• Questions re structural engineers: I am planning a kitchen reno which will include taking down a load-bearing wall between my kitchen/diner and enlarging a window opening such that it will need a small joist/new lintel. These feel like fairly straight forward structural alterations. I had been quoted £800+VAT from the surveyor I was obliged to commission to produce the report for the freeholder's approval. Having just met the surveyor I am very keen to find someone else to do the structural drawings. I have the following questions:

    • What would be a reasonable price estimation for the drawings I require?
    • Would you expect any 'aftercare' from a structural engineer? i.e. if a contractor required clarification about an aspect of the drawings or you wanted to query whether you could make a minor change?
    • Would they provide any sort of a mediation service/'help' with getting building reg sign-off?
    • Is there anything else I should be thinking of? Would some contractors provide this service? My assumption is I want the drawings in hand before getting contractors in to quote but happy to be put straight on this.
    • Does anyone have a recommendation for a structural engineer who would cover SE London?

    Any input, insight or recommendations greatly appreciated! Cheers

  • Expect a good structural engineer to write to you explaining what they will do for the fee, and their hourly rates for dealing with things additional to their scope. Same goes for any consultant actually. It's in all their interest and yours to be rigorous about defining what they will and won't do.

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