Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Structural Engineer?

A structural engineer is a professional who specializes in the design and analysis of building structures, such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure, to ensure that they are safe and meet performance requirements. They are responsible for determining the forces that act on a structure and ensuring that the materials and design elements are adequate to withstand these loads.
Structural engineers use their knowledge of mathematics, physics, and engineering principles to analyze and design structures, taking into account factors such as building use, environmental conditions, and the intended purpose of the structure. They also consider the building's overall aesthetic design and work with architects and other design professionals to create a final design that is both functional and visually appealing.
In addition to design and analysis, structural engineers may also be involved in construction oversight, inspection, and quality control to ensure that the structures are being built in accordance with their designs. They may also be involved in testing, troubleshooting, and repair of existing structures.
Overall, the role of a structural engineer is crucial in ensuring the safety and stability of buildings and structures, and their work helps protect the public and preserve the built environment for future generations.

Will a Structural Engineer need to visit my property?

Whether a structural engineer needs to visit a property depends on the nature of the project and the information available. In many cases, a structural engineer may be able to provide an evaluation of the property based on existing plans, photos, and other information. However, there are some circumstances in which a visit to the property is necessary, such as:

Assessment of existing structures: In order to assess the condition of an existing structure and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades, a structural engineer may need to visit the property to inspect the structure and gather information.
New construction projects: For new construction projects, a structural engineer may need to visit the property to assess the site conditions and gather information for their design.
Complex projects: For complex projects, such as the renovation or retrofit of an existing structure, a visit to the property may be necessary to get a better understanding of the structure and its limitations.

Overall, the need for a property visit will depend on the specific project requirements, and it is best to consult with a structural engineer to determine if a visit is necessary. If a visit is required, the engineer will typically provide a detailed report of their findings and recommendations.

What areas do you serve?

We are proud to serve the communities of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and the West Midlands and Dorset and Surrounding Counties. Our team of experienced structural engineers is dedicated to providing top-quality services to meet the needs of our clients.
We understand that our clients are busy and may not always be able to visit our office, which is why we also offer online consultations. This allows you to receive expert advice and guidance from the comfort of your own home or office.
Whether you need assistance with a complex project or just have a few questions about your property, our team is here to help. With our combined experience and knowledge, we are confident that we can provide the solutions you need to ensure the safety and stability of your property.
If you're located in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, or the West Midlands or Dorset, or if you're in need of an online consultation, we encourage you to reach out to us today. Our team is standing by and ready to assist you with all of your structural engineering needs

Why do I need the services of a Structural Engineer?

There are several reasons why you may need the services of a structural engineer:

Building Design: If you're planning to construct a new building or make additions or modifications to an existing structure, a structural engineer can help you ensure that the design is safe, functional, and cost-effective. They can perform load calculations, design structural elements, and provide recommendations for materials and construction methods.
Property Inspections: If you're buying a new home, a structural engineer can inspect the property to identify any structural problems or potential hazards. They can also provide recommendations for repairs or renovations to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.
Structural Deficiencies: If you notice cracks or other signs of structural distress in your home or building, a structural engineer can assess the situation and determine the cause of the problem. They can also provide recommendations for repairs or renovations to resolve the issue.
Earthquake, Hurricane or Natural Disaster Evaluations: If your property has been damaged by an earthquake, hurricane, or other natural disaster, a structural engineer can assess the damage and determine the safety of the structure. They can also provide recommendations for repairs to restore the stability and safety of the building.
Building Code Compliance: Building codes and standards change over time, and a structural engineer can help ensure that your building is up-to-date and compliant with all relevant codes and regulations.

In summary, a structural engineer provides expert advice and guidance on all aspects of building design, construction, and safety. By working with a structural engineer, you can ensure the safety and stability of your property, and protect your investment for years to come.

What happens once structural calculations have been completed?

Once structural calculations have been completed, the following steps typically occur:

Review of Calculations: The structural engineer will review their calculations to ensure that they are accurate and complete. They may also perform additional analysis and modeling to refine their design and ensure that it meets all relevant codes and standards.
Review of Drawings: The structural engineer will review and update any necessary drawings and schematics to ensure that they accurately reflect the design. This may include elevations, cross-sections, and other detailed drawings that are required for construction.
Issuance of Calculations and Drawings: Once the calculations and drawings have been reviewed and approved, the structural engineer will issue a set of final calculations and drawings to the client or the contractor. These documents will be used as the basis for construction.
Site Visits: During construction, the structural engineer may perform site visits to ensure that the work is proceeding according to their design and specifications. They may also make adjustments or provide additional guidance as necessary.
Testing and Certification: After construction is complete, the structural engineer may perform additional testing and inspection to certify that the structure meets all relevant codes and standards. This may include load testing, vibration testing, and other types of analysis to ensure the safety and stability of the building.
Closeout: After all tests and inspections have been completed, the structural engineer will close out their portion of the project and provide final documentation to the client or contractor. This may include as-built drawings, final calculations, and a certificate of completion.

In summary, once structural calculations have been completed, the structural engineer will review and finalize their design, issue final drawings and calculations, perform site visits, and perform testing and certification to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.

What are the costs of hiring a structural engineer?

The cost of hiring a structural engineer in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including:

Location: The cost of hiring a structural engineer may vary depending on where you're located. In general, prices tend to be higher in larger cities or metropolitan areas.
Size and Complexity of the Project: The cost of hiring a structural engineer will depend on the size and complexity of the project. A simple inspection may cost a few hundred pounds, while a more complex design project can cost several thousand pounds.
Experience and Reputation of the Engineer: The cost of hiring a structural engineer will also depend on the experience and reputation of the engineer. Engineers with more experience and a good reputation tend to charge more, but may also provide a higher level of expertise and quality of work.
Type of Service: The cost of hiring a structural engineer will depend on the type of service that you require. For example, a full design project will typically cost more than a simple inspection or consultation.
Timeframe: The cost of hiring a structural engineer may also depend on the timeframe for the project. If you need the work completed quickly, the cost may be higher due to additional time and resources required by the engineer.

A site visit can cost between £150 to £250, and any additional fees can be discussed on site once the scope of works is known.

On average, the cost of hiring a structural engineer for a small project can range from £500 to £1,500, while the cost for a larger, more complex project can range from £5,000 to £10,000 or more.

It's important to keep in mind that the cost of hiring a structural engineer is an investment in the safety and stability of your property. A well-designed structure will provide peace of mind, protect your investment, and ensure the safety of those who occupy the building.

Are the works of a structural engineer covers by insurance?

The work of a structural engineer is generally not covered by insurance, however, it's important to ensure that the engineer you hire is fully qualified and has adequate professional indemnity (PI) insurance in place.
Ultimate Structural Calcualtions has PI insurance, which provides an additional layer of protection for you, the client. This means that in the unlikely event of a mistake or error in the design, you will be protected against any financial losses.
Ultimate structural calculations is also a member of the Institute of Structural Engineers, which is a professional body that represents structural engineers in the UK. Membership of the Institute indicates that Ultimate Structural Calculations meets the high standards of expertise and professionalism required by the industry.
In addition, Ultimate Structural Calculations has a 100% building control approval record, which is a testament to their expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality work. They also offer a fast turnaround on their projects, ensuring that you receive the results of their work as quickly as possible.
Overall, hiring a structural engineer with the qualifications, experience, and professional insurance of Ultimate Structural Calculations will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that your building project is completed to the highest standards.

How long do structural calculations take to complete?

The length of time that structural calculations take will depend on several factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the experience of the engineer, and the timeframe required by the client.
Ultimate Structural Calculations understands that unexpected issues on site can arise, and they are equipped to handle urgent jobs. They can resolve such issues within 24 hours, providing you with a fast and efficient solution to any structural problems that may arise.
For small jobs such as a beam calculation or wall removal assessment, Ultimate Structural Calculations can provide the results within 1-2 days. For a small extension project, calculations may take a week to complete, while larger jobs may take 2-4 weeks or more, depending on the scope of works.
It's important to note that while Ultimate Structural Calculations is committed to delivering fast and efficient results, they will never compromise on the quality of their work. They take the time to thoroughly review each project and ensure that their calculations are accurate and up-to-code.
If you have a specific timeframe in mind, Ultimate Structural Calculations will work with you to ensure that your project is completed on time and to your satisfaction.