Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about working with FM Structural.
Do I need a chartered engineer?
There's no legal requirement for structural calculations to be produced by a chartered engineer. Building Control assesses the technical content of submissions, not the qualifications of the author. What matters is that the work is done competently and the calculations demonstrate compliance with Part A of the Building Regulations. Many successful domestic projects use engineers who aren't chartered, provided the work is thorough and well-documented.
What do you need to provide a quote?
To quote accurately, we need: (1) existing and proposed architectural drawings, (2) photographs of the areas affected, (3) a brief description of what you're doing, and (4) your site postcode. The more detail you provide, the more accurate our quote will be. For straightforward work like wall removals, we can often quote from this information alone.
How do you deliver the work?
We deliver everything digitally by email. You'll receive PDF files including your calculation pack, drawings, and any supporting documentation. These are ready for you to forward to Building Control or your Approved Inspector. We don't charge extra for digital delivery or revisions within scope.
How long does a typical project take?
Most straightforward calculations (single beams, wall removals) are completed within 3-5 working days. Larger projects like full extension packages or loft conversions may take 1-2 weeks. If you need faster turnaround, let us know when you submit your enquiry and we'll do our best to accommodate.
What areas do you cover?
We work across Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and the East Midlands. This includes Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham, and the surrounding areas. For projects outside these areas, get in touch anyway – we may still be able to help.
Do you do site visits?
For many projects, we can work from plans and photographs without visiting site. For larger projects, surveys, or situations where we need to see existing construction, we arrange site visits. These are quoted separately when needed.
How does payment work?
We provide a fixed-price quote before starting work. For most projects, payment is due when we issue the final pack. Larger projects may have staged payments. We accept bank transfer and major cards.
What if Building Control has questions?
We respond to Building Control queries at no extra charge, provided they're within the original scope of work. If the scope changes significantly, we'll discuss any additional fees before proceeding.
Can you help with party wall matters?
Yes, we offer party wall services including serving notices, preparing schedules of condition, and acting as appointed or agreed surveyor. See our party wall page for more details.
What documents will I receive?
A typical pack includes: structural calculation PDF, construction drawings to scale, a schedule of steelwork or timber (where applicable), stated assumptions and limitations, issue sheet with revision history, and a summary suitable for Building Control correspondence.
Still have questions?
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