Plan Structural Engineers

Plan Structural Engineers: structural engineering for renovations and extensions in London

Plan Structural Engineers is a team of qualified and insured structural engineers based in West London operating across South-East England. The firm presents itself as a dynamic and responsive team that works closely with architects, building contractors and building owners, providing support from the very start of a construction project right through to its completion.

The company states that more than 85% of its projects come from returning clients, which it attributes to the quality of service and the long-term relationships it cultivates. Its activity focuses on structural design and it does not carry out construction work: it offers design services exclusively, although it can put its clients in touch with verified local contractors with whom it regularly works.

Structural engineering services

Plan Structural Engineers' service catalogue is aimed at owners, builders and architects, and covers the following areas:

• Structural calculations: for clients planning structural alterations such as loft conversions and extensions.
• Structural surveys: for clients looking for a structural survey to identify potential issues such as cracks or subsidence.
• Residential estimators: assistance to builders and architects in producing accurate and professional-looking estimates.
• Project management: project management services which, according to the company, help keep projects on budget and on time.

In addition, the firm carries out structural engineering analysis and design, and offers civil engineering services, all covered by professional indemnity insurance. Documentary confirmation of this cover can be requested.

How we work

The process described by the company begins with a site visit: a comprehensive home survey is carried out, requiring approximately one hour and access to all areas of the property. The client then receives the initial drafts of the drawings within one to two weeks, with unlimited revisions during the design phase. Once ready, the design is prepared for approval by Building Control; if this body requires additional information, the company handles its comments free of charge.

On smaller projects, the firm can reduce costs by dispensing with the site visit and asking the client for around five measurements and photographs that they can easily provide. The company offers site visits in London and the surrounding area.

Lead times and scope of work

According to published information, the structural report is normally issued one week after the site visit or the client's instruction. The lead time for standard services is ten days after the visit or instruction, and the company states that it handles emergencies as soon as possible. A full structural inspection of a standard residential property takes around 30 to 60 minutes.

The firm does not provide planning services itself, but it partners with an associated architectural consultancy to which it introduces its clients when necessary; these architects handle everything required to obtain planning permission, at which point Plan Structural Engineers steps in with whatever is needed.

Client profile and area of operation

Plan Structural Engineers works with owners who have obtained planning approval for an extension and wish to move forward with the structural design, as well as with builders and architects who need estimates or technical support. The company states that its expertise has been applied to numerous extension and loft conversion projects, with the aim of making them accessible and budget-friendly and minimising inconvenience. Its stated area of operation is South-East England, based in West London.

The firm presents itself as specialising in turning architectural concepts into reality and stresses that its team is UK qualified. It does not carry out construction work, but limits itself to design and engineering.

Location and contact

College House, 2nd Floor 17, King Edwards Road, London HA4 7AE · Phone: 02045781955 · Email: info@planse.co.uk · Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 17:00