RSJ Installation South London is one of the key structural services provided by MK Refurbishment London Ltd for homeowners planning open-plan layouts, extensions, kitchen renovations and major property refurbishments.

We carry out RSJ installation, structural openings, load-bearing wall removal and structural steel installation across South London, including Crystal Palace, Dulwich, Sydenham, Penge, Bromley, Brixton, Herne Hill, Camberwell, West Norwood and surrounding areas.

Removing a structural wall is not simply demolition. The load previously carried by that wall must be safely transferred through a correctly designed steel beam, padstones, columns or structural frame.

Our team works to structural engineer drawings and calculations, follows the required temporary works sequence and coordinates the installation with Building Control inspections.

Whether you need a single RSJ above a new opening, multiple structural steel beams for a larger open-plan conversion, or a goalpost or portal frame for a rear extension, we can manage the structural building work from preparation and demolition through to installation and making good.

🧱 RSJ Installation South London for Load-Bearing Wall Removal

Creating a larger kitchen, connecting a dining room with a living area or opening the rear of a house often requires alteration or removal of a load-bearing wall.

Before any structural element is removed, the building needs to be assessed and the proposed support designed to safely carry the loads above.

A typical RSJ installation South London project may involve:

identifying the existing load-bearing wall and load path;
structural engineer calculations and steel specification;
preparation of drawings and information for Building Control;
temporary propping before structural demolition;
controlled removal of the existing masonry;
installation of an RSJ or other structural steel beam;
installation of padstones, bearing details, steel posts or spreader plates where specified;
bolted or welded connections where required by the structural design;
protection of the structural steel;
Building Control inspection;
plastering, carpentry and making good after completion of the structural phase.

The final steel size and installation method must always follow the project-specific structural design.

Two neighbouring Victorian houses can look almost identical but still require different structural solutions because floor joist directions, previous alterations, masonry condition, spans and loads may be different.

❓ What Is an RSJ and When Is It Required?

RSJ is the familiar term many homeowners use for a structural steel beam.

Modern structural designs may specify a Universal Beam – UB, Universal Column – UC, steel channel or a more complex structural frame depending on the opening and the loads that need to be supported.

The principle is straightforward.

When a load-bearing wall or part of a structural wall is removed, the new steel beam replaces its supporting function and transfers the load to suitable bearing points.

Common situations where structural steel may be required include:

removing the wall between a kitchen and dining room;
creating a large open-plan kitchen and living area;
widening an existing doorway or structural opening;
forming openings for bifold or sliding doors;
rear and side-return house extensions;
loft conversions;
chimney breast removal where additional support is required;
replacing inadequate or previously altered structural supports;
creating large rear openings using goalpost or portal frames.

🏗️ Structural Work South London – More Than Just Fitting a Steel Beam

Successful structural steel installation involves considerably more than simply lifting an RSJ into position.

The condition of the existing building, temporary support, bearings, structural connections and demolition sequence are all important parts of the work.

🛡️ RSJ Installation South London – Temporary Support and Controlled Demolition

Before a load-bearing section of wall is removed, appropriate temporary support must be installed for the particular structure and site conditions.

Depending on the structural design, this may involve props, needles or another temporary support arrangement.

Demolition is then undertaken in a controlled sequence while the structure remains supported.

The objective is to maintain stability throughout the work until the permanent structural steel has been positioned and the load safely transferred onto the new support.

🧱 RSJ Installation South London – Padstones and Steel Bearings

An RSJ cannot simply be placed onto any convenient section of masonry.

Loads concentrated at the ends of the beam need to be safely transferred into the supporting structure.

Depending on the structural engineer’s design, this can involve:

concrete padstones;
engineering brickwork;
steel spreader plates;
steel posts;
structural columns;
base plates;
additional strengthening.

In older South London properties, the existing brickwork also needs careful consideration because the strength and condition of historic masonry can vary substantially from property to property.

🏗️ Goalpost Frame Installation

For larger structural openings, particularly across the rear of a property or within an extension, a single steel beam may not provide the complete structural solution.

The engineer may specify a goalpost frame comprising a horizontal structural beam supported by vertical steel columns.

Goalpost frames are commonly used where homeowners want to create:

large kitchen extensions;
full-width rear openings;
large bifold or sliding door openings;
open-plan kitchen and dining spaces;
substantial alterations to existing masonry walls.

The columns transfer loads down to specifically designed support points or foundations.

🏗️ Portal Frame Installation

Some structural alterations require a more complex portal frame.

Portal frames can provide additional stiffness and stability where a large opening, building configuration or structural design requires the horizontal beam and columns to operate together as a structural system.

These solutions are particularly relevant when creating substantial openings in extensions or transforming traditional cellular layouts into modern open-plan spaces.

📋 RSJ Installation South London and Building Regulations

Structural alterations such as removing or partially removing a load-bearing wall normally require Building Regulations approval.

Structural calculations and drawings may be required as part of the Building Control process, and the structural work needs to be available for inspection at the relevant stages.

For that reason, we recommend organising the structural package before demolition begins.

Having the structural engineer’s information, steel specification and Building Control process organised in advance helps avoid unnecessary delays and allows the works to be completed in the correct sequence.

MK Refurbishment London Ltd can work alongside your:

structural engineer;
architect;
designer;
Building Control body.

Where a homeowner is still at an earlier stage of the project, we can also help coordinate the information needed before the structural work starts.

🧭 Our RSJ Installation Process in South London

A carefully planned sequence is particularly important when altering the structure of an existing property.

🔍 1. Initial Site Assessment

We first review the proposed opening, property layout, site access, working space and visible previous structural alterations.

We also consider how the steel can practically be delivered and positioned within the property.

Where structural calculations are not already available, engineering design will be required before permanent structural steelwork is installed.

📐 2. Structural Engineer Drawings and Calculations

The structural engineer determines the appropriate beam or frame together with its supporting details.

Depending on the project, the structural design may specify:

RSJ or Universal Beam;
Universal Columns;
padstones;
steel posts;
connection plates;
bolts;
spreader plates;
base plates;
new foundations;
other strengthening measures.

✅ 3. Building Control Coordination

The appropriate drawings and structural calculations can then be provided for Building Regulations purposes.

The required inspection stages should be organised around the structural works so that important elements can be inspected before they are permanently covered.

🛡️ 4. Site Protection and Temporary Works

Before structural demolition begins, the work area is protected and the appropriate temporary support installed.

We also consider safe access and how the structural steel will be manoeuvred into the property.

Large beams can be extremely heavy, so the installation method should be considered before the steel arrives on site.

🧱 5. Load-Bearing Wall Removal

The masonry is carefully removed in the planned sequence while the structure remains appropriately supported.

The structural opening is then prepared to receive the steelwork and bearing details shown on the engineer’s design.

🔩 6. RSJ or Structural Frame Installation

The RSJ, UB, UC or structural frame is positioned and installed according to the structural engineer’s specification.

Where required, this stage may also include:

padstones;
steel plates;
steel posts;
columns;
bolted connections;
welded connections;
goalpost frames;
portal frames.

✅ 7. Building Control Inspection

The structural work is made available for the appropriate Building Control inspection before important elements are permanently concealed.

🛠️ 8. Protection and Making Good

Once the main structural phase has been completed, we can continue with the surrounding refurbishment work.

Depending on the project this can include:

boarding and plastering;
ceiling repairs;
wall repairs;
carpentry;
flooring;
electrical alterations;
plumbing alterations;
kitchen installation;
decorating;
final finishing.

This is one of the advantages of using a refurbishment contractor capable of completing both the structural work and the finishing works.

⏱️ How Long Does RSJ Installation Take in South London?

One of the most common questions we receive is how long an RSJ installation takes.

A straightforward single-steel installation may require only a few working days for the main structural phase once the structural design, steel fabrication, site preparation and Building Control arrangements are in place.

However, larger structural openings may require substantially more work.

Projects involving:

multiple steels;
heavy beams;
steel columns;
goalpost frames;
portal frames;
new foundations;
difficult access;
extensive structural demolition;
substantial making good

will naturally require more time.

The overall programme also depends on steel fabrication lead times, access to the property, Building Control inspections and whether the RSJ installation forms part of a larger refurbishment or house extension.

Rather than promising the same timeframe for every property, we assess the complete scope and provide a realistic programme for the individual project.

💷 How Much Does RSJ Installation Cost in South London?

The cost of RSJ installation in South London can vary considerably because every structural opening is different.

A relatively straightforward internal beam installation cannot be directly compared with a full-width rear opening requiring several structural steels, columns, complex connections and new foundations.

The main factors affecting the cost include:

number of steel beams;
size and weight of the steel;
span of the structural opening;
whether steel columns are required;
whether a goalpost or portal frame is required;
structural engineer design;
padstones and bearing requirements;
access for delivering the steel;
method of lifting and positioning the beam;
temporary works;
amount of structural demolition;
waste disposal;
Building Control requirements;
protection to structural steel;
plastering and making good;
electrical alterations;
plumbing and heating alterations;
whether the structural work forms part of a larger extension or refurbishment.

For an accurate quotation, we prefer to review the structural drawings and engineer’s calculations together with the actual site conditions.

This allows the quotation to reflect the work genuinely required rather than relying on a generic online price.

📍 With Areas We Cover ?

MK Refurbishment London Ltd provides RSJ installation, load-bearing wall removal and structural work across South and South-East London.

Our key service areas include:

📍 Crystal Palace & Upper Norwood

We undertake structural alterations in Victorian and period properties around Crystal Palace, including open-plan kitchen conversions, structural openings and steel beam installation.

📍 Dulwich & East Dulwich

Our structural work in Dulwich includes load-bearing wall removal, kitchen and dining room openings, extensions and larger refurbishment projects.

📍 Sydenham & Forest Hill

We undertake RSJ installations and structural alterations in houses and flats throughout Sydenham, Forest Hill and surrounding SE London areas.

📍 Penge

Our services in Penge include structural openings, wall removal, beam installation and associated refurbishment works.

📍 Bromley & Beckenham

We provide structural building work for extensions, refurbishments and open-plan alterations throughout Bromley and Beckenham.

📍 Brixton & Herne Hill

Our South London structural services include internal wall removal, RSJ installation and open-plan conversions across Brixton and Herne Hill.

📍 Camberwell & West Norwood

We undertake individual steel installations as well as larger structural alteration projects in Camberwell, West Norwood and neighbouring areas.

We also cover Streatham, Catford and surrounding parts of South London.

If your property is outside these locations, contact us with your postcode and project details.

⭐ Why Choose MK Refurbishment London Ltd for Structural Work?

Structural alterations require careful coordination between engineering design and practical site execution.

Our approach is to follow the engineer’s design, maintain a controlled construction sequence and consider how the structural work integrates with the finished refurbishment.

Clients choose MK Refurbishment London Ltd for:

experience with structural alterations;
experience working with Victorian and period properties;
RSJ and structural steel installation;
load-bearing wall removal;
structural openings;
goalpost and portal frame installation;
coordination with structural engineers;
coordination with Building Control;
temporary support and controlled structural demolition;
brickwork and structural making good;
plastering and finishing after steel installation;
open-plan kitchen transformations;
house extensions;
complete home refurbishments.

Because we also carry out kitchens, bathrooms, extensions and complete property refurbishments, the structural opening can be coordinated with the rest of the construction project rather than being treated as an isolated job.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About RSJ Installation South London

📐 Do I need a structural engineer for an RSJ?

For a structural alteration, the required beam and its supporting details should be based on appropriate structural design and calculations.

The structural engineer assesses the span, loads, bearings and supporting structure and specifies the steelwork required for the individual property.

📋 Do I need Building Control approval to remove a load-bearing wall?

Structural alterations such as removing or partially removing a load-bearing wall normally require Building Regulations approval.

Structural drawings and calculations may need to be submitted and the work should be inspected at the appropriate stages.

🏛️ Can you install an RSJ in a Victorian house?

Yes.

Structural openings are extremely common in Victorian and Edwardian properties, particularly when homeowners want to create larger kitchen and dining areas.

Older properties require careful consideration of masonry, floor joists, chimney structures, existing alterations and the overall load path before structural work begins.

🏠 Can an RSJ be hidden inside the ceiling?

Sometimes.

Whether a steel beam can be installed flush with or partially concealed within the ceiling depends on factors including:

floor construction;
joist direction;
beam depth;
services;
available space;
structural design.

A concealed or flush beam should therefore be considered during the structural design stage rather than assumed after the steel has already been specified.

⏱️ How long does an RSJ installation take?

A straightforward structural opening and single-beam installation can often be completed relatively quickly once all engineering, steel fabrication and preparation are in place.

More complicated projects involving several steels, columns, foundations or portal frames will require a longer programme.

🛠️ Can you remove the wall and complete the room afterwards?

Yes.

Where included within our project scope, MK Refurbishment London Ltd can continue after the structural installation with:

plastering;
ceilings;
flooring;
carpentry;
decoration;
kitchen installation;
electrical works;
plumbing;
wider refurbishment.

🏗️ Do you install goalpost and portal frames?

Yes, where these systems are specified as part of the structural engineer’s design.

They are commonly required for larger structural openings where a simple beam supported on existing masonry is not the appropriate structural solution.

📐 Can you work from my structural engineer’s drawings?

Yes.

If you already have structural calculations and drawings, we can review them when preparing the quotation and carry out the structural works to the specified details.

📩 What should I send you for an RSJ quotation?

To help us understand the project, send:

property postcode;
photographs of the existing rooms;
photographs of the wall to be removed;
architectural drawings if available;
structural engineer drawings;
structural calculations;
approximate size of the opening;
brief description of your proposed finished layout.

For larger or more complex structural projects, a site visit may be required before the detailed quotation is finalised.

📩 Get a Quote for RSJ Installation South London

Planning to remove a load-bearing wall, create an open-plan kitchen, form a new structural opening or install steel beams as part of an extension?

MK Refurbishment London Ltd provides professional RSJ installation South London, from individual steel beam installations to complex structural openings, goalpost frames, portal frames and complete refurbishment projects.

We work across Crystal Palace, Dulwich, Sydenham, Penge, Bromley, Brixton, Herne Hill, Camberwell, West Norwood and surrounding South London areas.

Send us your drawings, structural calculations, photographs and postcode, or arrange a site visit to discuss your project.

MK Refurbishment London Ltd – Quality in Everything We Do.

image2
Brickwork in East Dulwich SE22 London
Structural opening external & brickwork in Herne Hill SE24 London 3
20130606_120055
Structural work- boxing RSJ in Crystal Palace SE19 London 8
Structural work Fitting RSJ in Crystal Palace SE19 London 1
Previous
Next