Structural engineers often perform an incredibly important role when undertaking a new construction or building project. 

If you’re wondering whether you need to call upon the services of a structural engineer for your next project, then we’re here to help.

Yes, you probably do need a structural engineer especially if you’re building a brand-new structure or carrying out significant renovations to a property. 

The role that structural engineers perform cannot be understated, as they help to ensure the safety of a property and that you’re complying with all of the necessary legal building regulations that are part of any build.

In this article, the team here at IKT Consulting will take a look at what a structural engineer does, how they can help your project and whether you need to use them.

Read on to find out more.

What does a structural engineer do?

Before we delve into whether you need to hire a structural engineer, let’s first establish exactly what one is and what one does.

Think of any kind of structure or building. From your local hospital to the Golden Gate Bridge, a structural engineer is needed on every type of construction project. 

A structural engineer is responsible for analysing, designing and planning a structure or structural components as part of a construction project. They’re primarily responsible for ensuring the structure is safe, will not collapse and users will not be at risk when inside or using the structure. 

This is one of the most important roles when it comes to the construction of any building or new structure, these engineers are among the most highly skilled professionals on any project, and they are also needed to ensure the design is correctly carried out within the realms of all the necessary building regulations. They can also carry out structural inspections on existing structures, identify potential issues that need to be altered, provide structural calculations and much more. 

Typically, a structural engineer will need to focus on a number of key roles. 

They are:

• Problem solvers - Making sure any issues on the project are resolved and overcome in a safe and practical way.
• Designers - Creating designs that provide longevity, are robust and structurally sound.
• Safety experts - Prioritising safety above all else, they’ll use their vast knowledge to ensure buildings are safe and will not collapse under pressure. 

A structural engineer will work closely with builders and architects to ensure the safety and quality of a project, but it’s important to recognise that these people perform different roles.

We’ll explore the difference between a structural engineer and an architect in the section below.  

What is the difference between a structural engineer and an architect? 

While structural engineers often work alongside architects when designing a building, they do perform different jobs on a project. 

Primarily, an architect is responsible for what a building or structure is going to look like. They will usually create the initial designs and work with a structural engineer to assist with the specifications such as which materials to use. However, overall, they’re mainly concerned with aesthetics and the appearance of the project.

In contrast, structural engineers are all about safety. 

They might take an interest in a building or structure’s design, but usually, this will only be to ensure it helps keep users safe. 

Benefits of a structural engineer

As mentioned above, structural engineers play a crucial role in the design, analysis and construction of buildings and infrastructure. 

The expertise they offer when it comes to understanding the behaviour of materials and structures helps to ensure the safety, durability, and functionality of various projects, and some of the key benefits they provide include:

• Safety assurance - Safety is the primary concern of every structural engineer, and their main role is to ensure all buildings and structures are structurally sound and can withstand the various loads and environmental conditions they will be exposed to. This is essential for keeping occupants and users safe, and when a structural engineer has worked on a project, you’ll receive peace of mind that the structure is as safe as it should be. 

• Ensuring you remain compliant - Another important task that a structural engineer performs is ensuring all of the relevant building legislation and regulations are being complied with. All structural engineers are knowledgeable about building codes and regulations, and they help to make sure that structures that are being built comply with the local, national, and international building codes that are designed to set minimum standards for safety and performance.

• Optimising a design - Structural engineers work to optimise the design of structures, considering a wide range of factors such as load distribution, material efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The expertise of structural engineers helps to create designs that are both functional and economical. 

• Minimising risk - By using careful analysis and evaluation, structural engineers are able to identify potential risks and challenges in a project. They can develop strategies that are designed to mitigate these risks, minimising the likelihood of structural failure during the construction process and across the lifespan of a structure.

• Innovative solutions - Another great benefit that structural engineers offer is the ability to develop innovative solutions and utilise state-of-the-art technologies to ensure the safety and structural integrity of a building. They will explore new materials, construction methods and design techniques to improve the efficiency and sustainability of structures. 

Overall, the expertise of structural engineers is essential for the safe, efficient and compliant design and construction of buildings and infrastructure projects. Their contributions extend from the initial planning stages through construction and beyond, ensuring the long-term success of structures.    

Do I need a structural engineer? 

Now we’ve explored what a structural engineer is and what they do, let’s focus on whether you need to employ the services of one for your next project.

Structural engineers play a core role in every construction team and will work closely with architects and builders. 

No matter what kind of project you’re working on, whenever you’re creating a brand new building or structure you will need to hire the services of a structural engineer.

Often, people will call upon the services of a structural engineer during home renovations. If you’re doing any of the following tasks, you will require a structural engineer:

• Building an extension

• Loft conversions. 

• Removing a chimney breast

• Knocking down internal walls (especially load bearing walls)

• Installing solar panels

• Underpinning floors

• Adding doors or windows

• Building retaining garden walls. 

As well as the above, a structural engineer can also help you to identify defects or problems with a property and its structure. A structural engineer inspection can diagnose: 

• Structural movement 

• Cracking

• Sagging ceilings and roof lines 

If any of these issues have occurred, a structural engineer will be able to recommend solutions and outline the serious problems that may occur if they are ignored. 

Surveyors will recommend a structural engineer inspection as part of a building survey when someone is purchasing a new property. This is to ensure the buyer is provided with a transparent report of the property and identify issues they may be faced with before the purchase has been completed. These reports may also suggest that a more detailed and comprehensive report is required.

How to choose a structural engineer?

Whether you’re overseeing home renovations or work for a large commercial developer, it’s likely your project will require a structural engineer.

With so many different structural engineering companies out there, it can sometimes be difficult to know which company is best for you.

When selecting a structural engineering company, you should consider the following:

• Reviews - Reviews are always a good way to assess the level of service you can expect. Most companies should have online reviews you can read, but it’s also worth asking friends and family for companies they have used in the past.

• Proper qualifications - You should only use a structural engineer if they have the relevant qualifications. At the very least, they should be a member of the Institution of Structural Engineers. 

• Ask for testimonials - All reputable structural engineers will be able to provide you with customer testimonials and case studies from previous projects that explain how they work. Usually, company websites will include these, but you can also ask the engineer directly for examples.

• Check they have a proven track record - It’s always recommended that you opt for a structural engineering company that has been in the business for a significant period of time and whose longevity you can trust. 

At IKT Consulting, we’re home to leading structural engineers who can provide quality structural engineering services to both domestic and commercial customers. We recognise that structural engineering is at the heart of every building and is a necessary service whenever a building or structure is being constructed.

We offer a variety of services from structural engineering inspections to structural drawings and bespoke designs. From homeowners to landlords to contractors and developers, over the years we’ve supported a wide range of projects, with our fully qualified and accredited team able to ensure every type of project is safe and complies with the necessary legalities.

For more information, get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team today.