What is DVC Engineering?

DVC Engineering manages 1 data type including enquiries. Helps you organize, track, and share your work in 1 place for teams and solo users.

How much does a structural survey cost in London?

A structural survey and written report from DVC Engineering in London typically costs between £700 and £1,200 plus VAT for a single dwelling, depending on the property size and the complexity of the concerns being investigated. The fee is fixed in writing before the inspection is booked.

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

The structural design to remove a load-bearing wall — calculations, coordinated drawings and the Building Control submission pack — typically costs £600 to £1,500 plus VAT. The steel beam itself and the builder's work are priced separately by your contractor; DVC Engineering's fee covers the engineering design only.

Do I need a structural engineer for a loft conversion?

Yes, you need a structural engineer for a loft conversion because Building Control requires structural calculations for the ridge beam, new floor joists, the staircase opening trimmers and any dormer frame. Without signed-off calculations, Building Control will not approve the works.

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

A building survey (a RICS Level 3 survey) is a broad condition report covering the whole property, whereas a structural survey by a structural engineer focuses specifically on structural adequacy, structural defects and proportionate remedial options. The two are complementary: a building surveyor who spots a structural concern will usually recommend a structural engineer's report.

How much does a steel beam (RSJ) design cost?

Steel beam (RSJ) design and calculations from DVC Engineering start from around £550 plus VAT for a single beam with a defined span and bearing conditions. Multiple beams, complex load paths or constrained bearings increase the fee, which is confirmed in a fixed-fee proposal before work begins.

How long do structural calculations take?

Structural calculations take five to ten working days for straightforward domestic scopes, from receipt of complete site information. Complex projects or incomplete information extend this; we confirm the committed turnaround at quotation stage.

Do I need Building Control approval to remove a wall?

Yes, removing a load-bearing wall is notifiable building work that requires Building Control approval, supported by structural calculations and coordinated drawings. A Building Notice or Full Plans submission must be made before the work proceeds.

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

A chartered structural engineer holds the MIStructE qualification and CEng status with the Engineering Council, whereas 'structural engineer' is an unregulated title anyone can use. Always confirm chartered status on the Engineering Council or IStructE register before appointing an engineer.

Can a structural engineer help with a planning application?

Yes. DVC Engineering prepares existing and proposed drawings, submits householder and full planning applications, and discharges drainage and SuDS planning conditions, carrying the project through from planning to Building Control.

How much does a homebuyer structural inspection cost?

A homebuyer or landlord structural inspection and report typically costs £800 to £1,500 plus VAT, depending on the property size and the scope of concern. Pre-exchange inspections can usually be arranged quickly — tell us your exchange date when you enquire.

What are structural calculations and why do I need them?

Structural calculations are the engineering analysis that demonstrates a proposed structure or alteration is safe and compliant with Building Regulations. They document the loads, the structural members designed to carry those loads, and the reasoning behind each design decision. Building Control requires them for most notifiable structural work.

Are structural calculations enough to get Building Control approval?

Calculations are a necessary part of the submission but not sufficient on their own. A complete Building Control pack includes coordinated structural drawings, connection details, bearing specifications, and any other information the inspector needs to follow the logic. We produce the full pack, not calculations in isolation.

Can I start structural work before Building Control approval?

You can submit a Building Notice and start work relatively quickly in some cases, but we recommend ensuring the structural design is agreed before work begins. Starting without a structural design leads to contractors making assumptions that may require expensive correction.

Who submits the structural package to Building Control?

The applicant (typically the homeowner or their architect) submits the Building Regulations application. We prepare the structural package — calculations, drawings, and details — for inclusion in that submission. We can also support queries from the Building Control officer directly.

How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?

There is no reliable visual test. Load-bearing status depends on the wall's position relative to the structure above and below it, not its appearance. A structural engineer assesses this through inspection and, where necessary, investigation. Do not rely on your builder's visual assessment alone.

Do I always need a steel beam when removing a load-bearing wall?

Usually, but not always. The required support structure depends on the span, the loads, and the bearing conditions. In most domestic cases, a steel Universal Beam is the most practical solution. We design the appropriate structure for your specific situation.

Can my builder remove the wall and then have it signed off?

This approach creates significant risk. If the wall is load-bearing and is removed without a structural design and proper temporary propping, you may cause structural damage that is expensive to remediate. Building Control is also unlikely to sign off works that were carried out without a prior structural submission.

What is a padstone and do I need one?

A padstone is a concrete or engineering-brick block placed beneath a beam's bearing point to spread the concentrated load over an adequate area of supporting masonry. Where the steel beam bears onto a masonry wall, a padstone is typically required. We specify padstone dimensions as part of the beam design.

Are cracks in my walls always a structural problem?

No. The majority of cracks in London's older properties are cosmetic — seasonal shrinkage, thermal movement, or minor settlement that is complete and stable. A structural survey identifies which cracks are structural concerns and which are not, and assigns a proportionate response to each.

My RICS surveyor said I need a structural engineer's report — what does that mean?

Your general surveyor has identified something that falls outside their scope as a building surveyor and requires a structural engineer's specialist opinion. Contact us with the surveyor's report and we will advise on the appropriate scope of inspection.

Can you diagnose subsidence from one visit?

Active subsidence may require monitoring data and geotechnical investigation before a confident diagnosis can be made. A single inspection can identify the probable mechanism, flag red flags, and recommend appropriate next steps — but it cannot always provide a conclusive answer on one visit.

How long does a structural survey take?

Typically one to three hours on site, depending on the property's size and the scope of concern. The written report is issued within five working days of the visit in most cases.

Is a structural inspection the same as a Level 2 or Level 3 RICS survey?

No. A RICS survey is a broad property condition report covering all elements. A structural inspection by DVC Engineering focuses specifically on structural adequacy and structural risk. The two are complementary rather than interchangeable.

Can you carry out an inspection before I exchange on a property?

Yes. We regularly carry out pre-exchange structural inspections. Please indicate your exchange date when you enquire so we can confirm availability and a turnaround that fits your timeline.

Can you review a loft conversion that was done without calculations?

Yes. We can inspect visible elements and assess structural adequacy from what is accessible. Where elements are concealed, we note the limitation and may recommend opening up for inspection where the risk warrants it.

What should I do if the structural report raises concerns?

The report will include a severity assessment and recommended next steps. For significant structural concerns, we can provide a remedial design and Building Control submission as a follow-on scope. For minor concerns, the report will explain the proportionate response.

Do you charge by the hour or a fixed fee?

We charge fixed fees, agreed in writing before work begins. You will not receive an unexpected invoice. The fee is based on the agreed scope — if scope changes materially, we discuss a revised fee before proceeding.

What is the typical turnaround for structural calculations?

Five to ten working days for straightforward domestic scopes, from receipt of complete site information. Complex projects or incomplete information will extend this. We confirm the turnaround at quotation stage and commit to it.

What information do I need to provide for a quote?

Address, a description of the proposed works, photographs of the relevant structural elements, and any existing drawings. The more detail you provide, the more accurate the fee proposal — and the fewer assumptions we need to make.

Is there a charge for an initial enquiry?

No. Initial enquiries are free of charge and without obligation. Contact us with your project details and we will respond with a clear indication of scope and fee.

Does DVC Engineering provide civil engineering services?

Yes. As well as structural engineering, we provide civil engineering design including below-ground foul and surface water drainage design, SuDS strategies and soakaway design to BRE 365, retaining wall design to Eurocode 7, external works and hardstanding, sewer build-over applications and infrastructure coordination. Holding both disciplines in-house means the below-ground and structural elements of a project are coordinated under a single appointment.

Can DVC Engineering handle planning applications?

Yes. We prepare existing and proposed drawings, householder and full planning applications, and coordinate the planning submission with the structural and civil engineering design. We also discharge planning conditions, including drainage and SuDS conditions, and carry the project through to Building Control.

Can structural and civil engineering be combined under one appointment?

Yes, and this is the most efficient approach. Where a project needs both structural and civil engineering input, a single appointment with DVC Engineering keeps the structural frame, foundations, drainage, levels and planning information coordinated, reducing clashes, rework and queries from Building Control and the planning authority.

When does the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 apply?

The Act applies where proposed works affect a party wall or party structure, involve building on or astride a boundary, or require excavation within specified distances of a neighbouring property. Common triggers include loft conversion beam bearings onto a party wall, underpinning, and excavation for foundations close to a boundary.

What are the notice periods under the Party Wall Act?

Section 1 and 6 notices require at least one month's notice. Section 2 notices require at least two months' notice. The adjoining owner has 14 days to consent or dissent. If they do not respond within 14 days, a dispute is deemed to have arisen and a party wall award is required before the works proceed.

What happens if my neighbour dissents to a party wall notice?

If the adjoining owner dissents, or does not respond within 14 days, a party wall award is required. Each owner may appoint their own surveyor, or both owners may appoint a single agreed surveyor. The award sets out how the works are carried out and may include a schedule of condition. We can act in either role.

What is a boundary survey and when do I need one?

A boundary survey accurately establishes the position of a boundary line on the ground and on a scaled drawing. You may need one to resolve a boundary dispute, before building on or near a boundary, or to support a planning application or a Land Registry update.

How accurate is a Leica TS13 total station survey?

The Leica TS13 robotic total station measures to millimetre accuracy. We work to an accuracy appropriate to the survey's purpose and report the achieved tolerance in the survey deliverables.

What do the boundary survey deliverables include?

A scaled boundary survey drawing in PDF and DWG, showing the determined boundary line, the relevant physical features and the reference points, together with the underlying survey data and an accuracy statement. Drawings are coordinated with the structural and civil engineering design where required.

Direct answers to common engineering questions.

Guidance on calculations, surveys, steel beams, drainage, SuDS, planning applications, Building Control, fees and timelines.

Costs, Fees and Common Questions

Calculations and Building Control

Load-Bearing Walls and Steel Beams

Surveys, Cracks and Movement

Homebuyer and Landlord Inspections

Fees and Timelines

Civil Engineering and Planning Applications

Party Wall and Boundary Surveys

Indicative Fees

Load-Bearing Wall Removal & Beam Design

Single-storey, straightforward span. Calculations, drawings, and Building Control pack.

£600 — £1,500

Structural Calculations & Drawings

Extensions, loft conversions, alterations. Scope-dependent.

£1,500 — £4,000

Structural Surveys & Defect Reports

Single-property assessment including site visit and written report.

£700 — £1,200

Homebuyer / Landlord Structural Inspection

Pre-purchase or pre-let assessment with defect prioritisation.

£800 — £1,500

Foundation Design

Ground assessment and foundation specification for new works.

£1,500 — £3,000

Building Control Support & Site Inspections

Per inspection or support session. Typically 1–3 hours on site.

£400 — £800 / visit

Measured Surveys & As-Built Documentation

Digital floor plans and elevations for design coordination.

£600 — £1,500

* All prices are indicative and exclude VAT at 20%. Final fees provided in a written quotation. See our structural engineer cost guide for detail on what drives fees.

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