Structural Calculations

Determining the exact materials, structural supports and labour needed to complete a project efficiently, ensuring all resources are properly allocated for a safe, cost-effective, and high-quality build.

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What are structural calculations?

If you’re making a significant change to your home on the Wirral, you will likely need the expertise of a structural engineer for the following:

Creating a knock-through
Garage conversion
Chimney breast removal
Alterations to existing walls
Loft conversion
Building an extension

Structural calculations, along with floor plans, form the foundation of any major building work. They detail and itemise the building materials required to bear loads or provide structural support.

How structural calculations are used?

Before building an extension, a structural report will be required to assess key factors such as the depth of the foundations and the depth of the concrete footings to ensure they are sufficient to support the weight of the building. It will also specify the width and thickness of timber joists and roof rafters to confirm they can safely bear the load over their span.

If you are planning a knock-through at your property, creating an opening in a structure removes strength and introduces a stress point in the building. Structural calculations determine the crushing weight of the load above – such as bricks, the roof, and floors – and specify what is required to safely bear this load. A detailed report from the structural engineer will cover aspects such as the depth and thickness of any steel beams needed, steel connection details, and whether supporting pillars are required.

Why do I need them?

By law, structural calculations must be provided to ensure all work is safe and compliant with British standards. Failure to comply with building regulations could result in work having to be redone, or it may cause issues when selling your home if you are unable to provide the necessary approval for a buyer’s surveyor report.

At Open Plan Space Wirral, we have carried out remedial work for clients who previously had work done by companies that failed to meet regulations. This includes cases where steel beams were installed incorrectly or were of insufficient size. To avoid such issues, we strongly recommend researching a company’s credentials before committing to any work.

A structural engineer’s calculations help reduce the risk of unforeseen complications, ensuring cost-effective solutions that save you money in the long run. Having structural calculations in place provides confidence that your project is safe, compliant, and well-planned from the outset.

Contact us today

Contact Open Plan Space Wirral for advice on structural calculations and how to get your building project safely off the ground. We’ll help you every step of the way – from concept to completion.

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Our happy customers

    
 
 
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   Jane Powell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. There’s plenty to say here: all of it good! Matthew and his team tuned into our vision of integrating three separate rooms into one, converting our kitchen into a fantastic living space for cooking, dining, relaxing and accessing our garden. The project involved significant structural/building work, electrical work, plumbing, flooring, painting and decorating. We chose Open Plan Space Wirral because Matthew took the time to listen to and understand our aspirations. The team undertook investigative surveys to help understand the structural complexities of our 150 year old property and to develop a realistic proposal. The plan and quotation that we agreed upon was detailed and professionally presented.  Variations, when encountered, were discussed and agreed promptly.  We were particularly impressed to receive a daily video progress update when we were on holiday.  Communication was helpful and clear throughout the job. The quality of workmanship was excellent and we are now enjoying a completely transformed space.  Thank you to Matthew and the team .
  
 
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   J Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We wanted our kitchen and living room knocked through, a new kitchen installed and a refurb of our downstairs bathroom. We really shopped around but knew this was the team for us as soon as we met Matt. Honest and open conversation from the start, great ideas shared which really helped us create our dream home, with free flowing space and expert skill. The Team was there on the dot from day one, we had a schedule of works to follow and knew exactly where we were up to with our works supported by an easy to follow payment plan and . The numerous technicians that delivered our various works were all brilliant, courteous, knowledgable and clean and tidy, very rare to feel you can trust your builder when delivering such a big job but we are honestly delighted with the outcome and could not recommend Matt and his team enough.
  
 
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   Emma Hargreaves 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were lucky enough to find  ‘Open Plan Space’ through our buildings surveyor. From our very first meeting with  Matthew he instilled confidence! We felt reassured that he was the man for the job! He shared our vision for the sympathetic renovation on our country cottage. We were opening up a supporting wall on our building that is 150yrs old…with an extremely heavy Welsh slate roof! It was therefore essential that the works were carried out by somebody that knew what they were doing! Our cottage, although roomy like a tardis, has very small rooms with little or no kitchen! We simply wanted to create an open & light space to cook & entertain in, without destroying the character of the building. Communicating with Matthew throughout the project has been fantastic! He is there every step of the way… day or night!! The boys were punctual! Arriving early every day & not leaving until late if needed to ensure the job was completed & kept on track! The quality of their workmanship was excellent! They went above & beyond & we are absolutely thrilled with the quality of work & the results they have given us! We would not hesitate in recommending Matthew & his business Open Plan Space! He is a genuinely fantastic, thoroughly decent individual, who works extremely hard at what he does. He provided peace of mind when we were carrying out our renovations. We knew we could trust him & that he would do his very best for us… & he has! We couldn’t be happier with the results! Thank you Matthew & all the team for helping to create our dream home!
  
 
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   rebecca travis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldn’t recommend Matt and Mike highly enough. They began our full house reconfiguration in February 2023 and the transformation has been incredible. The project included creating a stunning two-storey entrance hallway with cantilevered joists to form an internal mezzanine balcony. We wanted to maximise light in the house, and they achieved this beautifully by knocking out the back wall to install 7m floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. They also levelled the floors, created new window openings, built stud walls, and so much more. The quality of their workmanship and attention to detail has completely transformed our home. They went above and beyond at every stage, and we are absolutely thrilled with the result. Truly amazing builders - highly professional and trustworthy.
  
 
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   Bon Leung 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is such a great experience with Open Plan Space, service is excellent, quotation was given after a detail explanation of work involved and site visited for three times. I can’t ask for more. My property requires a lot of rectification work left from previous contractor, Matthew shows his professionalism to answer all my questions with videos and photos explaination. So far , they are one of the most excellent builders that I have met. Definitely I will recommend Open Plan Space to all property owners which seeks for renovations especially roof conversions and home additions.
  
 
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   Noel Henderson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We chose open Plan Space due to their detailed quote, previous reviews and professional manner when we met them. The work they completed was fantastic we had a single storey kitchen diner put on to the back of the house, they created a new downstairs toilet and utility room and ripped out and installed a new bathroom upstairs re plastered all of the walls and ceilings downstairs. Matthew and Mike were brilliant throughout the whole refurbishment communication was fantastic as we were out of the country for some of the time. Their workmen very very polite and knew their trades cleaned up afterwards every day. The standard of their work is fantastic and they couldn't do enough for us with their expert ideas when any issues turned up as the the house is very old. We would definitely recommend Open Plan Space to friends and neighbours as they have done a brilliant job on our house. Many thanks Matthew and Mike.
  
 
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   Nathan Schofield 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an internal wall removed to create an open kitchen-diner, with the ceiling vaulted and Velux roof lights installed, along with the boarding and plastering of the entire space. I chose to use Matthew and his team based on their reputation and the high quality of previous projects I had seen. Their experience with similar renovations gave me confidence that they could handle the job well. The main reason for wanting an open plan layout was to create a more modern, light filled space, opening up the kitchen-diner was the perfect solution to achieve this. The work was completed smoothly, with minimal disruption, and the results far exceeded my expectations, the space has been completely transformed. Throughout the project, communication with the team was excellent and they kept me updated at every stage. They were always quick to respond to any questions, and made sure I was involved in key decisions. Their professionalism and approachability made the whole process straightforward and stress free.
  
 
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   Su 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We instructed Matthew and his team to knock out one external and two internal walls and fit five steel beams for our renovation. We picked open plan because of their previous good reviews, professional manner, and detailed quote with all costs broken down. They were excellent from start to finish. Great communication from the team, they always let us know what was happening and when and the work went smoothly despite our house having some quirks leftover from previous work. Thanks very much guys!
  
 
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   Jane Lunt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really like to say a massive Thankyou to Matty for all his hard work and squeezing me in at such short notice. Extremely reliable and professional . He worked throughout the evening after already doing a full day's work. Couldn't fault his workmanship, which was to a very high standard. Thoroughly nice chap with a great work ethic. Thanks for saving the day.
  
 
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   Iric Wan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently had the pleasure of working with Open Plan Space for structural repair works at my property. After a previous negative experience with another contractor, I was apprehensive about finding a reliable company, but I am glad I chose Open Plan Space. Matthew and his team were exceptional from start to finish. Their communication was clear. They were professional and dedicated to delivering high-quality work. Despite the initial stress and challenges, their expertise made the entire process manageable. I highly recommend Open Plan Space to anyone in need of reliable and top-quality structural repair services. Thank you, Matthew, and the entire team at Open Plan Space, for your outstanding support and excellent service.
  
 
  
  
 
 
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The complete package

We offer a complete building package under one roof. Having built strong relationships with a trusted group of trades over the years, our small team covers all aspects of the project to deliver your new space from start to finish.