Construction stage in London
Temporary works and propping, method statements, schedules of works, tender packages, contract administration and site inspections.
About these services
Design does not end when calculations are approved. This group covers the engineering needed while a project is being built: temporary works and propping, demolition and construction method statements, input to construction management plans, stage inspections of foundations, reinforcement and steelwork, tender packages that let builders price on equal terms, and contract administration for clients who want an engineer running the building contract on their behalf.
Builders use our temporary works designs when they need to remove walls or chimney breasts safely, and our method statements when the council or a party wall surveyor asks for one. Homeowners use our stage inspections for confidence that what is buried or boxed in matches the design. Clients who are not experienced in managing builders use our tender packages and contract administration to keep the project on programme and on scope.
On a busy London site the sequence matters. A rear extension in Camden might need propping before the back wall comes out, a foundation inspection before concrete goes in, a steelwork check before ceilings close, and a final inspection before Building Control completion. Each step is short, but missing one can mean opening up finished work later. We plan inspections around the build programme so they do not hold up the trades.
Services in this group
- Temporary works design and propping schemeGCE-TW-010from £500
- Demolition and construction method statementGCE-TW-011from £750
- Construction management plan inputGCE-TW-012from £750
- Foundation excavation inspection reportGCE-TW-007from £250
- Reinforcement pre-pour inspection reportGCE-TW-008from £300
- Structural steelwork inspection reportGCE-TW-009from £300
- Schedule of works and tender packageGCE-TW-013from £1,000
- Contract administration and project managementGCE-TW-014from £2,500
What engineering support do you need on site?
If walls or chimney breasts are coming out, a temporary works design and propping scheme sets out the props, needles and sequence that keep the structure supported until the new steel is in. Where a council or surveyor wants to see how demolition and rebuilding will be done, a demolition and construction method statement sets it out step by step. Our guide on temporary works and propping explains the basics.
For inspections, the foundation excavation inspection report confirms the ground and dimensions before concrete is poured, and steelwork and reinforcement inspections follow at later stages. If you want help appointing a builder, a schedule of works and tender package means every builder prices the same scope, so you can compare quotes fairly rather than guessing what each one has left out.
Projects using these services
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for temporary works on a domestic project?
The builder is normally responsible for keeping the structure stable during the works, including propping. Many builders handle simple propping from experience, but where loads are heavy, spans are long or the sequence is complex, an engineered propping scheme removes the guesswork. Our permanent design usually shows where temporary support is needed, and we can design it in detail if required.
Why inspect foundations before the concrete is poured?
Once the concrete is in, you cannot see the ground below it. An inspection checks that the excavation has reached suitable bearing soil, that roots, soft spots or old drains have been dealt with, and that the dimensions match the design. Building Control also inspects at this stage, and our report gives you an independent engineering record.
Can you check steel beams after they have been installed?
Yes, ideally before ceilings and walls are closed up. We check the beam sizes against the design, the bearings and padstones, the connections and bolts, and any packing. If something is wrong, it is far cheaper to fix at this stage than after decoration. The inspection report can also support Building Control's completion sign-off.
What does contract administration involve?
We act for you under the building contract. That includes helping appoint the builder, issuing instructions, visiting site to check progress and quality, valuing work for interim payments, handling variations and certifying completion. It suits clients who want an experienced professional between them and the builder, particularly on larger or more structurally complex projects.