Blog
Keep up with the latest news and updates
How much does a pre-purchase structural inspection/report cost?
Before you make the biggest purchase of your life, it is important to invest in a pre-purchase structural inspection. This will ensure that you are not investing your money in a property with serious structural issues and defects, which could quickly become a further...
Why do banks request structural reports when lending money?
When you purchase a property, you will want to ensure that you are not paying more than it is worth. The banks are no different, so if you are taking out a mortgage to pay for your new home, the lender will need to ensure that the amount they are lending is in line...
How long does a pre-purchase structural inspection/report take?
Purchasing a home is likely to be the biggest investment you will ever make, so naturally you will want to know everything there is to know about the property. A pre-purchase structural inspection will ensure that you have a full understanding of the structural...
How much does it cost to hire a structural engineer in the UK?
If you are wondering how much it costs to hire a structural engineer in the UK, the Simplify team are here to help. Many of the queries we receive relate to the cost of hiring a structural engineer, and with several factors such as the complexity of the project and...
What does a structural engineer look for in a house?
Structural engineers are professionals who are responsible for designing solutions which maintain the safety and structural integrity of everything from houses and flats to tunnels and bridges. Whether you are planning a major renovation or thinking of purchasing a...
Is a structural engineer the same as an architect?
The various professions involved within property construction can be confusing at times, with architects, surveyors and structural engineers all playing vital roles. However, the lines can blur between professions, and this can make it difficult when planning project...
How do I become a structural engineer?
Structural engineering is certainly an exciting career path, with these highly skilled professionals responsible for designing the impressive structures and support systems for our built environment. If the idea of helping to design everything from bridges and schools...
Do I need a building surveyor or a structural engineer for my property?
Comparing the services and skills of building surveyors and structural engineers can be confusing, especially if you are undertaking a construction or renovation project. However, knowing which professionals you need is often the key to success, with each expert...
Is a structural survey worth the money?
One of the most common questions within the structural engineering world is whether a structural survey is worth the money. In our professional opinion, although you are not obliged by law to have a survey completed, it will always be recommended. Do I need a...
What do structural engineers cost in the UK?
Structural engineers are often essential members of building teams, as they will ensure your project is safe and structurally sound. Despite it being an essential service, it is possible to find competitive pricing from experienced engineering firms, especially when...
What does a structural engineer do?
A structural engineer will create the solutions needed to ensure a building or structure is strong, structurally sound, and able to withstand the test of time safely. From structural support systems for buildings through to solutions for bridges, tunnels and other...
What is the difference between a surveyor and a structural engineer?
When undertaking a building project, major renovation, conversion or even a property purchase, knowing which professional you need is essential. In our latest blog post, we take a look at the difference between 2 key experts, surveyors and structural engineers, so...
New basement construction
Simplify was appointed as the structural engineer for a new residential development, comprising of a new basement construction and a superstructure in Leicester. The new basement structural design required the consideration of both horizontal and vertical loads. ...
What loads matter when designing a building?
Structural engineers are constantly having to consider what loads will be in action, and how structures can be made to withstand these loads. A load can be defined as a force that a building or structure must be able to resist. Building loads must be a primary...
The main causes of foundation failure
The purpose of foundations is to provide the necessary support for structures, providing resistance to the loads that act on them. Foundations function as structural systems, transferring loads to the soil under them, offering stability and resistance to the loads....
The importance of restraint straps
You may know them as either tensions traps or bat straps. Whatever you know them as, they are necessary for the restraint of floor and roof structures to walls. This is usually to stop bulging or cracking of walls, with the most common cause being repeated wind...
Prestigious eco-home contract
Simplify Engineering are delighted to announce our civil and structural design contract for a spectacular eco-home. It will overlook the picturesque Pitsford Water in Northamptonshire. Pitsford Water is a truly breathtaking site...
Why are my walls bowing or bulging?
Noticing your walls bowing or bulging is the first sign that you need to get the underlying problem resolved. The problem is that there are many possible causes for walls bowing or bulging, so it is best to get the advice of a structural engineer. A professional...
How to install or repair a window lintel
When making reference to a window lintel, we refer to the structural support that is installed horizontally above doors and windows. This supports the load of the structure above it. In terms of materials, lintels are made of concrete, bricks, timber or metal. They...
Understanding the severity of cracks in houses
Most of us will have found cracks in the brickwork or concrete walls of our house at some point. In older houses, it is expected that there will be some small cracks here and there. But it is still very necessary to understand exactly which kind of cracks are...
How to spot the tell-tale signs of subsidence
Subsidence is no small matter. In fact, it is arguably the most serious issue a property can suffer from, as it not only impacts the structural integrity of the building but will substantially affect its resale value. Spotting the signs of subsidence early on will...
Guide to hip to gable loft conversions
If the past year’s lockdowns have shown us anything, it is the value of space. It is not always possible to relocate to solve your space issues, but many of us have a solution in the form of hip to gable loft conversions. What is a hip to gable loft conversion? This...
Removing a chimney breast
The early part of 2021 is continuing in the same vein as 2020. Many of us are cracking on with those home renovation projects, which are usually put on the back burner for some time. This article will look at the ins and outs of removing a chimney breast. In...
Steel beam sizes
Steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning less steel is required in a beam than if other materials used, which makes it a sustainable and cost-effective choice. Steel is capable of withstanding high loads with minimum deflection, which prevents movement and...
What size of steel beam do I need?
Choosing the right size of steel beam is essential when it comes to construction projects, as steel beams will form an integral component of your building. So, choosing the correct size of beam to support the structure is imperative. The decision will be based on...
Why do I need a structural engineer?
To help answer why you need a structural engineer, let's explore what the role of a structural engineer actually is. What is a structural engineer? In the context of residential property, a structural engineer’s job is to design and plan. They also ensure the correct...
Will I need a structural engineer for my extension?
If you are wondering, 'do I need a structural engineer for my extension', I hope that you take the time to read this short article. We will outline some key reasons why a structural engineer is an integral part of your proposed extension. They are just as important as...
Successful warehouse conversions
We recently completed an interesting project involving the conversion of a Victorian Gold Factory in the Jewelry District of Birmingham into a commercial space. This also involved the basement, lower levels and residential premises in the upper levels. Successful...
Structural steel frames in new construction
We were recently tasked to work on a new construction with structural steel frames. The scheme required large open spaces, which is becoming common in modern, industrial designs. So, a steel frame was naturally needed for the superstructure. This was both for vertical...
Structural engineering solutions for school building
Simplify Engineering was instructed to provide structural engineering solutions for the scheme of a new school building. The major challenge in this project were the foundations. There were large sections of backfill and overlaying sandy clay. This presented a...
Removing a load-bearing wall
Are you removing an external load bearing wall or an internal wall? While most modification work is fairly quick and simple to achieve, things can become more complex if your plans include knocking down an external load bearing wall or removing internal walls. These...
Do I need a planning application?
Do I need a Planning Application? This is a common question when people are planning some kind of modification to their property. Consequently, one that if you don’t consider may come back to bite you badly. Consider the plight of Garland Developments who built 34...
Structural engineer for loft conversion
Do I need loft conversion structural calculations? For many years, lofts were the spaces in our houses that were overlooked. Used primarily for storage of things that we really didn’t need on a day to day basis. They can become tired, dusty and unloved. Then came a...
Do I need a structural engineer?
This week our engineer has been busy in Derbyshire designing a steel beam for a load bearing wall which is to be removed on this historical property built in the 1500’s.