Building Alterations
Get guaranteed structural safety and clarity for all residential building alterations across Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians.
Planning an internal wall removal, some extra rooms, resizing windows and doors, or replacing your conservatory roof? Even small alterations to existing buildings require professional structural input and mandatory Building Warrant approval in Scotland.
As both Architectural and Structural Engineers, we eliminate the guesswork. We guarantee your plans are safe, compliant, and cost-effective, providing absolute confidence for your project.
What Makes Us Different
Our Unique Building Alterations Advantage
We're Architectural and Structural Engineers
Design and structure integrated from day one.
This unique integration ensures your existing building alteration is structurally robust and fully compliant from the very first sketch. By housing both disciplines in one firm, you gain absolute structural certainty while saving the significant expense and hassle of hiring two separate professionals.
Built-In Affordability
Designs are instantly buildable and budget-aware.
Our integrated approach means our plans consider buildability and cost efficiency at every stage. We design your alterations to an existing building with construction in mind, providing better overall value and avoiding expensive redesigns down the line.
Unbiased Local Advice
We only commit to projects we believe will pass.
We guarantee unbiased advice. Following an in-depth survey, if your alterations to an existing building are unlikely to gain planning permission in Edinburgh, Fife or the Lothians, we will tell you honestly. We value clarity and commitment over profit.
Internal Building Alterations Services
Opening Up Your Home Safely
Even minor internal building alterations require meticulous planning to ensure structural integrity and gain mandatory Building Warrant approval in Scotland.
Here are the key structural alteration services we expertly provide:
Load-Bearing Wall Removal
The most structurally complex alteration. We produce the precise Structural Calculations (RSJ specifications) required by the local council to safely remove the wall and integrate the new supporting steel beam, ensuring the stability of your home.
Safety and compliance are guaranteed because the structural design is handled in-house, eliminating delays and potential miscommunication between separate professionals. See our load bearing wall removal service
Creating New Internal Openings - Doors & Archways
Whether adding a new doorway, or widening an archway, the wall above the opening needs support. Our integrated expertise ensures the correct structural support is designed and documented, avoiding costly mistakes on site and simplifying the Building Warrant approval for the structural alteration.
Non-Load-Bearing Wall Alterations
Removing or altering partition walls to reconfigure rooms for better flow and function. Although non-structural, these changes still require accurate drawings and, often, Building Warrant submission. Our Architectural Technicians design the new compliant layout while ensuring all documentation is ready for approval.
Removal of internal load bearing walls
Modern open plan kitchen
External Building Alterations Services
Whether you're looking for subtle changes like repositioning a window, or vital structural upgrades like a new solid conservatory roof, we design and manage a full spectrum of external building alterations across Fife and the Lothians. Our goal is always to create a space that maximises natural light, ensures structural safety, and adds significant value to your home.
Garage Door Converted to Windows
Before - See this project
Garage Door Converted to Windows
After - See this project
Windows and Doors
Altering the external envelope of your home - such as adding or resizing windows or creating new doorways - is a major structural and aesthetic change that requires careful planning and regulatory approval.
Window Conversions: Need to convert a standard window opening into French doors, bi-fold doors, or a larger picture window?
New Window and Door Openings: Cutting a new opening entirely where none existed before.
Blocking Up: Safely and effectively blocking up a door to create a window or blocking a window to reorganise internal space.
These alterations are complex because they involve cutting through load-bearing walls. Failure to correctly support the structure can have catastrophic consequences.
Structural Assurance: Our Structural Engineer expertise is paramount. We produce precise calculations and detailed drawings for all necessary lintels, supports, and alterations to ensure the new openings are entirely safe and structurally sound.
Building Warrant Management: We manage the crucial compliance—checking local council planning requirements and producing the structural drawings needed for the mandatory Building Warrant approval of the new openings.
Conservatory Roof Replacement
Upgrading a conservatory from a lightweight glass or polycarbonate roof to a modern, solid/tiled roof is highly popular for improving year-round thermal efficiency. However, this is classified as a significant structural and thermal change, and it is notifiable to the local authority.
Building Warrant Requirement: Replacing a conservatory roof with a lightweight solid roof almost always requires Building Warrant approval in Scotland. The local council must confirm that the existing conservatory frame, foundations, and load-bearing walls can safely support the increased weight.
Thermal Standards: The new roof must also meet rigorous Scottish Building Standards for thermal efficiency (insulation).
Our service is essential for managing this structural upgrade efficiently. We design the necessary roof structure and prepare the full compliance package:
Structural Load Assessment: Our Structural Engineers produce the detailed structural calculations to prove the existing frame and foundations can support the new load safely.
Thermal Calculations: We prepare the necessary thermal assessments to ensure the new roof provides genuine, year-round insulation.
We guarantee the new roof is safe, legal, and truly energy-efficient, preventing potential issues with insurance or resale.
Upgrade of conservatory roof from polymer to tiles
Structural and thermal calculations project
Showcase Project
Existing Building Alterations - Maximising Light and Flow
This project demonstrates how structural changes can achieve major impact. We seamlessly removed internal load-bearing walls, creating a stunning, modern open-plan kitchen and living area. Our integrated design and structural calculations guaranteed safe execution. New windows and lighting maximise natural light, dramatically transforming the home's flow and adding significant modern value.
F.A.Q.
Do I need a Building Warrant to remove an internal wall in Scotland?
Yes, almost always. Any change to a structural element - including removing a load-bearing wall - mandates a Building Warrant in Scotland to ensure the alteration does not compromise the home's integrity. Even removing a non-load-bearing wall may require a warrant if it affects fire safety or escape routes. Our Structural Engineers provide the essential calculations (for the RSJ) and drawings to guarantee first-time approval.
Is a Structural Engineer required for my internal alterations?
Absolutely. While you might only think you need an architect, a Structural Engineer's input is legally necessary for any building alterations involving removing walls, cutting new openings for windows/doors, or replacing a conservatory roof with a solid structure. Our unique model provides this expertise in-house, eliminating the coordination hassle and cost associated with hiring two separate firms.
Will replacing my existing conservatory roof with a solid roof require a Building Warrant?
Yes. Changing a glazed or polycarbonate conservatory roof to a solid roof is classified as a significant structural and thermal alteration. You need a Building Warrant to confirm that the existing foundations and frame can safely support the increased weight (structural load). We manage the design, structural assessment, and thermal calculations to ensure your new roof is compliant with Scottish Building Standards.
What is the process for cutting a new window or door opening in an external wall?
The process requires detailed planning and Building Warrant approval. The steps are:
- Structural Assessment (to determine lintel size and placement).
- Architectural Drawings (showing dimensions and location).
- Building Warrant Application.
Our service ensures both the architectural design and the crucial structural calculations are integrated, providing a single, compliant package for the local council.
How can I control the budget for small structural alterations?
The primary risk to the budget is unforeseen structural issues or failed Building Warrant inspections that necessitate expensive remedial work. We control costs by involving our Structural Engineer in the initial Feasibility Study. This early, unbiased assessment identifies any potential issues (like inadequate support or damp) upfront, allowing us to include accurate costs for the full, compliant solution in your proposal.
3 Steps to Success - From Concept to Confidence
Your Building Alterations Journey
1.
Vision & Feasibility - An Unbiased Assessment
We start by understanding your ambitions and assessing your property's potential. Our integrated Architect and Structural Engineer team conducts a thorough site visit, discussing design possibilities, structural implications, and local planning constraints. We then provide an unbiased proposal, ensuring your vision is buildable and affordable from day one.
2.
Integrated Design, Planning & Warrants
Once feasible, we develop comprehensive architectural plans, incorporating detailed structural calculations. We manage all necessary submissions, securing both Planning Permission (where required) and the crucial Building Warrant approvals with local authorities (Fife, Lothians). This seamless approach minimises delays and stress.
3.
Overseeing Construction to Your Satisfaction
We offer flexible support throughout the construction phase. Our team can provide site supervision, answer technical queries, and conduct quality checks to ensure the build aligns perfectly with the approved plans and Building Warrant specifications. We work to deliver a finished extension that exceeds your expectations.
Our Clients Say It Best
Ready to Unlock Your Home’s Potential?
Don't let unused space remain a source of uncertainty. Take the first step toward a beautiful, value-adding existing building alteration with a team that guarantees clarity. We'll assess your project's feasibility, structure, and budget with unbiased, expert advice.
Take the First Step
Where Innovative Design Meets Purpose
Our Building Alteration Projects
See how our integrated architectural design and structural engineering brings clarity to your project.
Start Your Project with Absolute Certainty
Don’t risk your investment on guesswork. Our integrated Feasibility Study provides a professional roadmap for your project, ensuring your vision is both buildable and affordable. What we provide during your study:
- Preliminary Drawings: We provide initial design sketches to help you visualise your layout and explore different floor plan options.
- Structural Assessment: We identify load-bearing requirements and technical constraints early.
- Planning & Compliance Review: A clear strategy for securing Planning Permission and Building Warrants in Fife and the Lothians.
- Fixed-Price Quote: A transparent project fee with no hidden costs.
- Expert Advice: Direct access to a team that is both Architecturally and Structurally qualified.
Fill out the form below, and our team will contact you within one business day to schedule your site visit. Cost From : £80