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 Hammersmith?
In Hammersmith, a structural alteration typically costs £5,750–£12,500 for a typical knock-through with steel beam, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for London, where labour and materials are typically about 30% above 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Moving radiators, sockets and pipes
- What sits above the wall
- Floor and ceiling repairs
- Span of the opening
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 Hammersmith?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most structural alterations:
- Making good, plastering and flooring repairs
- Party wall notices where needed
- Steel beam supply and installation on padstones
- Building control sign-off
- Building control application
- Temporary propping
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Hammersmith
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
From W6 outwards, we take on projects throughout Hammersmith and the surrounding parts of Greater London.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and 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 Hammersmith
Can the beam be hidden?
Often, by setting it within the ceiling depth. It depends on the joists and span.
How long does a structural alteration take in Hammersmith?
Typically 1 to 2 weeks on site for a typical knock-through. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
How much does a structural alteration cost in Hammersmith?
In Hammersmith, 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.
Do I need building regulations approval?
Yes. Removing a load-bearing wall is building work that needs approval, with calculations for the beam.
Do I need a party wall notice?
In England and Wales, if the beam sits in a party wall, yes.