Project questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about structural alterations, steel installation, approvals and project planning.
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Useful answers in one place.
Answers about structural alterations, steel installation, approvals and project planning.
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4 questionsWhat services does Structural Projects North West provide?
Structural Projects North West specialises in structural steel installations, RSJ steel beams, structural alterations, mezzanine floors, and bespoke structural solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Do you supply and install RSJ steel beams?
Yes. We supply and install RSJ steel beams and other structural supports required for projects such as wall removals, property extensions, and structural reinforcements.
Do you work with both residential and commercial clients?
Yes. We work with homeowners, builders, developers, contractors, and commercial property owners across the North West.
Which areas do you cover?
Structural Projects North West operates across the North West of England including Manchester, Liverpool, Cheshire, Lancashire, and surrounding areas.
Design and approvals
4 questionsDo you provide structural calculations or engineering drawings?
We can work alongside structural engineers and architects to ensure all steelwork and structural installations meet building regulations and project specifications.
Are your installations compliant with building regulations?
Yes. All structural work is completed in accordance with UK building regulations and structural engineering specifications to ensure safety and compliance.
Do I need Building Regulations approval?
Yes. Most structural alterations require Building Regulations approval. Inspections are carried out during and after the work to ensure it complies with current safety standards. We can co-ordinate this for you for £399.00 + VAT. Building control sign off can take a few weeks, dependent upon the specific projects (as an example – Steel beam installation – sign off wont take place until beam plastered).
Will I need a Party Wall Agreement?
If the work affects a shared wall or chimney stack, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply. You may need to notify your neighbour before work begins.
Quotes and timescales
6 questionsHow long does a typical structural project take?
Project timelines vary depending on the scope and complexity. Smaller installations such as single steel beams can often be completed within a day, while larger projects may take several days or weeks.
How can I get a quote for my project?
You can contact us with details of your project, drawings, or structural plans. Our team will review the information and provide a quotation for the required structural work.
How do I contact the team?
What does the quotation include?
Your quotation should clearly outline what is included, such as labour, materials, steel beams, installation, waste removal, and making good. If anything is excluded, it should be identified before work begins.
Could there be additional costs?
Sometimes. While every effort is made to provide an accurate quotation, unforeseen issues can only become visible once work starts. These may include:
- Hidden structural defects
- Damaged timber or masonry
- Unexpected pipework or electrical services
- Extra making-good work works
- Additional waste removal, this may occur with chimney removal in particular
Any additional work will be discussed with you and agreed before proceeding.
How long will the work take?
Our Co-ordination team will give you an indication of the length of the project, however there can be variances in this time frame, these will be communicated to you throughout the process.
Work on site and handover
10 questionsWill there be a lot of dust and noise?
Yes. Structural work is one of the dustiest types of home renovation. Although dust sheets and protective coverings are used wherever possible, some dust is unavoidable and may travel beyond the immediate work area.
Will my home be cleaned after the work?
The work area will usually be left tidy at the end of each working day, and all construction waste generated by the contractor will normally be removed if included in your quotation. However, structural work creates fine dust that often requires a thorough domestic clean once the project has been completed. Whilst we endevour to leave a clean property, we do advise to instruct a cleaning company for a full deep clean once works have been completed, we do have preferred suppliers for this.
Is waste removal included?
If a skip is required, this should be confirmed in your quotation, including any permit costs if the skip is placed on a public road. If you have opted provide the skip, this would need to be on site prior to work commencing.
Will I need to move out?
Usually not. Most homeowners remain in the property during the work, although access to certain rooms may be restricted while structural alterations are underway. We will liaise with you on the timescales and rooms impacted during the co-ordination stage.
Will there be damage to my home?
Some replastering, redecorating and making good is usually required after structural work. Even where care is taken, vibrations and movement can occasionally cause minor cracking to adjacent plaster or decorations.
Will utilities need to be disconnected?
Occasionally. Electrical cables, plumbing or heating pipework may need to be temporarily isolated or relocated if they are found within the wall or chimney being removed. We will advise this on Site Measure stage, we can then add this to the quote or can advise you to appoint someone, we do have a preferred supplier list available.
What certificates will I receive?
Where applicable, you should receive:
- Structural engineer's calculations (if these are provided by Structural Projects Northwest)
- Building Regulations completion certificate (if Co-ordination organised by Structural Projects Northwest)
How should I prepare before work starts?
Before work begins you should:
- Remove furniture, pictures and valuables from the work area.
- Protect nearby belongings where possible.
- Make arrangements for pets and children to stay away from the work area.
- Ensure clear access for materials and equipment.
- Inform neighbours if there may be temporary disruption.
If work is unable to commence, fees will be incurred, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
What happens if unexpected problems are found?
Hidden issues are sometimes discovered once walls or ceilings are opened. These could include defective brickwork, rotten timbers, damp, historic alterations or unsupported structures. If this happens, work may need to pause while the safest solution is agreed with you.
Will the finished work be ready for decorating?
Structural work usually includes making the affected areas ready for the next stage, but decorating and plastering is often not included unless specifically stated in your quotation. Always check what level of finishing is included before work starts.
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