Clients often ask us to explain a structural engineer’s role in their project, how soon they should engage a structural engineer, how they choose the right one, and if Ecclesall Design can recommend anyone. This latest blog post on structural engineers aims to answer some of these essential questions:
What is a structural engineer’s role?
Building Control requires a structural engineer to provide structural calculations and structural designs based on the final set of architectural design drawings that we provide. The structural engineer will draft calculations and details for all the structural elements of the proposed build, including:
o Foundations
o Walls
o Structural openings – such as when an internal wall is to be removed, or if a window or door opening is to be enlarged
o Roof
o Dormer windows
How does the role of a structural engineer work in practice?
A structural engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and stability of buildings and associated infrastructure. They are responsible for designing and analysing the structural elements of a project to withstand various forces and stresses including from extreme weather conditions such as high winds or heavy snow loads.
For example, in residential construction, a structural engineer would design the framework for a new home, not only ensuring that the foundation, walls, and roof can support the weight of the building and resist environmental forces from weather but also to withstand other forces such as tree roots, ground or flood water, or the presence of adjacent structures. They also calculate the load-bearing capacities of floors and design the steel or concrete skeletons that hold the structure of a property together.
This work involves detailed calculations in conjunction with appropriate material selection and compliance with building regulations and standards to ensure the overall integrity and safety of the structure.
How soon should we engage a structural engineer?
We usually suggest that a homeowner wait for planning permission or until the various design stages are otherwise complete so that the structural engineer can provide their input once they understand what the homeowner has decided upon for the project. At this point, the structural engineer may be able to agree alternative structural solutions to the intended layout in the interest of maximising the available budget with perhaps a smaller steel beam with attendant cost savings in not only a lower cost for the steel but also reduced labour costs.
This means structural calculations etc are carried out once only, rather than having to be revised each time a homeowner decides upon a different layout for their project. Structural calculations and structural designs will be required as part of the Building Regulations application that Ecclesall Design makes on behalf of our client.
How do we choose the right structural engineer?
The usual due diligence should apply, for example, making sure the engineer is appropriately qualified and is accustomed to working with residential properties if that is the nature of the project. Quotes will usually be obtained from one or more structural engineers, and Ecclesall Design would always recommend that only a structural engineer who includes a site visit in their quote should be considered, preferably a local engineer so they are available to come to site to answer queries if the builder uncovers something unexpected during the construction process.
Can Ecclesall Design recommend a structural engineer?
Yes, we can certainly recommend structural engineers who have carried out work for our clients. We are happy to work with any structural engineer of our client’s choice, but amongst the most popular is the team at JAM Structural Design.
What is special about JAM Structural Design?
Well, firstly, their work is to a high standard, even if perhaps not the cheapest around. Ecclesall Design recently received very positive feedback about Jam Structural Design from Sheffield City Council’s Building Control team that structural calculations and structural designs from JAM Structural Design should be circulated around the Building Control team as an example of what a structural engineer’s contribution should look like. Praise indeed!
Also, we have been advised of an exciting new consultation service for only £165 + VAT being launched by JAM Structural Design, which we believe will be of interest to our clients and other homeowners considering an extension to their existing home or even for a newly built house.
