification | £8,250–£10,500 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Agreements with neighbours on shared walls
- Span of the opening
- Moving radiators, sockets and pipes
- Flush or downstand beam
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a structural alteration in Craigavon?
Here is how the rules work for a structural alteration in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland removing a load-bearing wall needs building control approval from the council.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
Handled as part of most structural alterations:
- Structural engineer’s calculations and drawings
- Fire protection to the steel
- Steel beam supply and installation on padstones
- Making good, plastering and flooring repairs
- Building control sign-off
- Building control application
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 1 to 2 weeks on site for a typical knock-through. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Craigavon
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
We work across Craigavon and neighbouring areas such as Portadown, Banbridge and Armagh. Postcodes we cover in Craigavon include BT62, BT63, BT64 and BT65.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 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 Craigavon
How much does a structural alteration cost in Craigavon?
In Craigavon, a structural alteration typically costs £3,750–£8,250 for a typical knock-through with steel beam, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves a structural alteration in Craigavon?
Planning matters in Craigavon 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 long does a knock-through take?
Usually 1 to 2 weeks on site, plus a few days for plastering to dry.
Can the beam be hidden?
Often, by setting it within the ceiling depth. It depends on the joists and span.
Do I need planning permission for a structural alteration in Craigavon?
In Northern Ireland removing a load-bearing wall needs building control approval from the council.