What You Should Know Before a Home Renovation
Looking for a new renovation in your home? To have a smooth project, first ask yourself, what do you need to consider? What should you know before a home renovation?
If you want to modify the “skeleton” of your house, you should first consult with a structural engineer. The “skeleton” of your house is considered the main framework of your home, which includes the foundation, Columns, Beams, Floor joists, Load-bearing walls, and roof trusses and rafters. These are the structural components of your house, that keep it standing. Also consider if your renovation involves alteration of your plumbing, electrical or heating system, you should also consider consulting with an engineer.
If you make changes to your structural elements without consulting an engineer, you’re taking the risk of catastrophic damage if execution is incorrectly done. For example, moving a post might shift loads and increase the amount of applied force, and cause big damage or even worse, collapse of your building.
See below to see what you should know before a home renovation.
What is a structural engineer?
A structural engineer is a specialist in the structure of buildings. They design, plan, analyze, determine strength and durability of the structural components and systems to confirm the safety of your building. Structural engineers work as part of a team alongside architects, builders and other engineers. They use their skills to solve problems, with engineering calculations to make sure the building will last and resist applied loads like occupant load, wind and snow.
When do I need a structural engineer?
If you’re making home improvements and renovations, you will surely need a structural engineer. The engineer will provide structural drawings and calculations which will be used by your building contractor and architect during the renovation process. For example, in this Timber Gazebo, our structural engineers provided the structural calculations for the rafters, trusses, roof beams, braces, and columns.
Examples that you need a structural engineer
See a few samples of property renovations that you will need to consult with a structural engineer:
- New Build and extension
- Modifying doors and windows
- Fitting solar panels
- Loft conversions
- Removing or modifying internal walls
- Removing a chimney breast
Inspections by Structural Engineers
You might also need a structural engineer for an inspection of your property before embarking on any other renovation or alteration project. There might be a problem in the structure of your property from signs of subsidence, or cracking walls, or sagging ceilings and more.
Final Word
So before you move forward on your renovation project, to ensure the smoothest process, make sure to reach out to a reliable structural engineer. If you’re in the UK, any alterations in your building structure will also need a Building Regulations approval.