Structural engineers for self-builders
Building your own house means you are the client, the project manager and the person who carries the risk. We give you the structural design and the plain explanation of it, so you can make decisions rather than approve them blind.
What we cover.
Self-build projects need more from an engineer than a developer's project does, because there is no in-house team absorbing the technical questions. We expect to explain the reasoning, not just issue the output.
- Full structural design for one-off houses
- Foundation design on difficult or sloping sites
- Timber frame, SIPs, ICF and masonry structural systems
- Steel frame and hybrid structural solutions
- Basement and retaining structures
- Large openings, glazing and long spans
- Building Control and warrant submissions
- Staged design to match a self-build programme
What self-builders actually involves.
Self-build sites are often the ones that were left, which usually means something about them is awkward: a slope, poor ground, restricted access, or a tree preservation order dictating foundation depth. Those constraints shape the structure and they shape the budget. We would rather work through them with you at the start than design twice.
Structural system choice matters more on a self-build than almost anywhere else, because it affects programme, trades and whether you can do parts yourself. Timber frame, SIPs, ICF and masonry all behave differently structurally and commercially. We will give you a straight comparison rather than a preference.
We can stage the design to match how self-builders actually fund and build, rather than issuing everything at once. Foundations first, then superstructure, then the details you need for the fit-out stage.
We work with the constraint the site actually has, whether that is a slope, poor ground or a root protection area, and we will talk through timber frame, SIPs, ICF and masonry on structure, programme and cost rather than preference. The design can be staged to match how you fund and build instead of arriving all at once.
Can you design in stages to match our build programme?
Yes, and on self-build projects it is usually the sensible approach. We can issue foundation design first so groundworks can start, then superstructure, then the remaining details. It spreads the fee across the programme and means later decisions are still open when you get to them.
- Full structural design, foundations to roof
- Designs checked and signed by a Chartered Structural Engineer
- Straight comparison of structural systems
- Design staged to your build programme
- Fixed fees agreed up front
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
Do you work with self-build warranty providers?
Yes. Self-build warranties have their own structural information requirements and we prepare packages to meet them.
Our site slopes badly. Is that a problem?
It is a design constraint, not a barrier. Sloping sites usually mean stepped foundations or retaining structures, both of which are ordinary engineering, but they need designing properly rather than assuming.
Can you help us choose between timber frame and masonry?
Yes. We will set out how each behaves structurally, what it means for foundations and programme, and where the cost falls, then leave the decision to you.
Will you talk to our builder directly?
Yes. Most self-builders prefer us to resolve technical questions with the builder rather than relaying them.
Tell us what you are building.
Send the drawings or describe the project. We confirm scope, deliverables and a realistic timescale.
Start a project