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 Putney?
In Putney, a structural alteration typically costs £5,750–£12,500 for a typical knock-through with steel beam, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in London run about 30% above the UK average, and the figures for Putney are adjusted to reflect that. 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:
- Floor and ceiling repairs
- Flush or downstand beam
- Party wall involvement
- Moving radiators, sockets and pipes
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a structural alteration in Putney?
Approvals for a structural alteration in Putney 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Structural engineer’s calculations and drawings
- Party wall notices where needed
- Steel beam supply and installation on padstones
- Building control application
- Making good, plastering and flooring repairs
- Fire protection to the steel
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Putney
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
Projects in Putney (SW15) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about structural alterations in Putney
What fire protection does a steel need?
Usually fire-rated plasterboard or intumescent paint, as building control requires.
Do you build structural alterations in Putney?
Yes. We build structural alterations across Putney, including postcodes SW15. 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.
Do I need building regulations approval?
Yes. Removing a load-bearing wall is building work that needs approval, with calculations for the beam.
How much does a structural alteration cost in Putney?
In Putney, 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.