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 Kensington?
In Kensington, 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Floor and ceiling repairs
- Flush or downstand beam
- What sits above the wall
- Moving radiators, sockets and pipes
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 Kensington?
Before anything is built in Kensington, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Making good, plastering and flooring repairs
- Party wall notices where needed
- Steel beam supply and installation on padstones
- Structural engineer’s calculations and drawings
- Temporary propping
- Building control sign-off
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Kensington
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
From W8 outwards, we take on projects throughout Kensington and the surrounding parts of Greater London.
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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about structural alterations in Kensington
What fire protection does a steel need?
Usually fire-rated plasterboard or intumescent paint, as building control requires.
Do I need a party wall notice?
In England and Wales, if the beam sits in a party wall, yes.
Who approves a structural alteration in Kensington?
Planning matters in Kensington go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a structural alteration cost in Kensington?
In Kensington, 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.
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.