Structural engineers for commercial property owners and asset managers
Commercial property decisions turn on what a building can take and what it will cost to change it. We answer both, in writing, in a form you can put in front of a tenant, a funder or a board.
What we cover.
Asset managers and commercial owners usually come to us with one of three questions: is this building safe, can it take what my tenant wants to do, and what will it cost to put right. We answer those directly rather than hedging.
- Structural condition surveys across a portfolio
- Change of use and structural appraisal
- Mezzanine floor design and racking loads
- Fit-out structural alterations
- Roof plant, screening and solar loading assessment
- Dilapidations and schedule of condition support
- Defect diagnosis and remedial design
- Structural movement monitoring
What commercial property owners actually involves.
The commonest commercial question is loading. A tenant wants racking, a mezzanine, plant on the roof, or heavier machinery than the building was designed for. That is answerable, but it needs the existing structure assessing against the proposed loads rather than assuming capacity exists. We produce an assessment that says clearly what the structure will take and what strengthening, if any, is needed.
Change of use is the other recurring one. Converting industrial to retail, office to residential, or anything to assembly changes both the loading and the regulatory position. We assess the existing frame, floors and foundations against the new use and set out the structural work required.
On defects, we distinguish between what is structurally significant and what is cosmetic, because those get conflated in condition reports and the difference is often a large number on a dilapidations schedule.
We assess the existing frame, floors and foundations against whatever the tenant or the new use wants to put on them, and say plainly whether it works, what it needs, or that it does not. On condition and dilapidations we separate what is structurally significant from what is cosmetic, which is usually where the money is.
Can this building take what my tenant wants to do?
Usually the honest answer requires an assessment rather than an opinion. We establish what the existing structure was designed for, what it can actually carry now given its condition, and how that compares to the proposed loading. Where strengthening is needed we design it. Where it is not, you get that in writing, which is often worth more.
- Written assessments you can issue to tenants and funders
- Designs checked and signed by a Chartered Structural Engineer
- Structural significance separated from cosmetic defects
- Portfolio-wide condition surveying
- £5m professional indemnity cover
From enquiry to sign-off.
Enquiry
Send drawings or describe the problem. We confirm the scope, the deliverables and a target timescale.
Information
We agree the survey, drawings or data we need and any site access required.
Engineering
Design, calculation or assessment to the relevant Eurocodes and UK National Annex.
Issue
A clear, defensible report or set of calculations, with assumptions and limitations stated.
Common questions
Can you survey a portfolio rather than a single building?
Yes. We carry out condition surveying across multiple properties and report in a consistent format so assets can be compared.
Do you provide reports for dilapidations?
Yes, including separating structural defects from disrepair and advising on what is genuinely attributable.
Can you assess a roof for solar panels or plant?
Yes. Roof loading assessment for plant, screening and solar arrays is routine work, and it is better done before installation is booked.
Will you attend site UK-wide?
Yes. We work across the UK and travel for inspections and surveys.
Who else we work with.
Tell us what you are building.
Send the drawings or describe the project. We confirm scope, deliverables and a realistic timescale.
Start a project