Why You Need a Structural Engineer to Remove a Non-Load Bearing Wall
- Pavol Zajac
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
Avoid Costly Delays and Property Sale Issues
Removing a non-load-bearing wall may seem straightforward, but failing to involve a structural engineer can cause significant problems, particularly when selling your property. Without the correct documentation, building control will not sign off the work, which can hold up sales, cause financial loss, and lead to expensive remedial work.
Building Control for Removing a Non-Load Bearing Wall Requires a Structural Engineer's Confirmation
Even if a wall is non-load bearing, building control still requires written confirmation from a structural engineer. The best form of confirmation is a markup drawing, which should be submitted as part of your Building Notice before any work begins. This ensures:
1. Compliance with building regulations
2. A smooth approval process
3. No costly surprises when selling your home
While it is possible to obtain structural approval retrospectively, this is not advisable. Without prior approval, you may face complications down the line.
Retrospective Approval Can Be Expensive
If a property survey highlights unauthorised modifications, banks may refuse to release mortgage funds, delaying or even jeopardising the sale. At this point, a structural engineer may be required to assess the work and provide the necessary documentation. However, this often involves:
Opening up ceilings to inspect structural elements
Paying for repairs, redecorating, and additional costs
Wasting valuable time, potentially leading to a failed sale
We receive calls at least once a month from homeowners in this predicament, and by that stage, resolving the issue is far more costly and time-consuming.
The Risk of Property Chains Collapsing
If your property sale is part of a chain, missing building control sign-off can cause a domino effect, potentially leading to multiple failed sales. Buyers will want proof that all modifications were correctly approved, and if this documentation is missing, they may walk away from the purchase altogether.
Questions that frequently arise include:
Was a Building Notice application made?
Did building control sign off the work?
Without clear answers, delays are inevitable, and your sale may not go through.
Get It Right from the Start
Hiring a structural engineer before removing a non-load bearing wall is a small step that can save you significant time, money, and stress in the future. By obtaining a markup drawing and ensuring building control approval upfront, you can avoid unnecessary delays when selling, prevent costly retrospective work and ensure full compliance with building regulations.
Need Professional Guidance?
At Pavol Zajac Structural Engineers Ltd, we provide expert structural engineering drawings and calculations to help you navigate building control requirements smoothly. Contact us today to ensure your project is compliant and future-proof.