If you are thinking about putting an extension or addition on your property, you need to be sure that it is safe and stable. To do this, you will need to consult with a structural engineer. Here’s some information.

A structural engineer is vital for any extension or addition project. This is because of the role that they play. Structural engineers ensure that the new extension or addition is structurally sound and they do this by designing all of the structural elements to be sound and stable, such as foundations, load bearing walls, footings and beams. As well, they will supervise the actual building of the extension or addition in order to ensure that any necessary corrections are made and that the building is done to standard. They can order work to be re-done or fixed if necessary. Structural engineers will work on something as simple as a garage, right through to a large second storey addition or even more complicated.

The structural engineer will work closely with other professionals such as your architect and other engineers, especially during the design phase. You can hire the structural engineer yourself but if you are having your extension or addition built by a company that specialises in such, they will often have a structural engineer on staff, or will arrange for a structural engineer themselves.