Costs & Guides

Not just for new building, but also for renovations and demolitions, structural engineers are required. But what are the fees for structural engineers? Learn more with this price guide!

How Much Does Hiring a Structural Engineer Cost?

A structural engineer will almost certainly be required at some stage during a construction project. Dismantling an old structure to build a new one or rehabilitating an old one requires structural engineers.

Having a qualified structural engineer work on your project will keep you and any building contractors on-site safe in the future. You would normally hire one to assist you in formulating the building requirements for your project.

They will provide you with the appropriate structural calculations so that the project may begin. A skilled engineer with high-level mathematical skills will be able to help with this.

This, combined with their improved grasp of physics, enables them to calculate the level of security provided by any property.

Structural engineers can inspect buildings to verify their structural soundness, provide plans for architects and builders to follow, and apply for building regulations and planning authorization.

Structural engineers can also help you figure out what modifications you can make, what materials you’ll need, and how to make the structure safe and sound.

Most importantly, structural engineering examinations will identify the source of any damage identified, allowing homeowners to proceed with repairs.

In-depth studies also contain the engineer’s recommendations for rebuilding the foundation or repairing drainage issues, if necessary. Above all, a structural engineering report can guarantee competency that they won’t find anywhere else.

A structural engineer can be employed for a variety of purposes, such as conducting a building evaluation to establish the structural integrity of a property or writing up measurements for a loft conversion that can be used to advise an architect’s plans and all subsequent construction work.

Customers, architects, contractors, and other technical experts collaborate with structural engineers to enhance existing structures by incorporating new structural safety measures. Their typical responsibilities are as follows:

• Using computer-aided design tools to create engineering plans.
• Investigating the qualities of various building materials.
• The loads and stresses on various structural components are calculated.
• Computer models are used to forecast how structures would react in various weather conditions.

The hourly rate for structural engineers is usually between £50 and £90. If the engineer works for a large firm rather than independently in London, this will very certainly be greater.

Structural engineering fees can be calculated as a percentage of the entire project cost, a lump sum payment, or a time charge. The cost of an appointment is determined by the nature of the project and the circumstances surrounding the appointment.

Commercial work is less expensive than private residential building, although historic or listed property restorations may have higher rates.

Similarly, the complete scope of the project will have a big impact on the final expenses when developing construction plans, such as establishing the foundations necessary for a new expansion or the number of joists to be employed. Larger projects, which require many site visits and multiple versions of drawings, will unavoidably be more expensive.

The cost of a structural engineer for a basic, single-story addition built on flat land might be between £400 and £600.

Fees for a more complex construction, such as a two-story addition built on sloping terrain, can cost between £2,000 and £3,000.

The cost of a structural engineer is usually higher for larger properties. Because structural engineers work on a wide range of projects, the cost of each project will vary. A structure check, for example, is frequently less expensive than planning and executing a significant upgrade.

Prices for Structural Engineers

If you’re considering hiring a structural engineer, this article will clarify the differences in structural engineer costs.

The table below shows the various costs of hiring a structural engineer:

Structural Engineer Job	Cost
Applying building regulations	£350 – £850
Applying for planning permission	£200 – £450
Small flat survey	£200 – £500
Large house survey	£2,000 – £3,000
Simple extension planning	£400 – £800
Complex extension planning	£2,000 – £3,000

Because different areas require structural engineers, different parts of the UK charge varying structural engineer fees, which affects the hourly rate. The table below shows the typical hourly expenses for structural pricing.

The cost of a structural engineer is influenced by the nature of the job, the property concerns involved, the number of visits, and, of course, your location in the United Kingdom.

Several structural engineers bill by the hour, while others prefer to inspect your property, analyse your remodelling ideas, and provide final price only once they have a complete understanding of what has to be done.

According to our data, the hourly rate ranges from £50 to £90, and working hours are normally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some firms offering weekend work.

Location	Cost
North-west	£50 – £70
North-east	£60 – £70
South-west	£60 – £80
South-east	£70 – £90

Structural engineers are experts at determining a home’s or structure’s structural stability. They assess issues and give solutions recommendations.

They can also determine the structure’s strength, longevity, and safety. This is the term used to describe the structure as well as any accompanying structures such as retaining walls, garages, and other modifications.

There may be other structural difficulties in addition to the cost and time commitment of renovation projects. You must determine whether a wall is load-bearing before dismantling it. In basements, you may also want to fix slanted flooring or bowed walls.

Before embarking on any large renovation or retrofitting project, a structural engineer should be consulted. They can provide recommendations, examine your work, and keep your newly rebuilt structure from collapsing on you.

What Are the Extra Costs of Hiring a Structural Engineer?

After engaging a structural engineer, you may find that you need them for other projects around the house. As a result, you should be prepared.

We’ll go through the various additional jobs that may arise when hiring a structural engineer in this section.

RSJ

Because of RSJs, your home addition will stay put! If you’re making major structural changes or removing a load-bearing wall, you’ll need to install a Rolled Steel Joint (RSJ).

RSJs are the most popular steel beams used in modern construction. One has a ‘H’ cross-section, while the other has an I-Beam cross-section. Both materials are incredibly durable and can be cut to any size, making them ideal for supporting floors and ceilings in any home addition.

The size of the beam, your unique property, the need to transfer utilities, and your location in the United Kingdom all influence the cost of building an RSJ. An RSJ installation typically costs between £1500 and £2500.

The cost of hiring a structural engineer, plastering, skip rental, building control permission fees, materials, and labour are all covered. Knowledge and experience are required to install a rolled steel joist.

A tradesperson’s day rate is generally between £150 and £200, though you may be given an estimate for the entire task.

The job will require at least two persons, with a labourer contributing £80–£100 a day to the overall cost.

For the services of a structural engineer, expect to pay between £50 and £90 per hour, with the higher rate most likely to be applicable in London and the southeast.

Installing an RSJ requires a different amount of time depending on its size and weight. Because everything must be perfect before the installation, which is a critical job, the planning phase can take a long time.

If there are enough workers on hand to perform it securely and effectively, installing the RSJ beam should take an hour or two. Padstones are inserted in the cavities where the RSJ will be installed to support it and raise it to the proper height to sustain the ceiling joists’ weight.

Please see our guide to the costs of RSJ installation for more information.

Location

Your location in the United Kingdom has an impact on the final cost of hiring a structural engineer. Prices are likely to be greater in central London and the southeast than in the Midlands, northern England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

You should try to factor in your location when creating a budget for this type of job.

Minimum Fee

Some structural engineers will charge a minimum fee when you hire them. This could be a one-time charge for the first hour of labour, even if it is only for a short time, or it could be a flat rate that is added to the labour and, if applicable, supply expenses.

Size

If a structural engineer is required, you will be given an estimate based on the size of the home, as the larger the home, the longer it will take.

Tradesmen Costs

Fees for structural engineers can be set as a percentage of the entire project cost, a lump sum payment, or a time charge. The cost of an appointment is determined by the nature of the project and the circumstances surrounding the appointment.

Commercial work may be less expensive than private residential construction, while historic or listed building restorations may have higher rates.

The average day rate for a structural engineer is between £400 to £500 per half-day, but this can vary based on the area of employment.

Certain places of the United Kingdom are well-known for being more expensive to live in. As a result, employment fees have been increased in order to promote a more balanced work life.

Duration

The length of time it takes to finish the job may or may not influence the ultimate cost, depending on how the tradesperson works. A contractor will be paid a fixed amount up front in some cases, while they will be paid by the hour in others.

Building faults can occasionally be charged separately, altering the daily expenses. The following are some examples of common flaws:

• Wall cracks or bulges, as well as wall/mortar deterioration, might be dangerous to your home.
• Sagging walls or buildings, such as chimney stacks.
• Subsidence or ground movement.
• Tree roots can cause structural and drainage problems that need to be addressed.
• Roof that is sagging or spreading.
• Stability of a damaged structure, such as a house that has been burned down.
• Slanted floors that make construction harder.
• Sagging or broken beams should be avoided.
• Door or window frames that are bent or twisted.

How Long Does a Structural Engineer Report Take?

The time it takes to get a structural engineer report varies greatly based on a variety of factors. When homeowners have their home inspected for the first time, they may not anticipate the level of information that a professional engineer can provide, so they are unaware of how long the report will take.

A structural engineer can look over the overall construction of the house as well as other parts of the property. The cost of a structural engineer report varies based on the type of work being done.

A structural engineer may simply need to look at that portion of the house if the house only needs a foundation check. A roof inspection is unlikely to be included in that inspection unless the structural engineer believes it is a contributing factor to the structural soundness of your home.

We’ll go over how long a structural engineer study for your property will take.

If a survey provides sufficient information, intrusive investigations, such as digging trial holes to reveal foundations, elevating flooring to assess joist size, or cutting holes in the ceiling to establish how the walls above are supported, may be avoided.

Structural engineer inspections typically take two hours, and detailed reports are usually provided a few days after the inspection. The cost of structural engineer inspections varies based on the scope of the project.

Types of Structural Engineer Jobs

The strength and stability of our buildings and bridges are designed by structural engineers, who are highly trained and inventive specialists.

Structural engineers work on everything from bridges, roller coasters, and skyscrapers to hospitals, apartments, and public artworks to help develop record-breaking buildings, beautiful structures, helpful structures, and occasionally just cool structures.

They work with architects, builders, and other engineers as part of a team. They ensure that the structure performs as expected in practise: for example, a dance floor should not vibrate excessively while people jump up and down on it.

A structural engineer’s task is to examine your property while keeping the changes you want to make in mind. Following a structural engineer’s evaluation, the next step is to construct a structural design or drawing.

The structural sketch will show you the plan, measurements, and other important details of the project. We’ll go through the many types of structural engineer jobs and what they involve in this article.

Surveys

A structural property survey can also be done by a structural engineer. They’ll inspect your home’s structure for issues including cracking, water damage, subsidence, and sagging roofs.

The cost of a full structural survey is determined by a number of criteria, including the property’s size, type, and location. A survey should cost somewhere between £500 and £1500.

If they have simple access to the site, your report will be delivered in 7-10 days from the date of instruction. The procedure can begin after everything is in order.

Buildings

Structural engineers assist in the design and construction of structures so that they can stand once the scaffolding is gone, but structures come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

A structural engineer is not required for a new home, but one is required for a skyscraper, an opera building, or a sports stadium.

They imagine how the building will look before it is constructed, allowing a blueprint of the construction to be created so that the builders know where to begin their journey.

Oil and Gas

A structural engineer can work on a variety of projects in the oil and gas business. Whether it’s a pipeline, a rig, or a gas or oil field, all exploration of this kind has one thing in common: the scale of the buildings.

Whether you’re creating, testing, or inspecting equipment, be prepared to work on large projects.

Designing

The engineers’ most crucial task is to finish the structure’s designs. They make certain that the designs will be able to handle the weight and pressure that will be put to them.

They comprise, among other things, information on the roof type, floors, foundations, steel beams, and material quality.

Analysis

The engineers undertake a thorough investigation before beginning the construction design. It must meet all mathematical and physical specifications.

A thorough evaluation can help determine the structure’s actual capacity and how it should be built.

Aeronautical

The engineers undertake a thorough investigation before beginning the construction design. It must meet all mathematical and physical specifications.

A thorough evaluation can help determine the structure’s actual capacity and how it should be built.

Nautical

While passenger ships, cargo ships, and other types of boats make for the majority of marine engineering, a structural engineer working in the nautical profession can also design and manage non-moving structures such as wind turbines and oceanographic structures.

Bridges

Whether it’s a footbridge over a stream, a rail bridge over a canyon, or a road bridge crossing an ocean, each project will require the assistance of a structural engineer to ensure that the bridge performs in harmony with its surroundings.

The engineer’s suggestions will assist ensure that the bridge can safely bear its load on days with extreme weather as well as days with normal weather.

Benefits of Hiring a Structural Engineer

Structural engineering involves materials science, applied mathematics, and mechanical engineering.

Structural engineers can design the skeleton of a building and sketch out the blueprint for any construction project to the last detail. They’ll calculate how much weight each structure in your building project can support.

Your structural engineers may help you excavate the site and pour the concrete foundation for your project, as well as test the soil and install pillars and poles at ground level.

Hiring a structural engineer can help you improve your house and health in a variety of ways. We’ll go through the various benefits you’ll get from employing a structural engineer in this article.

Professionals

It frequently comes down to something as simple as this when it comes to structural inspection engineers. You’ll be hiring a skilled professional who will know exactly what to perform as soon as they arrive.

This saves a lot of time while also ensuring that the task is completed to your specifications. When there is so much going on in terms of the structure around you, this is crucial.

When making judgments on future projects and/or adjustments, it is important to examine the professionalism of structural engineering experts.

In-Depth Test

Examine the structure’s integrity and determine whether the fundamental checks are sufficient. This is a specialist who has been trained to analyse structures and knows what to look for in advance. If you want to make an accurate appraisal of the structure, this is crucial.

Many individuals are startled to realise that when a competent eye studies the material, various concealed flaws become apparent. They will look for those weaknesses immediately and will be able to spot them with ease. This is one of the most important reasons to hire the best for your demands.

Peace of Mind

Don’t you wish to be at ease with the current status of the structure? If this is the case, you should employ residential engineering experts to analyse the structure’s state and determine whether any improvements are necessary to maintain its safety and durability.

If this is the case, you can rest easy knowing that the property is now in good hands until the engineer arrives.

Can Specialise in Different Fields

Structural engineers work in a wide range of fields. In addition to working on projects, they may provide structural blueprints for multi-story structures, shopping malls, and skyscrapers.

They are also known as wind and earthquake engineers, and they can keep your building secure from natural disasters.

If you’re building a construction in an earthquake-prone area, for example, you’ll need to employ the right materials to keep your structure safe from vibrations and earthquakes.

Can Predict Later Damage

Some forensic engineers work for structural engineering businesses and can find the weak spots in your structure. They can look for weak points in your beams, trusses, roof, walls, and foundation. You can make repairs to these areas to help your construction last longer.

An ideal choice is to choose a Structural Engineer who comes highly recommended, whether from friends and family who have had work done for them or via a recognised industry directory.

You can get a reference from your architect. Although Architects may not have the same responsibilities as Structural Engineers, many competent Architects are familiar with structural issues. However, they are not equipped to provide structural advice.

Although some architectural businesses employ their own engineers, the majority will recruit outside consultants. Most structural engineers, on the other hand, have a basic understanding of architectural challenges, although representation from both disciplines are required for most normal building projects.

FAQs

Q: How do you distinguish between a structural engineer and an architect?
A: The built world we see around us is the responsibility of architects. They must take into account both the physical structure and the aesthetics. They’re a mix of scientists and artists. Architects make sketches, models, blueprints, and technical drawings on a regular basis, either by hand or with computer-aided design (CAD) software.

They meet with clients as well as other industry experts such as designers and engineers to discuss their needs.

Structural engineers, on the other hand, design buildings as well, but they are more concerned with safety than with aesthetics. They choose appropriate materials and perform calculations to ensure that structures do not buckle or bend, and that they are adequate for their intended usage.

They may also offer suggestions for improving existing buildings.

Q: Do I need a structural engineer?
A: You may need the assistance of a structural engineer when renovating or making changes to your property that may affect its stability. A structural engineer can help your building contractor and architect by supplying crucial information like structural drawings and load calculations that are necessary for the renovation process.

This information may also be necessary when applying for a building permit or following building codes. The need for a structural engineer varies depending on the project’s scope. Solar panel installation, beam calculations for expansions, loft conversions, door and window changes, internal wall alterations, underpinning, and chimney removal are all common uses for them.

Any project that affects the structure of the building or requires building control approval requires the services of a structural engineer.

Q: What services may a structural engineer provide?
A: Structural engineers plan, design, and supervise new building and bridge construction, as well as alterations and additions to existing structures. It’s a wonderful feeling to see what you contributed to become a reality.

Q: What are the requirements for a structural engineer?
A: You’ll need math and science knowledge, as well as problem-solving abilities, to complete this exercise.

This could be the appropriate career for you if you’re interested in building design and structure and have a lot of creative ideas.

In most cases, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in structural or civil engineering is required. You may be able to get started with a degree in a related field, such as construction, architecture, or mathematics, but it will take you longer to qualify.

Communication is one of the linked qualities of a structural engineer, as the profession involves teamwork.

• Creativity to aid in visualising the eventual result.
• Organise your accounts, so you know how much money you’re making for the job.
• Personality characteristics
• Information technology (IT) because computer work is required.
• Measurement numeracy is required.
• Resolving difficulties since things don’t always go as planned; always have a backup plan.

Q: How can you know whether you need a structural engineer to examine something?
A: Ceilings that sag, foundations or walls that have been damaged, windows that stick or won’t close entirely, and doors that jam or can’t close correctly are all warning signals.

Leaning walls, a bulge or curve in a concrete wall, or a crumbling and chipped concrete foundation may be visible from the outside.

Moisture in your basement or crawl space, as well as cracks in your ceramic or vinyl tile flooring, are all possibilities.