Knock-throughs / wall removals
Removing load-bearing walls (for example between kitchen and dining room), providing the beam design and calculations your builder and Building Control need. Typical fee from £450, no VAT, including all site visits.
Structural engineering for wall removals, extensions and lofts
Personal service from Chartered Structural Engineer Mike Byfield, with over 30 years’ experience.
We specialise in helping homeowners remove load-bearing walls and extend their homes safely, attractively and cost-effectively. Every design is carried out personally by Mike – not handed off to a junior or trainee engineer.
We provide structural design drawings and calculations suitable for your builder and Building Control. Construction is carried out by your contractor, and inspections/certification are undertaken by Building Control.
Typical fee for removing the wall between a kitchen and dining room: £450 fixed price, no VAT – including all site visits and full structural design.
What we do for homeowners
Single-storey rear extensions
Practical structural design for rear extensions, coordinated with your architect’s drawings so the structure is safe, buildable and achieves the look you want.
Two-storey extensions & loft conversions
Full structural design for larger extensions and lofts, including steelwork, supports and details to satisfy Building Control.
Other residential projects
Sunrooms/orangeries and new builds are also designed routinely for homeowners. We work only on residential homes – we do not undertake commercial projects or structural reports for property buyers or sellers.
Why homeowners choose Mike
Chartered & highly experienced
Structural design carried out personally by Dr Mike Byfield, Chartered Engineer, with over 30 years’ experience. A past Chairman of the Southern Branch of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
Author & lecturer
Author of the textbook Structural Design from First Principles (Routledge) and former university lecturer in
structural engineering design.
View the book on Routledge
Site visits included
We almost always visit your property so the design is based on what is actually there, not just drawings. Occasionally, builders uncover unforeseen structural issues once work has started. Where this affects the agreed structural design, we will revisit and revise the design as needed — with no additional engineering fees or site visit charges.
Practical, cost-effective design
Designs that are straightforward for builders to construct, helping to minimise steel and construction costs while achieving the architectural look you want.
Fixed-price service
Clear lump-sum fee for your project – structural design and drawings included, with no hidden extras. If the builder uncovers an unforeseen structural issue that affects the design, revisions and any necessary site visits are included in the fixed price.
Excellent local reviews
Consistently strong feedback from homeowners and local professionals for service, clarity and practical design.
How the process works
1. Get in touch
Call or email with a brief description of the work (for example “knock-through between kitchen and dining room”), your address and any drawings you already have.
2. Site visit & fixed-price proposal
Mike will review your project, arrange a site visit where needed, and then send a clear, fixed-price proposal for the structural design and calculations.
3. Drawings, calculations & support
You receive structural drawings and calculations suitable for your builder and Building Control. If unforeseen structural issues are uncovered during the build that affect the agreed design, we will revisit and revise the design as required — with no additional engineering fees or site visit charges.
Most projects can be surveyed and designed within a few weeks, depending on workload and complexity.
Clear, fixed pricing
For common projects like removing a wall between a kitchen and dining room, we typically charge £450 fixed price, with no VAT. This includes:
- Site visit
- Structural design and calculations
- Drawings with steel connection details
- Design revisions and additional site visits required to address unforeseen structural issues uncovered during construction
For larger projects such as extensions, loft conversions and new builds, we will provide a fixed-price quote once we understand the scope of your project.
What homeowners say
“Mike visited our home, explained the options clearly and produced a superb design and full calculations for removing
a load-bearing wall. Building Control approved everything without any issues.”
— Homeowner, Hampshire
“When work on our extension was held up due to a structural issue, Mike quickly assessed the problem and provided
a cost-effective design that Building Control accepted without delay.”
— Homeowner, Romsey
Frequently asked questions
Do you provide reports for homebuyers or sellers?
No. We specialise in structural design for homeowners altering or extending their existing homes. We do not offer structural reports for property purchase or sale.
Do you take on commercial projects?
Not normally. Our work is focused almost exclusively on residential properties.
Do you always visit the property?
For almost all projects we carry out a site visit. This ensures the design reflects the actual structure and site conditions we can see at the time of the visit.
Can you work from my architect’s drawings?
Yes. If you already have planning or Building Regulations drawings, you can email them to us and we’ll provide a fixed-price quote.
How quickly can you start?
Timescales vary with workload and project size, but we will always let you know realistic dates when providing your quote.
Ready to talk about your project?
Whether you’re planning a simple knock-through or a full extension, you’re welcome to call or email to discuss your ideas.
Phone: 07500 702960
Email: [email protected]
Romsey Structural Engineering Ltd — practical design, clear pricing, and personal service for your home extension.