Structural Alterations in Kidderminster

Structural alterations are the jobs that change how a house actually holds itself up. Taking out a load-bearing wall to open a kitchen into a dining room, forming a wide opening for bifold doors, removing a chimney breast, or putting a steel beam in where a wall used to be. JCT Building carries out this work for homeowners in Kidderminster, Stourport-on-Severn, Bewdley, Worcester, Bromsgrove, Hagley, Stourbridge, Halesowen, Droitwich Spa and Tenbury Wells.

Most people come to us for one of two reasons. Either the ground floor is chopped into small rooms and they want it opened up, or they are already planning an extension, a loft conversion or a full renovation and the layout changes need structural work to make them possible. We handle both, either as a standalone job or as part of a larger project we are managing from start to finish.

What the work involves

We start by looking at the property and working out what is actually carrying load, which is not always obvious from inside the room. Where a wall or opening needs a beam, the sizing comes from a structural engineer’s calculations rather than guesswork, and the work is carried out so it can be inspected and signed off by building control. Props and temporary support go in before anything comes out, so the floors above stay where they should be.

Once the steel or lintel is in and bearing correctly onto padstones, we close everything up. That means making good the brickwork, plastering, boxing or casing the beam, dealing with any services that were buried in the wall, and leaving the floor and ceiling ready for decorating. We clear up as we go and keep dust sheeted off from the rest of the house, because in most cases you are still living there while we work.

You will get a clear idea of the sequence before we start, and one point of contact throughout. If your alteration ties into a kitchen extension, rear extension or a wider renovation, we can programme it all together rather than you juggling separate trades.

Common questions

How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?

Thickness, direction of the floor joists above and what sits directly over the wall all give clues, but none of them are conclusive on their own. We will come and look at the property and advise you properly. If the wall is structural, a structural engineer will specify what is needed to replace it.

Do I need building regulations approval?

Removing or altering a load-bearing element normally comes under building regulations, so yes, in most cases. We work to the engineer’s design and arrange the work so building control can inspect at the right stages. We will talk you through what applies to your specific job before anything starts.

Can I stay in the house while the work is done?

Usually, yes. Most wall removals and beam installations are done room by room with the area sheeted off. There will be noise and dust for part of it, and we will tell you honestly which days are the worst ones so you can plan around them.

Talk to us about your project

If you are thinking about opening up the ground floor or you have an engineer’s drawing already and need someone to build it, give us a call. Phone JCT Building on 07769225120 or send the details through our contact form and we will get back to you.