Structural design and calculations

Structural design and calculations are used to demonstrate that proposed building works are safe, stable, and suitable for their intended loads. They are commonly required where works affect load-bearing elements, such as removing internal walls, forming new openings, constructing extensions, altering roofs, or converting loft spaces.

At ELR Building Surveying & Consultancy Ltd, we provide clear, practical structural design and calculation services for both residential and commercial projects. Our calculations help determine the appropriate size, strength, and specification of structural elements such as steel beams, columns, lintels, padstones, roof supports, and foundations.

By assessing how loads are transferred through the building, we prepare suitable designs that support the proposed works and can be submitted to Building Control as part of the approval process. Our approach combines technical knowledge, practical site understanding, and clear communication, helping homeowners, contractors, and property professionals move forward with confidence.

You may need structural calculations if you are planning works such as:

  • Removing a load-bearing wall 
  • Creating a new opening in an external or internal wall 
  • Installing steel beams, lintels, posts, or padstones 
  • Installing bi-fold doors or large glazed openings 
  • Building an extension 
  • Carrying out a loft conversion 
  • Altering a roof structure 
  • Removing chimney breasts or chimney stacks 
  • Undertaking structural alterations during refurbishment 
  • Converting or adapting a commercial property 
  • Carrying out a change of use or commercial fit-out 
  • Altering roof or floor structures within a commercial premises 
  • Designing structural supports for new layouts or openings 
  • Supporting a Building Control application 

Structural calculations are commonly required by Building Control to demonstrate that proposed structural works have been properly designed and are suitable for the intended loads.

What Our Structural Design Service Includes

We can visit the property to inspect the existing structure, review the proposed works, and identify any visible constraints that may affect the design.

During the assessment, we consider the existing construction, relevant load paths, supporting elements, bearing points, and any visible issues that may influence the proposed structural solution.

This helps ensure the design is practical, buildable, and appropriate for the property.

Following the assessment, we prepare the necessary structural design and calculations for the proposed works.

This includes assessing how loads are transferred through the building to ensure the proposed structure is safe, stable, and suitable for its intended use. We consider permanent loads, such as the weight of the structure itself, as well as variable loads such as people, furniture, snow, wind, or imposed floor loads.

Where required, we use specialist structural design software to model and check structural elements, helping ensure the proposed design is accurate, efficient, and suitable for the building.

This analysis allows us to design appropriate structural elements such as beams, lintels, posts, padstones, roof supports, foundations, and connection details, with calculations prepared in a clear format suitable for Building Control review.

Our structural design work can include:

  • Steel beams and RSJs 
  • Timber beams 
  • Lintels and structural openings 
  • Posts and columns 
  • Padstones and bearing details 
  • Foundations and support requirements 
  • Roof supports and roof alterations 
  • Floor strengthening or support details 
  • Structural connections and member details 
  • Structural repairs or strengthening works 

The design will specify appropriate materials, sizes, and support details to help ensure the proposed structure can safely carry the required loads.

Following the design stage, we provide clear structural calculations and supporting design information suitable for submission to Building Control.

This can include:

  • Detailed structural calculations
  • Marked-up sketches or drawings
  • Beam, lintel, post, or padstone details
  • Connection or bearing requirements
  • Notes for contractors and Building Control officers
  • Supporting information for Building Regulations approval

Where required, we can also liaise with Building Control, contractors, or other professionals to help clarify the design and support the approval process.

What Our Structural Design Service Includes

We can visit the property to inspect the existing structure, review the proposed works, and identify any visible constraints that may affect the design.

During the assessment, we consider the existing construction, relevant load paths, supporting elements, bearing points, and any visible issues that may influence the proposed structural solution.

This helps ensure the design is practical, buildable, and appropriate for the property.

Following the assessment, we prepare the necessary structural design and calculations for the proposed works.

This includes assessing how loads are transferred through the building to ensure the proposed structure is safe, stable, and suitable for its intended use. We consider permanent loads, such as the weight of the structure itself, as well as variable loads such as people, furniture, snow, wind, or imposed floor loads.

Where required, we use specialist structural design software to model and check structural elements, helping ensure the proposed design is accurate, efficient, and suitable for the building.

This analysis allows us to design appropriate structural elements such as beams, lintels, posts, padstones, roof supports, foundations, and connection details, with calculations prepared in a clear format suitable for Building Control review.

Our structural design work can include:

  • Steel beams and RSJs 
  • Timber beams 
  • Lintels and structural openings 
  • Posts and columns 
  • Padstones and bearing details 
  • Foundations and support requirements 
  • Roof supports and roof alterations 
  • Floor strengthening or support details 
  • Structural connections and member details 
  • Structural repairs or strengthening works 

The design will specify appropriate materials, sizes, and support details to help ensure the proposed structure can safely carry the required loads.

Following the design stage, we provide clear structural calculations and supporting design information suitable for submission to Building Control.

This can include:

  • Detailed structural calculations
  • Marked-up sketches or drawings
  • Beam, lintel, post, or padstone details
  • Connection or bearing requirements
  • Notes for contractors and Building Control officers
  • Supporting information for Building Regulations approval

Where required, we can also liaise with Building Control, contractors, or other professionals to help clarify the design and support the approval process.

Why Choose ELR for Structural Design & Calculations?

At ELR Building Surveying & Consultancy Ltd, we provide structural design and calculation services with a practical, professional, and client-focused approach. As Chartered Building Engineers and members of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers, we combine technical design knowledge with real-world understanding of how buildings are constructed, altered, and maintained.

With almost a decade of experience in Building Control, we understand what Building Control bodies require and how to prepare clear, practical design information to support the approval process. This gives us a strong technical foundation for producing designs that are suitable, buildable, and clearly communicated.

Our approach is straightforward and evidence-based. We assess the existing structure, consider the proposed works, analyse the loads, and provide clear calculations and design information to help your project progress smoothly.

Above all, our aim is to help you make informed decisions, protect your investment, and build with confidence.

Book a consultation

Frequently asked questions on Structural Design

Yes, structural calculations are often required as part of a Building Control submission where the proposed works affect the structure of a property.

They help demonstrate how the proposed works will be supported and allow Building Control to assess whether the design is structurally suitable and in line with Building Regulations.

Structural calculations are commonly required for works such as removing load-bearing walls, installing steel beams, forming large openings, constructing extensions, loft conversions, roof alterations, and other structural changes.

If your project involves structural alterations, you will usually need Building Regulations approval.

This commonly applies to extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, removal of load-bearing walls, new structural openings, and significant alterations to the existing building.

Building Regulations approval should ideally be obtained before works begin, helping ensure the proposed design is suitable and reducing the risk of costly issues later.

Planning Permission considers whether the proposed development is acceptable in planning terms, including appearance, size, use, impact on neighbouring properties, and local planning policy.

Building Regulations approval focuses on how the works are designed and constructed. This includes structural safety, fire safety, drainage, insulation, ventilation, accessibility, and other minimum construction standards.

Some projects may require both Planning Permission and Building Regulations approval.

A Full Plans application involves submitting drawings, specifications, and structural calculations to Building Control before work starts.

This allows Building Control to review the proposed design in advance.

This route is often preferred where structural alterations are involved, as it gives greater certainty before works begin.

A Building Notice is a simpler and quicker form of Building Control application, often used for smaller domestic works.

Unlike a Full Plans application, detailed approval is not usually provided before work starts.

For structural works, it is still important to have suitable structural calculations prepared before construction begins.

Building Regulations are legal requirements that set minimum standards for design and construction.

They help ensure building works are structurally safe, energy efficient, accessible, and suitable for use.

Works completed without approval can cause issues during sales, remortgaging, or compliance checks.

Building Regulations approval is provided by Building Control.

This may be through a Local Authority Building Control department or an approved building control provider.

Building Control reviews submissions and carries out inspections during works.

  • Load paths through the building
  • Dead and imposed load calculations
  • Beam, lintel, post or column design
  • Padstone and bearing details
  • Roof and floor assessments
  • Connection details
  • Relevant design standards
  • Supporting sketches

The aim is to demonstrate how the structure is safely supported.

Yes. We prepare structural calculations suitable for submission to Building Control.

We can also assist with submissions, site visits, liaison with officers and technical responses.

Yes. Once works are complete Building Control should issue a Completion Certificate.

This is important when selling or remortgaging the property.

Some projects require Planning Permission, Building Regulations approval, or both.

Listed buildings and conservation areas may require additional consents.

Read Our Recent Reviews

Structural design and calculations