Structural engineering for two-storey extensions in Mid Glamorgan

Mid Glamorgan at a glance

Nation: Wales
Price region: Wales
Postcode areas: CF
Towns covered: 27 listed below, plus surrounding villages
Site visits: Free, no obligation

What a structural design involves

Structural engineering for a two-storey extension involves calculating how the new floors, walls and roof carry their loads down to the ground, and designing the beams, lintels, foundations and ties into the existing house to suit. The engineer's calculations and drawings form part of the building regulations approval. They also tell the build team exactly what steel and foundations to install.

Across Mid Glamorgan we cover Rhondda (CF43), Tonypandy (CF40), Bridgend (CF31), Merthyr Tydfil (CF47), Coity (CF31) and Pontypridd (CF37), plus the smaller places around them.

Fees

A structural engineer (calculations and beam design) is a guide of £750–£2,200, priced in writing once the design is known.

Rules in Wales

In Wales, structural design is checked under the Welsh building regulations, Part A, as part of a full plans application to building control. The engineer's calculations and drawings are submitted with the architectural drawings, and the building control surveyor inspects foundations and key structural stages on site.

Approval in Wales: Householder planning application: £585. Councils normally decide householder applications within 8 weeks.

Building regulations: Building regulations approval under the Welsh Approved Documents, which differ from England's in places (notably energy efficiency).

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices may be needed for work on or near a shared wall or boundary.

Getting the design right

Building on existing structure

When building over a garage or a single-storey extension, the engineer checks the existing footings, walls and lintels. Many were sized for one storey only and need underpinning, strengthening or replacement to carry the new floor.

Tying into the house

The new walls and floors are tied into the existing house with wall ties, restraint straps and joist hangers. The engineer also considers movement between the old and new foundations and where a movement joint may be needed.

How we work in Mid Glamorgan

Look at the house
We start in Mid Glamorgan with a free visit: measurements, photos, a look at the loft and drains, and a frank chat about budget.
Drawings, then consent
We draw the scheme, check it against the rules in Wales, and take it through the right consent with the council.
Engineer it
Foundations sized for two floors, steels for any openings, and building control approval, all before anyone starts on site.
Build it
The new structure goes up first, then we open into the house, finish inside and get the completion certificate.

Towns we cover in Mid Glamorgan

Structural engineering for two-storey extensions in Mid Glamorgan: questions

How deep do foundations need to be for a two-storey extension?

There is no single depth. It depends on the soil, nearby trees, drains and the loads. On firm ground foundations may be around a metre deep, while clay near trees can need much deeper trench fill or piles. Trial holes and the engineer's design set the depth, and building control inspects the trenches.

Can a steel beam be hidden in the ceiling?

Often, yes. A beam can sit within the floor depth so the ceiling is flat, but that may mean a deeper steel section or a different floor structure. Otherwise it shows as a downstand below the ceiling. We discuss the options with you and the engineer before the design is fixed.

What are trial holes and why do I need them?

Trial holes are small excavations dug next to the house or garage to see the depth and condition of the existing foundations and the soil. They tell the engineer whether existing footings can be reused and how deep the new ones need to go, which avoids surprises during the build.

Neighbouring areas

All extension services in Mid Glamorgan · About structural engineering for two-storey extensions