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Structural engineering can feel unfamiliar territory, especially if you've never needed it before. Below are answers to the questions we get asked most often. If you can't find what you're looking for, just get in touch and Nicole will be happy to help.
Structural Engineering FAQs covering Guildford, Surrey and Sussex
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A structural engineer designs, analyses and assesses the structural elements of a building, including foundations, walls, beams, columns and floors. They ensure that a structure is safe, stable and capable of carrying the loads placed on it, and they produce the calculations and drawings needed for planning and building control approval. NSB Structures provides structural engineering services across Guildford, Surrey, Kent and the wider Home Counties.
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You'll typically need a structural engineer when you're making changes that affect the structure of a building. Common situations include removing or altering a load-bearing wall, building an extension or loft conversion, installing a steel beam or RSJ, carrying out a structural survey on a property you're buying, or undertaking any significant renovation or new build project.
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An architect designs the look, layout and function of a building. A structural engineer ensures it will stand up safely. On most projects they work closely together, with the architect leading the design and the structural engineer providing the technical calculations and drawings that make that design buildable and compliant.
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If your project involves any structural changes, such as removing walls, installing beams, building an extension or carrying out foundation work, you'll need a structural engineer to produce calculations and drawings before your builder can carry out the work. Your builder will often be able to tell you whether structural engineering input is required.
FAQs about extensions and loft conversions
Do I need a structural engineer for a single storey extension in Surrey?
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In most cases, yes. A single storey extension typically involves new foundations, structural walls and a roof, all of which require structural calculations and drawings for building control approval. NSB Structures provides the full structural engineering package for extensions across Guildford, Surrey and the Home Counties.
Do I need a structural engineer for a loft conversion in Surrey?
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Yes. A loft conversion involves structural alterations to your roof structure and often to the floors below, all of which require structural engineering input and building control approval. NSB Structures provides loft conversion structural engineering across Surrey, Sussex and the wider Home Counties.
Do I need a structural engineer for a double storey extension?
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Yes. A double storey extension is a significant structural undertaking and requires thorough structural design, calculations and drawings for both planning and building control. NSB Structures handles the full structural engineering scope for double storey extensions across Surrey and the surrounding areas.
How long does it take to get structural calculations for an extension?
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For most straightforward residential extensions, structural calculations are typically delivered within a few working days of receiving a frozen layout. This is dependent on the appropriate design documents and any other required information being available. Nicole will always agree to a clear turnaround at the outset and keep you updated throughout.
FAQs about load-bearing walls and beams
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
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The only reliable way to determine whether a wall is load-bearing is to have it assessed by a qualified structural engineer. NSB Structures carries out load-bearing wall assessments across Surrey, Guildford and the surrounding areas, providing a clear and accurate assessment before any work begins.
Do I need a structural engineer to remove a load-bearing wall?
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Yes. Removing a load-bearing wall without proper structural engineering is dangerous and will not pass building control. NSB Structures assesses the structure, designs the appropriate beam or support, and produces the calculations and drawings your builder and building control officer need.
What is an RSJ and do I need structural calculations for one?
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An RSJ, or Rolled Steel Joist, is a type of steel beam commonly used to support the load above a wall opening or removed wall. Yes, you always need structural calculations for an RSJ to ensure it is the correct size and specification for the load it needs to carry. NSB Structures produces RSJ and steel beam calculations for projects Surrey, Sussex and the wider Home Counties.
What is the difference between an RSJ and a universal beam?
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An RSJ has a slightly tapered flange, while a universal beam has parallel flanges and is more commonly used in modern construction. In everyday conversation they are often used interchangeably, but your structural engineer will specify the correct beam type and size for your project.
FAQs about structural surveys
What is a structural survey and do I need one?
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A structural survey is a detailed assessment of the structural condition of a building, carried out by a qualified structural engineer. You might need one if you're buying a property and have concerns about its condition, if you've noticed cracks or movement in your home, or if you're planning significant works to an older building. NSB Structures carries out structural surveys across Surrey, Sussex and the wider Home Counties.
What is the difference between a structural survey and a homebuyer's report?
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A homebuyer's report is a general condition survey carried out by a surveyor covering the overall condition of the property. A structural survey carried out by a structural engineer goes deeper, focusing specifically on structural integrity, investigating concerns such as cracking, subsidence, movement or structural defects, and providing detailed expert recommendations.
I have cracks in my walls — do I need a structural engineer?
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Not all cracks are serious, but some can indicate underlying structural movement, subsidence or settlement that requires investigation. If you're concerned about cracks in your home in Surrey or the surrounding areas, NSB Structures can carry out a structural assessment, identify the cause and advise on what, if anything, needs to be done.
What is subsidence and how does a structural engineer help?
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Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a building shifts or sinks, causing the foundations to move and the structure above to crack or distort. A structural engineer investigates the cause, assesses the extent of the damage and recommends the appropriate remedial action, which may include underpinning, drainage works or monitoring. NSB Structures provides subsidence assessments across Surrey, Sussex and the wider Home Counties.
FAQs about listed buildings and heritage properties
Do I need a structural engineer for work on a listed building in Surrey?
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Yes, and it's particularly important to work with an engineer who understands the sensitivities involved. Listed building consent is required for any works that affect the character of a listed building, and structural interventions must be carefully designed to respect the existing fabric. NSB Structures has experience working on Grade I and Grade II listed buildings across Surrey and the surrounding areas.
Can I extend or renovate a listed building in Surrey?
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Yes, with the right consents and the right team in place. Listed buildings require listed building consent in addition to standard planning and building control approvals, and the structural approach needs to be sensitive to the existing materials and construction methods. NSB Structures works closely with architects and conservation officers to ensure structural interventions are appropriate and approvable.
What is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and does it affect my building project?
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An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or AONB, is a designated landscape of national importance where planning restrictions are tighter than in standard areas. Much of Surrey falls within or borders the Surrey Hills AONB. If your property is within or adjacent to an AONB, your structural engineer needs to understand the planning sensitivities involved. NSB Structures has experience working in these designations across Surrey and the surrounding areas.
FAQs about working with NSB Structures
Where is NSB Structures based?
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NSB Structures is based in Guildford, Surrey and works across Surrey and Sussex, including Woking, Godalming, Cobham, Leatherhead, Dorking, Farnham, Cranleigh, Haslemere, Reigate, Horsham, Crawley and beyond. We also welcome enquiries from Kent, Essex, London and the wider Home Counties. If you're not sure whether we cover your location, just get in touch.
How do I get a quote from NSB Structures?
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Simply get in touch via the contact form on our website. Tell us a little about your project and Nicole will come back to you personally, usually within one working day, with a clear and transparent fee proposal.
Is NSB Structures a chartered structural engineering practice?
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Yes. NSB Structures is led by Nicole Beaumont, a Chartered Structural Engineer and Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers, registered with the Engineering Council. NSB Structures also holds full Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Does NSB Structures work with architects and builders as well as homeowners?
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Yes. NSB Structures works with architects, builders, developers and homeowners across Surrey, Sussex and the wider Home Counties. Whatever your role in a project, Nicole brings the same thorough, personal approach to every engagement.
“The properties of Guildford and the surrounding Surrey villages enjoy such a beautiful history that must be treated with respect and considered innovation”
— Nicole Beaumont, Director.
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