Universal Beam (UB)
Often used for straightforward structural openings.
Structural Alterations & RSJ Installation in South London
Structural Alterations & RSJ Installation in South London
Create larger, brighter and better-connected spaces with professionally managed structural alterations. MK Refurbishment carries out load-bearing wall removal, steel beam installation, structural openings, goalpost and portal frames, chimney breast removal and associated refurbishment across South London.
Fully Insured
L10M Public Liability Cover
20+ Years? Experience
Residential Refurbishment
Structural Engineer Coordination
Calculations & Structural Design
Building Control Coordination
Inspection Support Where Required
Complete Construction
Structure Through to Making Good
South London Experience
Real Local Projects
Featured Structural Project
Load-Bearing
Wall Removal
Dulwich, London SE21
A substantial load-bearing wall between the kitchen and the adjoining room was removed to create one open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. Acrow props and needles supported the structure while the masonry came out, then structural steel was fitted to the engineer�s specification and the opening was made good into the refurbished interior.
- Location
- Dulwich, SE21
- Property
- Victorian terraced house
- Scope
- Wall removal & steel
- Steel
- 203 ? 133 UB
- Duration
- 3 weeks
From wall to open-plan
in four controlled stages
Every structural job follows the same sequence � nothing is removed until the load is safely carried.
Our Structural Services
Expert Structural Solutions.
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Load-Bearing Wall Removal
Removal of internal structural walls to create larger kitchens, living spaces and open-plan layouts.
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Steel Beam Installation
Installation of structural steel beams in accordance with project-specific structural drawings and calculations.
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Structural Openings
New or enlarged openings for kitchens, extensions, doors, bifold systems and internal reconfiguration.
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Goalpost & Portal Frames
Structural steel frames used where a single beam is not sufficient or where larger openings require vertical steel support.
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Chimney Breast Removal
Structural alteration and making good where chimney breasts are being removed, subject to the appropriate structural design.
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Wider Structural Alterations
Alterations associated with extensions, loft conversions, refurbishment and major changes to the internal layout.
Planning structural work
What goes into a safe structural alteration.
Open each topic for the practical detail � wall checks, engineer calculations, temporary support, steel types, Building Control, installation, finishes and large openings.
Not Every Wall Can Be Treated the Same Way
Before any structural wall is removed, the existing building and proposed opening need to be understood properly. We look at:
- What the wall is supporting above
- Direction and arrangement of floor joists
- Roof or upper-floor loads
- Wall construction
- Existing steelwork
- Chimney structures
- Proposed opening width
- Bearing positions
- Services running through the wall
- Temporary support requirements
- Access for delivering and installing steel
- Building Control requirements
- Structural drawings and calculations
In older London properties, previous alterations are not always visible until opening-up begins, which is why the existing construction must be checked rather than assumed.
The Steel Should Be Designed for the Building
The size and configuration of a steel beam should not be selected simply because a similar beam was used on another property. The structural engineer considers the loads being carried, the width of the opening, existing construction and how those loads will be transferred into the building.
Depending on the project, the structural solution may involve:
Multiple Beams
Where the geometry or load arrangement requires more than one structural element.
Goalpost Frame
A beam supported by structural steel columns where suitable masonry support is not available or where the design requires it.
Portal / Box Frame
A more substantial frame arrangement sometimes required for large openings and complex alterations.
Padstones / Bearings
Designed support beneath beam ends where required by the structural design.
This is why we quote structural work against the actual design rather than assuming that every opening requires a standard RSJ.
The Critical Stage Before the Wall Comes Down
One of the most important stages happens before the permanent steel is installed. The existing structure must be supported safely while the load-bearing wall or masonry below it is altered.
The temporary works may involve Acrow props, needles or another support arrangement appropriate to the project. The sequence typically follows the structural method required for the job:
- Support the structure
- Form the opening
- Install permanent steel
- Secure bearings and connections
- Release temporary support only when appropriate
Temporary support is not simply a preliminary task. It is a critical part of carrying out structural alterations safely.
"RSJ" Is Often Only Part of the Answer
Clients frequently use the term RSJ for any steel installed above an opening. In practice, modern structural designs commonly specify Universal Beams, Universal Columns, channels, plates or complete steel frames depending on the project.
For a relatively simple wall opening, one beam may be sufficient. For a wide opening ? particularly where large rear doors, extensions or significant loads are involved ? the engineer may specify a goalpost or portal-frame arrangement instead.
This is one reason a meaningful structural quotation normally needs the engineer's drawings and calculations.
Structural Work Needs the Correct Documentation
Load-bearing wall removal and significant structural alterations commonly require Building Regulations approval. Depending on the project, the documentation may include:
Structural Calculations
Prepared by the structural engineer for the proposed alteration.
Structural Drawings
Showing beams, columns, bearings, connections and other relevant structural details.
Building Control
Notification, inspections and final sign-off where applicable.
Party Wall Matters
Separate consideration may be required where structural work affects relevant shared or adjoining structures.
Completion Documentation
Relevant documentation should be retained with the property records after completion.
MK Refurbishment can coordinate the construction works with the engineer and Building Control inspector throughout the project.
Designing the Beam Is Only Half the Job
Even once the steel has been calculated, the practical installation needs careful planning. In existing houses we need to consider:
- Beam length and weight
- Access through the building
- Whether the steel can be installed as one piece
- Temporary support
- Connection details
- Bearing locations
- Existing ceilings and floors
- Plumbing and electrical services
- Protection of the occupied property
- Safe lifting and positioning
Sometimes the structural solution that looks straightforward on a drawing requires careful sequencing once construction starts.
The Final Appearance Should Be Considered Before Installation
Structural steel does not always have to look the same once the project is complete. Depending on the structural and fire-protection requirements, the finished design might involve:
Concealed Steel
The beam is boxed and integrated into the ceiling or wall build-up.
Downstand Beam
Part of the beam remains visible below the ceiling line.
Exposed Architectural Steel
Where suitable, the steel may intentionally remain visible as part of the interior design, subject to the required protection and approved specification.
Flush Ceiling
Where the structural arrangement allows it, more involved steelwork may sometimes be designed to achieve a flatter transition between rooms.
These decisions should ideally be considered at design stage because they can affect structure, cost and the finished ceiling arrangement.
Structural Work Does Not Finish When the Steel Goes In
After the permanent structure has been installed, the surrounding construction still needs to be completed properly. Depending on the approved specification, work may include:
- Required fire protection to structural steel
- Plasterboard encasement
- Plastering
- Rebuilding masonry
- Making good floors and ceilings
- Relocating electrical points
- Plumbing alterations
- Skirting and joinery
- Flooring
- Decorating
This is an important difference between simply supplying/installing steel and providing a complete structural alteration service. MK Refurbishment can carry the project through from opening-up and steel installation to the finished room.
Larger Rear Openings Need Careful Structural Design
Large rear openings are particularly common where an existing house is being connected to a new extension or where wide glazed doors are being installed. These projects may require a more substantial structural solution because the remaining masonry, upper floors and roof loads all need to be considered.
The engineer may specify:
- Beam + masonry bearings
- Goalpost frame
- A more complex portal frame
We coordinate the steel installation with the surrounding building works so that the structural opening, glazing, floors, ceilings and final finishes form part of the same construction sequence.
Our Process
From Design to a Beautiful Result.
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Drawings & Site Review
Send us your structural drawings, plans and photographs. We review the proposed work and existing property.
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Structural Engineer
Where calculations or design are still required, we can coordinate with a structural engineer before construction.
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Building Control
The required Building Control route and inspections are arranged or coordinated as appropriate.
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Temporary Support & Opening-Up
The structure is supported before the existing wall or masonry is carefully removed.
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Steel Installation
Beams, columns, bearings and connections are installed in accordance with the structural design.
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Inspection, Making Good & Handover
Following the relevant inspections, the opening is finished, protected and integrated into the surrounding rooms.
Structural Knowledge Hub
Guides, Advice & Costs.
Load-Bearing Wall Removal Cost in London
What affects the cost of creating a structural opening.
Read the Guide
Structural Openings for Bifold & Sliding Doors
What needs to be considered before forming a large rear opening.
Read the Guide
Can an RSJ Be Hidden in the Ceiling?
Options for downstands, concealed beams and flush-ceiling designs.
Read the Guide
Chimney Breast Removal Guide
Structural considerations, Building Control and making good.
Read the GuideHow much does load-bearing wall removal cost?
The cost depends on the width of the opening, structural design, steel configuration, access, temporary support, Building Control requirements and the amount of making good required. A portal frame will normally involve significantly more work than a simple single-beam opening.
Do I need a structural engineer?
For structural alterations affecting load-bearing elements, project-specific calculations and structural design are commonly required. We recommend working from properly prepared structural information rather than choosing a beam size on site.
Do I need Building Control approval?
Structural alterations such as load-bearing wall removal commonly fall within Building Regulations requirements. The exact process depends on the project.
How long does RSJ installation take?
The physical steel installation can sometimes be completed relatively quickly, but the overall project also includes preparation, temporary support, opening-up, inspections, fire protection and making good.
What is a goalpost frame?
A goalpost frame normally consists of a horizontal steel beam supported by structural steel columns. It may be specified where suitable masonry bearings are not available or the structural design requires vertical steel supports.
What is a portal frame?
A portal frame is a structural frame designed to transfer loads through interconnected steel members and is often used for larger or more demanding openings.
Can a steel beam be hidden in the ceiling?
Sometimes. Whether a flush or concealed arrangement is possible depends on the floor structure, beam depth, services and structural design. It should be considered before the steelwork is finalised.
Can you complete the plastering and decorating afterwards?
Yes. We can undertake the structural installation together with fire protection, plastering, electrical or plumbing alterations, flooring and final decoration as part of one project.
Google Reviews
What our clients say.
4.9/5
Based on 100+ reviews
They removed a load-bearing wall and fitted the steel exactly to the engineer?s drawings. Temporary support, tidy site and a finished opening that feels part of the house.
Clear advice on Building Control and the steel design before work started. The RSJ installation was well organised and the making good was careful.
We needed a wider opening for bifold doors. MK coordinated the portal frame, inspections and finishes as one project ? no juggling separate trades.
Professional from drawings review through to plastering. The temporary props and steel install felt properly planned, not rushed.
Open-plan kitchen after wall removal ? beam concealed, rooms connected and the site left clean every day. Would recommend locally.
Areas We Cover
Structural Alterations Across South London
We carry out structural alterations across Crystal Palace, Dulwich, East Dulwich, West Dulwich, Herne Hill, Sydenham, Penge, West Norwood, Brixton and surrounding South London. Our work includes both standalone structural openings and steel installation forming part of wider house refurbishments, extensions and kitchen reconfigurations. Where relevant, we can show prospective clients completed structural projects from similar South London properties.
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