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 Rottingdean?
In Rottingdean, a structural alteration typically costs £5,000–£10,500 for a typical knock-through with steel beam, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). That range is adjusted for the South East, where domestic building work typically costs around 12% above the national average. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Flush or downstand beam
- Floor and ceiling repairs
- Span of the opening
- 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 Rottingdean?
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
What we take care of:
- Structural engineer’s calculations and drawings
- Building control application
- Building control sign-off
- Steel beam supply and installation on padstones
- Temporary propping
- Fire protection to the steel
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Rottingdean
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.
Our Rottingdean coverage includes postcode districts BN2 and BN51, and we also work in nearby places such as Peacehaven, Brighton and Hove.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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 handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about structural alterations in Rottingdean
What fire protection does a steel need?
Usually fire-rated plasterboard or intumescent paint, as building control requires.
How much does a structural alteration cost in Rottingdean?
In Rottingdean, 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.
Do you build structural alterations in Rottingdean?
Yes. We build structural alterations across Rottingdean, including postcodes BN2 and BN51. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How long does a knock-through take?
Usually 1 to 2 weeks on site, plus a few days for plastering to dry.
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.