We are delighted to announce this year marks 15 years of continuous accreditation for Quality Management Systems Certification (QMS) ISO 9001:2015

Talking about our achievement, John Staves, Managing Director commented:

“In these exceptional circumstances, We are absolutely delighted to achieve re-certification to the ISO 9001 standard. Our ISO 9001:2015 accreditation is a direct reflection of our team’s dedication to quality. By following our QMS our customers can be confident that we have the appropriate processes in place to handle customer data and information securely”.

A great result for all of our team and our customers!

GBC Accreditation

We are proud to be signed up to the Good Business Charter, showing our commitment to its ten guiding principles.

At a time when people are caring more about who they work for and who they buy from, the Good Business Charter offers a straightforward accreditation which recognises organisations which prioritise and care for their employees, the environment, customers and suppliers, whilst also paying their taxes according to the spirit of the law.

The GBC consists of ten components and more details for each of these components can be found on their website: www.goodbusinesscharter.com

Talking about the Good Business Charter, John Staves Managing Director said

“The Good Business Charter recognises the way we do business.

We are a good business to deal with whether you are a member of staff, a customer, a supplier or the environment. It allows us to be recognised for all the things we hold dear as a business. Aligning with our business values – it’s a perfect fit for us!

We’ve not had to change to fit the accreditation, it fits with what we already do and we are very pleased to be associated with this new initiative”.

The Good Business Charter has the support of both the CBI and the TUC which both have trustee representation on its board.

Other partners of the GBC include the Living Wage Foundation and the Prompt Payment Code.

As an organisation;

We commit to pay our directly employed and regularly contracted staff the real living wage as defined by the Living Wage Foundation.

We commit to only use zero or minimal hours contracts when it is mutually beneficial and accepted by both us and the employee.

We will actively support and encourage employee well-being treating those with legitimate sickness in a fair and respectful manner and promote access to impartial support and advice for employees with physical and mental health needs.

We commit to having a way where every employee can make suggestions or raise issues with senior management.

We commit to have robust measures in place to encourage diversity at key stages of recruitment, selection and retention of employees and to prevent harassment or victimisation in the workplace.

We care about the environment and encourage the development of good environmental practice as an organisation, seeking to minimise our impact and commit to improve it.

We commit to pay our taxes where applicable, only use tax allowances for the purpose intended, and be transparent in our relationship with HMRC.

We have a clear commitment to our stakeholders and prioritise addressing and learning from stakeholder feedback, seeking to put negative issues right.

We commit to ethical sourcing of anything we purchase, such as by applying standards set out in the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code where relevant.

We commit to paying our suppliers promptly, and within at least 30 days.

Today I’m talking to Oliver Goodyear, Engineering Manager at Michael Aubrey Partnership about the main issues associated with fire escape inspections and how we helped a recent client.

What Are The Main Issues That You Encounter When Carrying Out A Fire Escape Inspection?

One of the main issues with these types of structures is that they are rarely used and, in most instances, never tested for a mass egress scenario, as fortunately fires are rare.

But because of this, these structures are often found neglected and left to deteriorate.

Unfortunately, we are finding that there are an alarming number of inadequate staircase structures out there, that may struggle to provide their intended function at their hour of need.

What Do You Normally Look For During A Fire Escape Inspection?

In general, we are looking at two items. Firstly, is the fire escape staircase structurally safe, i.e would it support the load imposed by a mass egress scenario?

We do this by checking the structural condition of each staircase component and connection.

Most staircases are usually steel and we find deterioration due to corrosion is the most common defect.

However often we are finding the corrosion is exacerbated by poor detailing (leaving somewhere for water to collect), the wrong type of bolt or even the wrong type/poorly applied paint.

Secondly, if the staircase is deemed structurally safe, the other item we assess is whether the staircase itself is safe to use in terms of functionality.

We often try to align this with Building Regulations and check that the

surface is grippy
the handrails do not have large gaps which may present a fall hazard to children
there are no obstructions to the escape route.

We have had instances in the past where say a satellite dish over sails the staircase and would cause a head clash or where bird waste or litter is left to congregate on the stairs.

Often menial and easy to resolve items, that would make a massive difference if the staircase is called into use.

What Happened At This Particular Site?

This particular site was a school in Brighton.

So automatically we were thinking high salinity in the air (steel structures tend to have shorter lives in these environments, often regularly meaning maintenance and recoating).

This particular staircase was a straightforward single flight and landing serving a first-floor landing and was noticeably rusty.

Painted System – Regular Maintenance

The superior corrosion protection for these types of structure is usually a galvanised structure.

This one was a painted system, which was fine but usually needs more regular maintenance and in this instance the paintwork was worn, and the steel was corroding.

The corrosion was fairly advance, and sections of the steel structure were beginning to delaminate/break apart.

Worst Affected Area

The worst affected area was to the base of the column, where two of the columns had failed and the square tube had been completely eaten through with corrosion.

This is a common issue with steel tubes in contact with the ground as water can become trapped inside the tube and eaten away at both the inner and outer faces, which had occurred in this instance.

The Technical Solution

The staircase needed extensive remedial works which effectively involved taking it all apart and sanding back the corrosion to clean metal and putting it back to together with new fixings, whilst applying a new primer and topcoat system.

The corroded columns were to be cut back to an appropriate height and replaced with concrete plinth type foundations.

The benefit of this solution is that concrete is very durable and we can get the steelwork well above ground level where prone to corrosion.

This was fairly intensive work and would estimate around £5k, whereas a replacement staircase would be around £15-20k.

I would anticipate around 10-20 years additional life to this structure, providing that is well maintained.

How We Helped The Client

The main way we helped the client is by allowing them to keep the current staircase in use whilst they sought remedial quotes. Normally we use a traffic light system to advise the client on the structural status.

Ordinarily two failed columns would usually be assigned a RED – i.e the structure is condemned.

Structural Expertise

However, our structural design capabilities set us apart from other surveyors carrying out this role and we were able to assess the remaining two columns.

We found these to be adequate in supporting the structure in the short term which meant we could categorise the staircase as;

AMBER 1 – which meant the staircase needed urgent work within the next 12 months – but it could be kept in use for the short term, whilst works were organised.

The main benefit to the client was that they did not need to update their fire plan and reorganised escape routes. Which could ultimately lead to additional protection to create new routes, suppression or even closing off an area until repairs are carried out.

External Fire Escape Inspections

Are you a building owner?

Do you mange the health and safety of people in and about your building(s)?So that we can understand your requirements, it’s easier to talk.

Either call us on 0118 962 9666 or simply fill in your details below and we’ll get back to you at your convenience.

Please note, for one off inspections we generally work within a 50 mile radius of Reading. For multiple sites we work nationwide.

Click here to check out other Blog Post regarding external fire escape inspections.

The Link Visiting Scheme was founded more than 20 years ago to help reduce loneliness amongst older people in the Wokingham area and to bring generations together in friendship and shared experiences.

Confronting loneliness and isolation by creating connections that transform lives.

“My volunteer’s warm welcome gave me a feeling of being wanted and restored my confidence.

With the frequent visits and activities, I’ve managed to get back on my feet.

I cannot thank them enough for helping me get my life back again.”

They have seen the positive impact of friendship where they provide quality time, a listening ear and focused attention on individuals who so often feel invisible and forgotten.

They have seen thousands of lives transformed, and in 2020/21, they continue to reach hundreds of older people throughout their work.

This Christmas, Michael Aubrey Partnership are proud to be donating to the Link Visiting scheme Christmas programme.

This year, due to the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic Link Visiting are planning to hold a similar event to last year with hot meals directly delivered to the door, some extra phone calls over the Christmas period and the usual bag of gifts.

To find out more about how you might be able to support the the Link Visiting Scheme and information on how to become a volunteer, please click here .

“It can be quite boring living alone.

Now I am part of Link to Nature, I have all these new friends with common interests.

And for the first time in years, I am excited about something and I have a focus.

It feels wonderful.”

Structural Awards 2021 – a fantastic evening celebrating the extraordinary work of Structural Engineers across the world!

The winners and commended projects were announced during The Structural Awards ceremony, held at The Brewery, London in November 2021.

Commendation!

We were thrilled to see a project that we worked on with Capital Piling “Swing Bridge to Dinosaur Island” win a “Commendation” under the Pedestrian Bridges category.

The “Dinosaur Bridge” – An Unusual Foundation

Talking about the design, John Staves noted, “An unusual project with unique foundation design issues. The swing bridge created greater lateral loads than normal, in varying orientations, and the desired effect meant the foundation was in a lake bed!

We used a screwpile solution because they could be driven through water, and splayed the piles outwards to provide adequate lateral resistance and create separation between the bearing helices”.

The evening culminated in the presentation of The Supreme Award for Structural Engineering Excellence which was awarded to two projects;

Holmes Consulting, repair and restoration of Christchurch Town Hall, new Zealand following the devasting earthquakes in 2020
Buro Happold, moveable bridge Lille Langebro, Copenhagen harbour

Congratulations to all the winners!

Retaining his crown for another year, the winner this year (again) is ….. Andy Campbell!!Andy’s’ spider and cobweb red velvet cake, not only looked amazing but tasted great! Usually taking place at Easter time, our annual “bake off” was re-scheduled this year, focusing on Halloween.Our Halloween bake-off was judged earlier in the week, and there was strong competition!

Leigh-ann’s delicious rocky road and Joshua’s “trick or treat” Pumpkin cake were given a special mention for originality.Sam’s traybake with unique Halloween decoration and Andrew’s spider and crunchy bat biscuits!An amazing effort by everyone!

Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting

In the afternoon, we all headed over to Pangbourne to have a go at Laser clay pigeon shooting!Have you ever tried it?It was more complicated than it looked, but once we had got the hang of it everyone hit the target at least once!Special mention to Fabio, who was the clear winner!

All finished off with dinner at the lovely Swan public house in Pangbourne!

Extending your home is probably something that you’ll only do once in your lifetime. Ultimately, you want to make sure that you can build the size of extension that you want, within your budget.

Being aware of potential pitfalls and additional costs at the beginning of the process will help you make informed decisions.

We’ve put together a list of the top six things that are often overlooked when people carry out building work to their home – some of them have a significant cost implication, that may not have been budgeted for.

Forewarned is forearmed!

1. The Party Wall Act 1986

What Does It Mean?

Put simply, if you are carrying out building work to your party wall or boundary and you damage it, you have a legal duty to repair it. In other words to act as a “good neighbour”.

It is a legal duty for a Building Owner to serve the appropriate notices in the correct manner. Failure to do so can result in an injunction being sought to stop the works.

For example, the Party Wall Act will apply if you carry out work to;

Building a new party wall on the boundary or a wall adjacent to the building owner’s side of the boundary.
Carrying out works to an existing party fence wall or party structure, including rebuilding a wall to a reduced height.
Building within three or six metres of the adjoining owner’s walls or buildings if the works involve excavation works.
Building or placing special foundations on the adjoining owner’s land.

Notice Requirements Under The PWA 1996

A building owner must give notice to all adjoining owners of any planned works. The notice requirements will depend on the type of works that are to be undertaken.

There are 3 types of notices;

Line of Junction
Party Structure and
Notice of Adjacent Excavation

In many situations, more than one type of notice is required and it is essential that you ensure all notices required under the Act are given.

When Should A Party Wall Notice Be Served?

Party Wall Notices should be served at the earliest opportunity in order to ensure that there is sufficient time for the notice to run and for negotiations, if a dispute arises, to be undertaken. However, notices are only valid for 12 months so caution should be given so as not to serve the notice too early either as they may then expire before works commence. This is not usually an issue with smaller domestic scenarios but should be factored into larger, longer-term projects.

Party Structure Notices are required to be served two calendar months prior to the commencement of works

Line of Junction and Notice of Adjacent Excavation one calendar month prior to the commencement of works.

Click here to read about your duties under the Party Wall Act.

2. Planning Approval and Building Regulations Approval

With all building work, the owner of the property (or land) in question is ultimately responsible for complying with the relevant Planning rules and Building Regulations (regardless of the need to apply for planning permission and/or building regulations approval or not).

If you don’t follow these rules, as the homeowner you will be liable for any remedial action (which could go as far as demolition and/or restoration).

You will need to check that whoever you appoint to draw up your plans has suitable experience when dealing with the Local Authority – this will help smooth your path through the planning and building regulation process.

Planning Approval

You should receive a decision within 8 weeks of registering your application.

You need to make sure that you have included all of the relevant information and the correct fee, otherwise the clock doesn’t start ticking until the application is officially “registered”.

Factors Affecting Planning Permission

There are many factors that will affect whether or not you need to apply for planning permission or affect your chances of gaining planning approval.

Some properties have “permitted development rights”.

This means that you can improve and extend your home without the need to seek specific planning permission as long as you comply with a special set of rules.

Some properties do not have these rights or may have had them removed. You will need to check with the Local Authority, who should be able to confirm this for you.

Permitted Development Rights

If your property has permitted development rights, there has been a temporary increase to the size limits for single-storey rear extensions, provided the construction work is completed by 30th May 2019. Before you make your Planning application, click here to see if your project falls within these size limits.

Even if your building works do not require planning permission it would strongly advise you to apply for a “Lawful Development Certificate”.

Lawful Development Certificate (LDC)

This is an application that you make to the Local Planning Authority – they will review your proposed building works – provided that it falls within permitted development parameters, they will issue you with a “Lawful Development Certificate”.

If you ever come to sell your property you will need this certificate to prove that any works carried out on your property are “lawful”.

This normally takes between 6-8 weeks for a decision.

For more information, about the factors affecting planning permission click here

For information about Lawful Development Certificates, click here

Building Regulations Approval

What Are Building Regulations?

The Building Regulations are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations to virtually every building. They are developed by the Government and approved by Parliament.

Building regulations set minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health for people in or about those buildings.

They also include requirements to ensure that fuel and power is conserved and facilities are provided for people, including those with disabilities, to access and move around inside buildings

What Do I Need To Do To Get Building Regulations Approval?

There are two methods of applying for Building Regulations approval; either a

Full Plans application, or
Building Notice application

A “Full Plans” Application. It is a two-step process; approval of detailed drawings (Plans approval) and approval of on-site inspections (Inspections approval)

What Do You Need To Submit To Building Control?

Typically, you will need to submit detailed plans and elevation drawings and a detailed specification as to how the building will be constructed.

If you are carrying out structural work, then you will need to appoint a Structural Engineer who will produce the necessary details for the builder to build to and also the Structural Calculations to prove that the building will be structurally sound.

How Long Before I Get A Decision From Building Control?

The application is submitted for checking and a formal decision notice is given (normally within 8 weeks).

Advantages of using this method are;

the plans can be examined and approved before work starts and the builder can work to the approved drawings in the knowledge that the detail complies with the regulations.
Approved plans may be used for up to three years after they have been approved, even if the regulations change.

A Building Notice Application is a less detailed form of application where minimal information is initially required and no formal decision is given.

You are relying on the builder to build without “approved plans”, generally Building Control do not like this type of application, as you are relying heavily on the competency of the builder on site.

If Building Control do not accept something the builder has done, you will be responsible for remedying it (making good). This often leads to an argument between the home owner and builder because neither party wants the additional costs.

Also, this form of application typically costs you more than a full plans submission as you have to pay all the costs upfront, rather than in two stages when you submit a Full Plans application.

If you have carried out building works to your property without obtaining Building Regulations approval you will need to apply for a Regularisation Certificate.

What Is A Regularisation Application?

“A regularisation application is a retrospective application relating to previously unauthorised works i.e. works carried out without Building Regulations consent, started on or after the 11 November 1985. The purpose of the process is to regularise the unauthorised works and obtain a certificate of regularisation”

As you have carried out work without prior approval the Local Authority may request that you “open up” the works so that they can ascertain if the building works comply with current standards.

As this is classed as an “enforcement application” it does not attract VAT, but the cost is greater than the other forms of application.

For more information, please click here

Pre-Application Inspections

Some Local Authorities offer a “pre-application” inspection service. This is where they will come out to site to look at your building to check it complies before you make a formal application.

Examples of this might be where you are proposing a two-storey extension, but need advice as to whether or not the existing foundations are able to take the extra load.

They would ask you to dig a “trial” pit next to the existing foundations, then Building Control would come out to inspect it. Often they would seek confirmation from your design Structural Engineer as well.

They charge a fee for this service, so best to check with your Local Authority.

3. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)

What Are These Regulations?

The aim of the CDM regulations is to improve the Health, safety and welfare of workers in the construction industry.

Do These Regulations Apply To Homeowners As Well?

Yes. The regulations changed in April 2015 and now place a legal obligation on the homeowner (Client).

The homeowner is not expected to be an expert in construction, so you have the option to transfer your duties to the Contractor or Principal Contractor (If more than one contractor is working on the project).

Alternatively, the homeowner may choose to have a written agreement with a Principal Designer to carry out the duties.

What Are These New Regulations For?

They help ensure that no-one is harmed during the construction work, and that your building is safe to use and maintain while giving you good value. Effective planning will also help ensure that your work is well managed with fewer unexpected costs and problems.

Want to read more? Click here for more guidance

4. Building Over Agreement – Drainage

A Building Over Agreement is an approval from your local water company for the building work that you plan to have carried out over, or near a public sewer owned by the local Water company.

What Is A Public Sewer?

A sewer is a pipe that serves more than one property. All drainage pipes (that connect to your local Water Authority) are now public sewers except where only one property is served by the existing pipe, which is known as a drain.

A drain is privately owned and maintained to the property boundary by the home owner, once it crosses the property boundary this pipe becomes the responsibility of the Water company.

Why Do I Need A Building Over Agreement?

If you are building over a public sewer, or one that runs within 3 metres of the proposed building works you have to make sure that the new foundations are far enough away from the drain and that sufficient access to the sewer is maintained so that they can clean or repair it if necessary.

You will need to make sure that;

The extra weight of the proposed building work near to, or above the sewer will not cause it to collapse, resulting in structural damage to the new building. Access must be maintained for the local water company to carry out maintenance and repairs.

Do I Always Need to Apply for A “Building Over A Sewer” Agreement?

You will not need a Building Over Agreement if you are able to move the building works so that they are more than 3 metres away from the sewer.

You may be required to divert the sewer. This work would be carried out by your local water authority, but at your cost.

How Do I Find Out If I Am Building Near A Public Sewer?

You will need to contact your local water authority and make an application either on line or by post.

How Much Does A Building Over Agreement Cost?

The cost depends on the size of the pipe. It can vary from £350 – £1,300.

What Do The Fees Cover?

Processing the application
Technical reviews of plans
Discussing and agreeing any changes in design
Liaising with the local authority in line with building regulations
Issuing consent
Registering the build over on records CCTV (Class II and BO Class III)
Site visit to locate sewers if needed

What Is The Process Of Building Over A Sewer?

Make an application to the relevant water authority, enclosing the relevant site plans, sections and elevations of the proposed works. Include the correct fee.

You may need a CCTV survey before you begin work to see whether or not the pipe requires any repair work before the building work commences.

They might also carry out the CCTV survey after the building works to check to make sure that no damage has been done to the sewer.

How Long Does It Take To Receive Approval For Building Over A Sewer?

Approximately three weeks – you shouldn’t start any work on site until you have received approval.

5. Qualifications Of Designers

Your home is probably your largest asset. Therefore it is important that whoever you choose to help you with your design is professionally qualified.

There are many construction professionals who can help you. For example;

An Architect

The training and emphasis for an Architect is on design and philosophy of architecture.

An Architectural Technician

The training and emphasis for an Architectural Technician is on the science and technology of architecture

Whilst both disciplines have their own distinct training and specialism, there is considerable overlap between the two professions.

Chartered Structural Engineer
IStructE (Institution of Structural Engineers)

A Chartered Structural Engineer is someone who has demonstrated professional competence within the engineering profession. A Chartered Structural Engineer is a logical, practical person who is able to think around problems.

For more information about how you can “Build with confidence with a Structural Engineer” visit the Institution of Structural Engineers website

FindanEngineer.com is a comprehensive database of structural engineering practices across the UK that puts you in touch with the best structural engineer for any project. Only firms that have at least one member from the Institution of Structural Engineers can register.

Who Can Help Me With My Proposed Building Work?

As Structural Engineers, we work with Architects to develop schemes that will deliver projects that not only look amazing, but are buildable solutions, that are practical to build and are as cost effective as possible.

6. House Insurance

Home Insurance

A common misconception is that your home insurance will cover you while you undertake your project.

Beware: most home insurance providers will not cover your building if you are changing the structure of the build — for example if you are extending, converting or renovating.

With some insurers, a renovation or extension on your home may reduce the protection of your current home insurance policy or invalidate it completely, leaving your biggest asset potentially uninsured.

Most insurers will ask you to notify them of the works and may either withdraw or limit the cover provided.

Builders Insurance

Your Builder will probably have “Public Liability Insurance” however, this will not cover issues like;

· storm damage

· theft of materials, plant and equipment

· arson or

· foreseen liability

You Are Buying Materials

If you are sourcing and buying some of the materials yourself, your builders public liability insurance will not cover this and you will need to insure them yourself.

Neighbours Foundations

Public Liability insurance will also not cover you if your builder is working near your neighbour’s foundations and damages or weakens them.

Managing the Build Yourself

If you are managing or exercising control over the project yourself you automatically carry the responsibility for health & safety eg if a builder slips off a scaffold or ladder, you will carry the responsibility and could end up being prosecuted and fined.

Vacating Your Property

If you are vacating your property during the build, you will require site insurance or unoccupied buildings insurance which will usually be a minimum six month policy. Always contact your existing insurance provider to notify them of works before you start.

In summary;

· check what insurance your builder is carrying

· speak to your current house insurance as soon as possible to notify them of work to your property and they will be able to advise you.

Are you plannning a project? Still need advice?

Get in touch today to see how we can help you!

As structural engineers we can’t tell you how frustrating it is when we are brought into a project at the later stages.

Often the Client is happy with the design.

Planning approval has either just been submitted, or has been approved.

We submit our structural design fee.

Sharp intake of breath … it’s far more than the Client was expecting.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Often with a few simple “tweaks” designs can be simplified during the early stages of a project, reducing design fees and overall build costs.

Involving The Structural Engineer During The Early Stages of Design

By involving a structural engineer during the early stages of a project allows you to input into the space planning so that you do not unnecessarily impact structural elements, which puts the cost up.

3 Little Structural Design “Hacks” That Will Save You £1,000’s!

Here are 3 simple structural design “hacks” that you might want to consider on your project

1. Where you are opening up a wall and knocking through to create an extension.

Instead of a large opening, consider a slightly smaller one – even 500mm can make a massive difference!.

This may leave you with enough wall so that you could install a beam rather than a more expensive “goal post” design (which may be required for structural stability).

“Goal Post” Design

Imagine a goal post made of steel – two sides and a top.

The load is transferred down both side columns and onto point loads on the foundations.

Simple Beam

Simple length of standard steel section.

Supported on concrete (or engineering brick) with padstones on the remaining wall.

2. Reduce the span (opening) slightly, so that a smaller beam could work.

It would fit in your ceiling – so it’s “flush” – it looks better!

Downstand Beam

As the beam is not hidden within the depth of the ceiling joists it is cheaper than a “flush ceiling”

A steel below the ceiling reduces the sightline and gives a less impressive feel.

“Flush” Ceiling

Is where the beam is hidden within the depth of the joists so you are left with a “flat” ceiling.

This is a more expensive build option but it gives you a nice, clean line without any downstand.

Particularly if your extension is double height, you want to feel that extra height as soon as you walk into the room.

3. Minimising how many structural elements are affected by the scheme.

For example, if you want a large extension and a small extension, orientating them in a different direction so that they are perpendicular to the house, thus avoiding the main structural elements will significantly reduce your design and build costs.

Most people only extend or renovate their home once in their lifetime. Make sure you do it right, you won’t get a second chance!

How Do You Find A Trustworthy, Qualified, Structural Engineer?

Ideally from personal recommendation, or you can either ask your designer to recommend someone, or find someone yourself.

A good place to look would be “Find An Engineer” – The Institution of Structural Engineers website.

Good luck!

If you need any help or advice, please get in touch we’d love to hear about your project.

Get In Touch

Most people understand what an architect does.

Did you know that on 95% of residential building projects you will also need advice from a structural engineer?

So what does a structural engineer do?

Structural engineers make sure that buildings are structurally sound and won’t fall down!

7 Occasions When You’ll Need A Structural Engineer

1.Knocking Down An Internal Wall You’ll need to know whether your wall is load bearing, or not! If you take out a load bearing wall without adequate support (the correct beam size) you are at risk of your house collapsing!

2. Building An ExtensionMost extensions are knocking out either the back, or the side wall of the house to create an opening into the new space – not to mention the structure of the extension itself!Making sure that you have the correct support to hold up your house is critical!

3. Converting A LoftWhether you are creating a new storey or converting an existing loft, you will be making significant structural changes that will affect the whole house.

4. Installing Bi-Fold DoorsVery popular at the moment – if you are increasing the size of any opening, you will need to check not only support of loads from above, but also the lateral stability of the whole structure.

5. Investigating Defects eg cracking. Need to determine whether it’s something to worry about or not. Either on your property or one you are purchasing.

6. Underpinning Your HouseIf movement is continuing (the cracks are getting larger) you’ll need to monitor and stabilise your house. If movement is shown to have stopped, you’ll need to repair. Both outcomes will require specialist structural advice.

chimney removal

7. In Disagreement With another party over a structural matter related to your home. A Chartered structural engineer can provide an unbiased view, in the form of an independent report and advice on your options.

When Would I Appoint A Structural Engineer?

If you are planning an extension or renovation, the earlier you talk to a structural engineer about your project, the better your design will be.

Anything can be built; it’s just how much it’s going to cost you!

Sometimes a lavish design is all well and good. However, suppose you have not had the expertise of a structural engineer inputting their knowledge and experience into your project during the initial stages.

Some elements of your design may not work when it comes to site (that’s when any changes get expensive!).

Are You Planning A Project?

Click here to check out our ‘3 Little Structural Hacks’ that you can use to improve your design (and keep your costs down).

Today I’m talking to John Staves, Chartered Structural Engineer and Managing Director at Michael Aubrey Partnership about his role as an Expert Witness.

John, can you tell me about your role as an expert witness structural engineer, what type of disputes do you get asked to help with?

In my role as an expert witness, I am appointed to provide an impartial opinion on technical cases within my area of expertise – normally disputes arising from defective structural design or construction

Can you describe a recent case?

A recent case was a leasehold first tier tribunal (property division).We were appointed by the freeholder of a property who had proposed structural works to an estate, the leaseholders on the estate challenged the need for the works and the cost of the works.

How did you help?

The initial witness statement was a joint statement from the whole of the professional team on the freeholder’s side; myself, the barrister and the managing agent.As the Leaseholders’ technical advisors were not in attendance, and as a Chartered Structural Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers the freeholder’s barrister requested that I be moved up to “Expert”.This meant I could give my professional opinion as well as confirm facts.

What is the role of the tribunal?

The Tribunal reviews the situation and makes sure that the freeholder is behaving sensibly and fairly.

Did you have to go to court?

Normally I would attend court, however due to COVID the case was heard online.I was in the witness box for 2 hours and was cross examined by the first applicant and the barrister acting for a group of leaseholders who were party to the application.

Who makes the decision?

The three panel members, including a judge, will determine the application.

How long before a decision is made?

The verdict is usually within 6 weeks.

Do you have a property dispute where you need expert independant structural advice?Contact us today and speak to one of our friendly team.
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