Structural regularisation package
Assessment and documentation to regularise unapproved structural works with Building Control.
About this package
The structural regularisation package helps owners deal with structural work that was carried out without Building Regulations approval. It covers a retrospective assessment of the work as built, calculations to show whether it meets current standards, and responses to Building Control throughout the regularisation process. One fixed fee covers all three, from first inspection to Building Control's decision on the structural elements.
It suits sellers whose buyer's solicitor has found a missing completion certificate, buyers who want an issue resolved before completing, and owners who discover that a previous owner removed walls or chimney breasts without approval. It also suits landlords bringing a property into line before letting or refinancing. In each case the aim is the same: evidence that the structure is safe, accepted by Building Control.
Regularisation rarely runs in a straight line. Building Control may ask to see hidden elements, query a steel size, or want confirmation of padstones and bearings. Having the assessment, calculations and responses handled together means questions are answered by the engineer who inspected the work. The assessment report is signed off by a chartered engineer who is a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE).
What the package brings together
- Retrospective structural assessment
- Calculations
- Building Control responses
Stages
- Retrospective structural assessmentWe inspect the work as built, with opening up where needed to see beams, bearings and connections. The assessment records what is there and identifies any concerns or missing information.
- CalculationsWe check the existing beams, columns and supports against current standards. Where the work is adequate, the calculations demonstrate it. Where it falls short, we set out the remedial work that is required.
- Building Control responsesWe submit the assessment and calculations to Building Control and respond to their questions until the structural elements are accepted, including any inspection of remedial work once it is complete.
Who it suits
- Walls removed by a previous owner without approval
- Chimney breasts removed without visible support
- Missing completion certificates found during a sale
- Loft conversions without Building Control sign-off
- Landlords regularising works before refinancing
How it works
Frequently asked questions
How much opening up is needed?
Enough to see the key structural elements: the beam above a removed wall, its bearings and padstones, and any supports under a removed chimney breast. This usually means small, targeted openings in plasterboard or ceilings rather than major disruption. We agree the openings with you first. Where hidden structure is extensive, our structural investigation and opening-up service covers it.
What if the work does not meet current standards?
Then our calculations set out the remedial work needed, such as a larger beam, new padstones or fire protection to steel. Once that work is done, we inspect it and update the submission. Many cases need only modest remedial work, and Building Control's focus is on seeing the issue resolved so the structure is safe.
Is regularisation the same as an indemnity policy?
No. An indemnity policy is an insurance product that covers certain legal risks arising from missing approval, but it does not confirm the work is safe. Regularisation involves Building Control assessing the work and, if satisfied, issuing a certificate. Our guide on retrospective approval explains the difference and when each makes sense.
Can I regularise a whole loft conversion?
Yes, though it is more involved. A loft conversion includes floor structure, steel beams and roof alterations, and Building Control will also look at fire safety, stairs and insulation. Our package covers the structural side. The non-structural items usually need a designer or surveyor, and we coordinate with them so the submission is complete.