Question 1

What is a Chartered Engineer?

Accepted Answer

A Chartered Engineer (CEng) is a professionally registered engineer who has met the competence standards of a licensed institution and the Engineering Council. PV Consulting's engineer is a Chartered Engineer registered through the Institution of Civil Engineers (CEng MICE), with over 30 years of experience in structural, civil and temporary works engineering.

Question 2

What is the difference between a structural engineer and a civil engineer?

Accepted Answer

Structural engineers focus on the design and analysis of buildings and structures to ensure they are safe and stable. Civil engineers work on a broader range of infrastructure including roads, bridges, drainage and earthworks. At PV Consulting we provide both structural and civil engineering services.

Question 3

How much does a structural engineer cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Structural engineering fees vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. A simple beam design for a wall removal may cost a few hundred pounds, while a full structural package for a loft conversion or extension typically starts from around £500 to £1500. Contact us for a free quote tailored to your project.

Question 4

How long does a structural engineering report take?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround times depend on the complexity of the project. For straightforward residential projects we typically deliver reports and calculations within 3 to 5 working days. For larger or more complex projects we will agree a programme with you at the outset.

Question 5

Do I need a structural engineer for a loft conversion?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A loft conversion almost always requires structural engineering input including design of new floor joists, steel beams, structural calculations and building regulations drawings. Without these you cannot obtain building regulations approval.

Question 6

Do I need a structural engineer to remove a load bearing wall?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Removing a load bearing wall requires a structural engineer to design the steel beam that will replace it, calculate the required padstones and foundations, and produce calculations for building control approval.

Question 7

How do I know if a wall is load bearing?

Accepted Answer

A structural engineer can assess whether a wall is load bearing during a site visit or by reviewing the building drawings. Generally walls running perpendicular to floor joists and walls on multiple floors in the same position are more likely to be load bearing, but a professional assessment is always recommended.

Question 8

Can PV Consulting work on projects outside London?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While we are based in North Harrow, London, we work on projects across the Home Counties, Birmingham and nationwide across the UK. We also have experience working on projects in Europe.

Question 9

Are you registered with a professional body?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PV Consulting Ltd is registered in England and Wales, company number 08294917, and is professional indemnity insured. Our engineer is a Chartered Engineer registered through the Institution of Civil Engineers (CEng MICE), and all work is carried out to the relevant British Standards and Eurocodes.

Question 10

What qualifications do your engineers hold?

Accepted Answer

Our engineers hold chartered status with over 30 years of experience in structural and civil engineering. We are fully qualified to design and certify structural and temporary works across all sectors including residential, commercial and infrastructure.

Question 11

Do I need a structural engineer for a house extension?

Accepted Answer

Yes in most cases. A house extension will require structural calculations and drawings for building regulations approval, including foundation design, structural floor and roof elements and any steel beams required.

Question 12

What structural work is involved in a loft conversion?

Accepted Answer

A loft conversion typically requires design of new floor joists to support the new floor loading, steel beam design where walls below are removed or altered, structural calculations for the new roof structure, and building regulations drawings for submission to building control.

Question 13

How much does it cost to remove a load bearing wall?

Accepted Answer

The structural engineering fees for a load bearing wall removal typically start from around £300 to £600 depending on complexity. This covers the steel beam design, padstone calculations, structural calculations and building regulations drawings.

Question 14

What is an RSJ beam and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

RSJ stands for Rolled Steel Joist. It is a type of steel beam commonly used to span openings created by removing load bearing walls or forming new openings. You need an RSJ whenever you remove a load bearing wall or create a large opening in a structural element.

Question 15

Do I need building regulations approval for a steel beam?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any structural alteration including the installation of a steel beam requires building regulations approval. Your structural engineer will produce the calculations and drawings required for your building control submission.

Question 16

What is underpinning and when is it needed?

Accepted Answer

Underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilizing the foundations of an existing building. It is typically needed when foundations are failing due to subsidence, when a basement is being excavated beneath an existing structure, or when additional loads are being placed on existing foundations.

Question 17

How long does a basement conversion take structurally?

Accepted Answer

The structural engineering design phase for a basement conversion typically takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on complexity. The construction phase varies significantly depending on the size of the basement, ground conditions and the underpinning method used.

Question 18

What is a party wall agreement and do I need a structural engineer?

Accepted Answer

A party wall agreement is a legal document required when you carry out certain building works that affect a shared wall or boundary with a neighbour. A structural engineer is often required to produce method statements and structural drawings to support the party wall process.

Question 19

Do I need a structural engineer for a chimney removal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Removing a chimney breast or chimney stack is a structural alteration that requires a structural engineer to design the steel support required, produce structural calculations and provide building regulations drawings.

Question 20

What is a pre-purchase structural survey?

Accepted Answer

A pre-purchase structural survey is an assessment of the structural condition of a property carried out before you buy it. Our chartered engineers identify structural defects, assess their severity and provide clear recommendations and estimated remedial costs to help you make an informed decision.

Question 21

What is temporary works design?

Accepted Answer

Temporary works design is the engineering of structures used during construction that are not part of the permanent finished building. Examples include propping, shoring, falsework, formwork, excavation support and scaffolding. All temporary works must be designed by a competent engineer and managed in accordance with BS 5975.

Question 22

What is a temporary works coordinator?

Accepted Answer

A temporary works coordinator is the person appointed on a construction project to manage the temporary works process from design through to removal. They are responsible for ensuring designs are produced, checked, approved and implemented safely in accordance with BS 5975.

Question 23

What is BS 5975 and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

BS 5975 is the British Standard Code of Practice for Temporary Works Procedures and the Permissible Stress Design of Falsework. It sets out the responsibilities, processes and technical requirements for managing temporary works on construction projects in the UK. Compliance is expected by principal contractors, clients and the Health and Safety Executive.

Question 24

What is the difference between falsework and formwork?

Accepted Answer

Formwork is the mould into which concrete is poured to achieve the desired shape. Falsework is the temporary structure that supports the formwork and the wet concrete until it has gained sufficient strength to be self-supporting. Both must be structurally designed and managed carefully.

Question 25

When do you need a propping design?

Accepted Answer

A propping design is needed whenever temporary props are used to support an existing structure during construction. This includes situations where load bearing walls or floors are being altered, removed or replaced, and where adjacent structures need to be supported during excavation or demolition.

Question 26

What is a method statement in construction?

Accepted Answer

A method statement is a document that describes in detail how a specific construction operation will be carried out safely. For temporary works and structural alterations, a method statement is typically required by the principal contractor and building control as part of the approval process.

Question 27

Who is responsible for temporary works on a construction site?

Accepted Answer

Under BS 5975 the principal contractor has overall responsibility for temporary works on site. They must appoint a temporary works coordinator and ensure that all temporary works are designed, checked, approved and implemented safely. The temporary works designer is responsible for producing safe and compliant designs.

Question 28

Do temporary works need to be designed by a structural engineer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All temporary works must be designed by a competent person with the appropriate engineering knowledge and experience. For anything beyond the most straightforward situations this means a qualified structural engineer. The design must also be independently checked before implementation.

Question 29

What is shoring and when is it used?

Accepted Answer

Shoring is a temporary support system used to stabilize existing structures during construction. It is used when carrying out structural alterations to existing buildings, during demolition works, and to support adjacent structures during excavation. Shoring must be structurally designed and managed in accordance with BS 5975.

Question 30

What is excavation support and when is it needed?

Accepted Answer

Excavation support is a temporary works system used to prevent the collapse of the sides of an excavation. It is needed for deep excavations, excavations in poor ground conditions, excavations adjacent to existing structures, and basement construction. Common methods include trench boxes, sheet piling and contiguous piled walls.

Question 31

Can PV Consulting work directly with main contractors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work directly with main contractors and specialist subcontractors across the UK providing structural engineering and temporary works design support on commercial, residential and infrastructure projects of all sizes.

Question 32

What structural engineering support can you provide during construction?

Accepted Answer

We provide construction stage inspections, site engineering advice, temporary works design and coordination, engineering sign off, method statement review and production, and ongoing technical support throughout the construction programme.

Question 33

What is a permanent works design?

Accepted Answer

Permanent works design is the structural engineering of the elements that will form part of the finished structure. This includes foundations, frames, floors, walls and roofs. Unlike temporary works, permanent works remain in place for the life of the building.

Question 34

What is CDM 2015 and how does it affect structural engineering?

Accepted Answer

CDM 2015 is the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015. It places legal duties on clients, designers and contractors to manage health and safety risks throughout a construction project. Structural engineers have specific duties as designers to identify and eliminate structural risks at the design stage.

Question 35

What is the role of a principal designer under CDM?

Accepted Answer

The principal designer is responsible for coordinating health and safety during the pre-construction phase of a project. They must ensure that designers, including structural engineers, fulfil their CDM duties and that structural risks are identified, communicated and managed throughout the design process.

Question 36

What is value engineering in structural design?

Accepted Answer

Value engineering is the process of reviewing a structural design to identify opportunities to reduce cost or improve buildability without compromising safety or performance. Our engineers regularly provide value engineering advice to help contractors and developers reduce construction costs.

Question 37

Can you provide structural engineering for design and build contracts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly work on design and build contracts providing integrated structural engineering services directly to contractors. We are experienced in fast-track design and build programmes and understand the commercial pressures of this procurement route.

Question 38

What is a construction stage inspection?

Accepted Answer

A construction stage inspection is a visit to site by a chartered engineer to verify that structural works are being carried out in accordance with the approved designs and calculations. Inspections are often required by building control and can be arranged at key stages throughout the construction programme.

Question 39

Can you provide contract structural engineering on a retainer basis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer flexible contract structural engineering arrangements for contractors and consultancies who require ongoing engineering support. This can be on a project by project basis or as a longer term retainer arrangement depending on your requirements.

Question 40

What is a structural peer review and when is it needed?

Accepted Answer

A structural peer review is an independent check of a structural design carried out by a separate engineer. It is used to verify the accuracy and safety of a design, and is often required on complex projects, for building control approval, or as a condition of a contract or insurance policy.

Question 41

What is a structural survey and what does it cover?

Accepted Answer

A structural survey is an assessment of the structural condition of a building carried out by a Chartered Engineer. It covers the foundations, walls, floors, roof structure and any visible structural elements, identifying defects, assessing their severity and providing recommendations for remedial works.

Question 42

What is the difference between a structural survey and a building survey?

Accepted Answer

A structural survey focuses specifically on the structural elements of a building and is carried out by a Chartered Engineer. A building survey is a broader assessment of the overall condition of a property and is typically carried out by a chartered surveyor. For concerns about structural integrity, a structural survey is more appropriate.

Question 43

What is a dilapidations survey?

Accepted Answer

A dilapidations survey is an assessment of the condition of a property at the end of a lease, identifying repairs and reinstatement works required under the terms of the lease. Structural engineers are often involved where the dilapidations include structural defects or where structural works have been carried out during the tenancy.

Question 44

What causes subsidence and how is it investigated?

Accepted Answer

Subsidence is the downward movement of the ground beneath a building, which can cause cracking and structural damage. Common causes include clay shrinkage during dry weather, tree root activity, leaking drains and inadequate foundations. Our engineers investigate subsidence through site visits, monitoring and ground investigation to identify the cause and recommend appropriate remedial solutions.

Question 45

What do cracks in walls mean structurally?

Accepted Answer

Cracks in walls can indicate a range of issues from minor thermal movement to serious structural problems. The significance of a crack depends on its width, length, pattern and location. A Chartered Engineer can assess cracks and determine whether they require monitoring, repair or more significant structural intervention.

Question 46

What is technical due diligence for property?

Accepted Answer

Technical due diligence is a structural and civil engineering assessment of a property or development carried out as part of an acquisition or investment process. It identifies structural risks, defects, liabilities and potential remedial costs to help investors and developers make informed decisions.

Question 47

What is a structural assessment for change of use?

Accepted Answer

A structural assessment for change of use evaluates whether an existing building's structure is adequate for its proposed new use. Different uses impose different loads and requirements, and a structural assessment will identify whether strengthening or modification works are required.

Question 48

Can you provide an expert witness report for legal proceedings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our chartered engineers can provide independent expert witness reports on structural engineering matters for use in legal disputes, insurance claims and court proceedings. We provide clear, impartial technical opinions supported by evidence and delivered in accordance with the relevant court protocols.

Question 49

What is a feasibility study in construction?

Accepted Answer

A feasibility study assesses the structural and engineering viability of a proposed development or alteration at an early stage. It identifies potential risks, constraints and costs to help clients and developers decide whether to proceed with a project and how to approach it.

Question 50

What is a building regulations structural engineer?

Accepted Answer

A building regulations structural engineer is a chartered engineer who produces the structural calculations and drawings required to obtain building regulations approval for construction works. Building control bodies require structural engineering documentation for most structural alterations, extensions and new builds.

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