Load-bearing openings
Creating a wider opening between rooms may involve altering or removing a load-bearing wall. The agreed construction should follow the structural information supplied for that opening.
Opening up and reconfiguring your home.
Structural alterations can change how a property flows, allowing existing rooms to become larger, brighter and more practical.
LGK Construction carries out load-bearing openings, RSJ and steelwork installation, chimney alterations and roof changes across Warwickshire, working from the structural-engineer information supplied for the project.
LGK’s role is to carry out the construction. Structural engineering design should be provided by the relevant professional team, and the work is then completed to the agreed design and project requirements.
What counts as a structural alteration?
RSJs and steelwork
Steel beams, posts and bearing details may form part of the support required. Access, temporary support, installation and making good all need to be considered within the agreed scope.
Chimney and roof alterations
Structural work may also include chimney alterations, roof raising or changes to the existing roof structure where suitable professional information has been prepared.
Build from agreed engineering information.
Structural work should be based on clear drawings, calculations and details prepared by the relevant structural engineer. LGK reviews the information provided for construction and identifies any practical points that need to be clarified before the associated work proceeds.
Structural design, calculations, temporary-support information, inspections and approval requirements depend on the individual alteration. The relevant structural engineer, Building Control body or other professional should confirm what is required before the associated work proceeds.
Plan temporary support and the work sequence.
The order of work matters when an existing part of the property is being altered. Temporary support, access, removal work, steel installation and inspection stages need to be considered in relation to the supplied information and the conditions found on site.
Make good around the finished alteration.
The construction scope can include making good around the completed structural work so the new opening or support is integrated with the surrounding room. The extent of plastering, carpentry, flooring or decorating should be agreed for the individual project.
Where structural work fits within a wider project.
A structural alteration often forms one part of a larger extension or renovation. It may also be carried out as a focused item of general building work where the engineer-led information and required scope are already clear.
Related services include an extension project, a wider renovation or focused general building work. Read more about how LGK coordinates the work.
What to prepare for a structural-alteration enquiry.
Share the information currently available. An early enquiry can begin with photographs and the proposed outcome, although engineering and approval information may be required before the construction scope is confirmed.
- Property location
- Photographs of the relevant rooms or structure
- Proposed opening or alteration
- Structural drawings or calculations already prepared
- Relevant Building Control or approval information
- Access and occupation considerations
- Making-good and finish requirements
- Preferred timescale
Related projects
Useful questions
Do I need structural-engineer information before contacting LGK?
No. An initial discussion can begin with photographs and an explanation of the proposed change. Where engineering information is required, it must be available before the structural construction scope is finalised and the relevant work proceeds.
Who designs the steelwork or structural support?
The structural engineer or relevant professional team should provide the design, calculations and required details. LGK’s role is to carry out the agreed construction using the supplied project information.
How is temporary support dealt with?
Temporary support and the sequence of work depend on the existing structure, the alteration and the supplied professional information. Additional temporary-works details may be required for the individual project.
What making good can be included?
The agreed scope may include plastering, carpentry, flooring repairs or other finishing work around the completed alteration. The exact extent should be agreed before work begins.
Can structural alterations form part of an extension or renovation?
Yes. Load-bearing openings and steelwork often connect with extension or renovation work where those items form part of one agreed construction scope.
Building work in your area
LGK works across Warwickshire and surrounding areas. Explore the services and relevant project examples for your location, then share the property details when you enquire.