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 East Sussex?
In East Sussex, a structural alteration typically costs £5,000–£10,500 for a typical knock-through with steel beam, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Prices across the South East are typically 12% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for East Sussex. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| A typical knock-through with steel beam | £5,000–£10,500 |
| Higher specification | £10,500–£13,000 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Span of the opening
- What sits above the wall
- Floor and ceiling repairs
- Party wall involvement
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a structural alteration in East Sussex?
Approvals for a structural alteration in East Sussex follow the rules for 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
- Building control sign-off
- Making good, plastering and flooring repairs
- Steel beam supply and installation on padstones
- Temporary propping
- Party wall notices where needed
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 1 to 2 weeks on site for a typical knock-through. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in East Sussex
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
Towns we cover in East Sussex include Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, Hove, Bexhill-on-Sea and Hailsham.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about structural alterations in East Sussex
Do I need building regulations approval?
Yes. Removing a load-bearing wall is building work that needs approval, with calculations for the beam.
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 East Sussex?
In East Sussex, a structural alteration typically costs £5,000–£10,500 for a typical knock-through with steel beam, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
What fire protection does a steel need?
Usually fire-rated plasterboard or intumescent paint, as building control requires.
How long does a structural alteration take in East Sussex?
Typically 1 to 2 weeks on site for a typical knock-through. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.