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When do you need a Structural Engineer?

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Zara, Staff Writer

Thursday, 11 March 2021

Structural engineers are the experts when it comes to the structure of your property. They are responsible for determining the structure and stability of a building and play a key role in the construction process.

But how do you know whether you need to hire a structural engineer for your project? In this article, we’ll go through three of the most common times that you'll need to hire a structural engineer.

When you’re renovating a property

Many different types of home improvement will need the expertise of a structural engineer. They will be responsible for providing structural drawings and calculations which will be used by your builder and architect.

Anything which alters the structure of your property will require input from a structural engineer. This includes building an extension, altering doors and windows, fitting solar panels, loft conversions, removing internal walls and removing a chimney breast.

Whether you’ll need a structural engineer for your home improvements will depend on the individual project. If you’re using an architect, they’ll usually be able to advise you on whether or not you’ll need to hire a structural engineer. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check.

When you need a structural inspection

Structural engineers are the professionals that are called in when you have a problem with the structure of your property. If you’re seeing signs of movement in your property such as cracking walls, a sagging ceiling or an altered roofline, you’ll need a structural engineer to perform an inspection to establish the cause.

You may also choose to hire a structural engineer to inspect a property that you’re considering buying, particularly if it’s an older property or you notice any potential structural issues. They can assess whether there are any structural issues with the house, as well as the likely causes. They will also be able to talk you through the possible solutions.

When you need an Expert Witness

The help of a structural engineer is often enlisted when there is a disagreement over a structural matter. This could be from an adjoining property that shares a wall with your home. A structural engineer can inspect the problem and provide an unbiased opinion on the issue, establishing the cause and liability of the problem.

Your structural engineer will be able to provide advice on the causes of the structural issue as well as the best resolutions to help you to resolve the case without the need to go to court. If the case does go to court, they will be able to provide an independent report and act as an Expert Witness.  

How to choose a Structural Engineer

The prospect of finding a structural engineer can feel daunting, but we’re here to help. Bark makes finding the right structural engineer easy, no matter what situation you’re in.

With Bark, you can browse the profiles of local structural engineers and read genuine reviews from former clients. When you find a professional you like, you can request a quote from them. 

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