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 Larne?
In Larne, a structural alteration typically costs £3,750–£8,250 for a typical knock-through with steel beam, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Prices across Northern Ireland are typically 14% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Larne. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Flush or downstand beam
- Moving radiators, sockets and pipes
- Span of the opening
- Floor and ceiling repairs
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 Larne?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland removing a load-bearing wall needs building control approval from the council.
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls relies on agreement with the neighbour and common law, so we agree the arrangements in writing 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
On a typical structural alteration we handle:
- Fire protection to the steel
- Steel beam supply and installation on padstones
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
- Building control sign-off
- Structural engineer’s calculations and drawings
- Making good, plastering and flooring repairs
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 Larne
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
If your home is in Larne or close by in Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey and Bangor, a free home visit is the first step.
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 Larne
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 planning permission for a structural alteration in Larne?
In Northern Ireland removing a load-bearing wall needs building control approval from the council.
How much does a structural alteration cost in Larne?
In Larne, 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.
Can the beam be hidden?
Often, by setting it within the ceiling depth. It depends on the joists and span.
Do you build structural alterations in Larne?
Yes. We build structural alterations across Larne, including postcodes BT40. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.