Do I need a structural engineer to remove a wall?

19 October 2026 · Blog

Opening up a kitchen and dining room, or knocking two reception rooms into one, is one of the most popular home improvements. Whether you need a structural engineer depends on one question: is the wall load-bearing?

Is the wall load-bearing?
A load-bearing wall carries weight from above, such as floors, other walls, the roof or a chimney breast. Signs that a wall may be load-bearing include:
• Floor joists above running across the top of the wall, rather than alongside it
• Another wall directly above it on the floor above
• Solid brick or block construction rather than a hollow stud partition
• It runs down the middle of the house, or was an original external wall before an extension
In older houses, many internal walls carry some load, even stud walls. If in doubt, get it checked before anything is removed.

If it’s load-bearing: yes, you need an engineer
Removing a load-bearing wall is a structural alteration, so it needs Building Regulations approval. Building Control will ask for structural calculations showing how the loads will be carried, usually by a new steel or timber beam. An engineer will design:
• The beam, sized for the loads above
• Padstones or posts at each end
• Checks that the walls and foundations below can take the new concentrated loads
• Temporary support, so the builder can remove the wall safely

If it isn’t load-bearing
Removing a non-load-bearing partition usually doesn’t need structural calculations. It can still matter for fire safety, for example in a house with a loft conversion where the hallway forms a protected escape route, so check with Building Control if you’re unsure.

What about the neighbours?
If the work affects a party wall, for example if a new beam bears on it, you may need to serve notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. A party wall surveyor can advise.

What the process looks like
1. An engineer checks the wall and the structure above, often with a short site visit.
2. They design the beam and supports and issue calculations and a drawing.
3. These are submitted to Building Control for approval.
4. Your builder installs temporary props, removes the wall and fits the beam, and Building Control inspects the work.

Why it’s worth getting right
An undersized beam or poorly supported ends can lead to sagging floors, cracking upstairs and problems when you come to sell. Buyers’ surveyors often ask for evidence that removed walls were approved.

How we can help
We design wall removals, steel beams and box frames across London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Essex, and provide everything Building Control needs, with a fixed quote up front.

Our wall removal and steel beam calculations →
Get a quote or call 020 3835 2633