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Practical guidance on structural calculations, Building Regulations and common residential projects such as extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and load-bearing wall alterations.
If you are planning a home improvement project, our guides explain the technical side in a clear and straightforward way. Building Regulations approval is separate from planning permission, and many residential projects require technical drawings and structural information before work can move forward.
Clear guidance on the technical requirements of residential building work — explained simply, without unnecessary jargon.
Planning an extension or structural alteration often raises the same questions.
The Structural Advice section has been created to answer those questions clearly. Our guides focus on the most common residential project types and the issues homeowners regularly face when planning extensions and alterations. This includes guidance on steel beams, structural openings, loft conversions, garage conversions and Building Regulations requirements.
If you already have architect drawings prepared, the fastest next step is to upload them for review and receive a fixed quote for the structural calculations and Building Regulation drawings required for your project.
Most quotes within 24 hours · Secure digital delivery · Documentation prepared for Building Control
Many homeowners begin by researching general information online before they are ready to request a quote.
That research often starts with questions such as:
This section is designed to make those topics easier to understand and help you identify what may be required for your project.
In England, Building Regulations approval is different from planning permission, and the regulations commonly apply to construction, extension and many alteration projects. Most property extensions require approval under the Building Regulations, and converting a loft into liveable space also requires approval.
Understanding these requirements early can make it easier to move your project forward smoothly.
Guides about rear extensions, side extensions, double storey extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions.
Practical information about RSJ beams, load-bearing walls, structural openings, steel beam design and when structural calculations are typically required.
Guidance on Building Regulations approval, technical drawings, common compliance topics and how the approval process fits into a typical home extension project.
Explore our latest guides on extensions, beams, structural calculations and Building Regulations.
Each article is written to help homeowners understand the technical side of residential building work and take the next step with confidence.
Understand when Building Regulations approval is usually required, how it differs from planning permission, and what technical documentation is commonly needed for an extension project.
A practical explanation of what structural calculations are, why they are often needed for extensions, and how they support Building Control approval.
Learn what an RSJ beam is, when it is commonly used, and why structural calculations are important when walls are removed or openings are widened.
A guide to knock-through projects, open-plan layouts and the beam calculations typically required when structural walls are altered.
Loft conversions into liveable space require Building Regulations approval and often involve structural work for new floor loads and roof alterations.
Garage conversions into habitable space normally require Building Regulations approval and may need technical details for infill walls, floors, ventilation and structural support.
A simple explanation of what Building Regulation drawings are, how they differ from planning drawings, and why they are important for residential construction projects.
A practical guide to beam calculations, support conditions and the factors that affect steel beam design.
A useful starting point if you are unsure whether your project requires structural calculations.
Understand the difference between architectural design and structural design, and how the two parts of the process fit together on a home extension project.
An overview of the factors that affect cost, including project size, complexity and the number of structural elements involved. Typical projects start from £249 for steel beam calculations and £799 for extension and loft conversion documentation.
A clear guide explaining the difference between design drawings for planning and technical drawings for Building Regulations approval.
Some of the most common questions we see relate to the technical side of residential building work. For example:
Current UK guidance makes it clear that Building Regulations approval and planning permission are separate processes.
Most extensions require Building Regulations approval, loft conversions into liveable space require approval, and garage conversions into habitable space will normally require approval as well.
Our aim is to explain these issues in a practical and straightforward way, without unnecessary jargon.
BuildRegs prepares structural calculations and Building Regulation drawings for residential construction projects across the UK.
If your architect drawings are already prepared, we can review the project and provide a fixed quote for the documentation required.
This is often the simplest route for homeowners who already know what project they want to build, but need help preparing the structural calculations and technical drawings required for the next stage.
BuildRegs supports a wide range of residential construction projects. Upload your architect drawings and receive a fixed quote tailored to your project.
Most extensions require approval under the Building Regulations, although some exemptions exist. Building Regulations approval is separate from planning permission.
Structural alterations commonly require Building Regulations approval, and beam calculations are typically needed where loads must be supported after a wall is removed.
Yes. Building Regulations approval is required to convert a loft or attic into liveable space.
The conversion of a garage, or part of a garage, into habitable space will normally require approval under the Building Regulations.
No. Building Regulations approval is a separate process from planning permission, and the technical information needed for Building Control is different from planning-stage design information.
Upload your architect drawings today and we will review the project and provide a fixed quote for the structural calculations and Building Regulation drawings required.
Most quotes within 24 hours · Secure digital delivery · Documentation prepared for Building Control
