Structural Engineer Costs

How much is a structural engineer in 2026?

On average, common UK household jobs that require a structural engineer cost between £300 and £500.

There's more to it than this, though. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including typical structural engineer costs for different types of jobs, how long common structural engineering jobs take, and much more!

Would you like a clearer idea of what to expect?

You can quickly and easily get free, no-obligation quotes from structural engineers near you using MyJobQuote. You don't need to be ready to start work before having a chat with a local tradesperson.

Scroll down to find our full guide to hiring a structural engineer.

How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost?

Structural engineers usually charge either an hourly rate, a daily rate or a fixed fee for a particular job, and the total you pay will depend on how much design and site work is involved.

As a rough estimate, common jobs typically cost around:

• Basic inspection or single-issue assessment - £200 to £500
• Structural report with recommendations - £500 to £1,500+
• RSJ or load-bearing wall calculations - £300 to £900
• Loft or extension structural design - £400 to £2,000+

Typical Hourly and Daily Rates

For smaller domestic projects, many structural engineers charge an hourly rate, which is often around £75 to £125 per hour, with higher rates in London and the South East or for more complex work.

On larger jobs it is more common to work to a day rate, which is typically around £400 to £600 per day.

What Is Usually Included in a Structural Engineer Fee?

The above hourly/daily rates typically include:

• Initial site visit and inspection
• Basic structural calculations
• Standard drawings for straightforward domestic work
• A short written summary or report where required

But always double check with your chosen structural engineer so you are clear about what you're paying for.

The following services usually require an additional fee:

• Additional site visits
• Revised drawings (if designs change)
• Detailed structural reports
• Liaising with architects, building control, or other trades

Average Structural Engineer Costs by Job

Most household projects are priced on a fixed fee, based on the size and complexity of the job, so it helps to look at typical ranges for the most common types of work.

The figures in this table are based on real jobs carried out by tradespeople registered on MyJobQuote and typical structural engineer fees, but your exact cost will depend on your property and the complexity of the work.

Use these ranges to set a rough budget, then compare a few quotes from local engineers to find a price that feels fair for your specific project.

How Much Does a Structural Engineer Inspection or Report Cost?

Your first contact with a structural engineer will likely be for a one off inspection and basic report on a specific issue, for example, cracks in a wall, a sagging roof or checking whether a wall is load bearing.

For a straightforward domestic inspection and short written report on a single issue, you can often expect to pay somewhere between £300 to £500, which usually covers the site visit, basic checks and a summary of the engineer’s findings and recommendations.

More detailed structural reports, for example where there are widespread cracks, suspected subsidence or several areas of concern to investigate, will cost more because they take longer on site and require a more in depth written report. These can easily run from £500 to £1,500 or more, depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the problem.

These fees are for the engineer’s professional time only and do not include the cost of any remedial work, such as repairing cracks, improving drainage or underpinning a house if the foundations are found to be inadequate.

How Much Do Structural Drawings and RSJ Calculations Cost?

Structural drawings typically cost around £150 to £500 for simple domestic drawings, but larger project drawings can cost up to £1,500. Simple beam drawings may be included in your initial quote, but standalone structural drawings or more detailed drawings for loft conversions or extensions usually cost extra.

For removing a load-bearing wall, a structural engineer usually charges £300 to £500 for straightforward inspection and calculations. Where a rolled steel joist (RSJ) is needed, more detailed calculations and drawings often increase the fee to £450 to £900. The separate cost of supplying and installing the steel beam often adds £1,500 to £2,500.

Find Tradespeople, compare up to 3 quotes!

It's FREE and there are no obligations

Get started

Additional Costs of a Structural Engineer

In many cases, your structural engineer’s fee is only one part of the overall budget. Their report or calculations may also highlight extra work that needs doing, such as underpinning, new foundations or installing steel beams, along with legal costs like party wall surveyors and building control fees.

The sections below outline the most common types of work a structural engineer helps with, as well as the additional structural and legal costs that often sit alongside their fees.

Additional Structural Work

If a structural engineer identifies problems during a renovation or inspection, you may need extra remedial work before the project can continue or be approved by Building Control.

Minor corrective work, such as adding extra support, replacing a lintel or strengthening part of a floor, often costs around £300 to £1,000. More substantial work, such as rebuilding sections of wall, correcting unsupported openings or upgrading structural elements during a larger renovation, can rise to £2,000 to £5,000 or more.

If structural work has already been completed incorrectly, additional opening-up work, revised calculations or remedial construction may also be needed before the work can be signed off. In some cases, work that does not meet current regulations may need to be corrected before Building Control approval is granted, which can add significant extra cost later on.

Installing an RSJ

If removing any load-bearing walls, you may have hired a structural engineer to map out where the rolled-steel joist should be placed.

Typically to install an RSJ costs between £1,500 to £2,500.

Underpinning a House

One of the most important duties of a structural engineer is checking whether the ground is level enough to ensure they are able to support any new changes. If the report they produce shows evidence of inadequate foundations, you may have to pay to underpin your house.

The cost of underpinning a house in the UK can range from £4,800 to underpin a single wall in a terrace home with resin injector and up to £36,400 to underpin a detached house with a mini-piling method.

Foundations

If there are any additional issues with your foundations that are identified in a structural engineer report, then you may need to install new foundations to provide stability.

The cost of foundations ranges from £4,000 to £12,000 depending on the type of foundations you need — although this may be lower if you decide to DIY.

Party Wall Surveyor

In the event the work you wish to carry out involves a shared wall, then this will require legal fees and surveyor costs of around £700 to £1,500.

Although if the agreement is for something relatively simple, then a party wall surveyor has the potential of being considerably less.

Reinforcement

Reinforcement, or Retrofitting, involves strengthening an existing structure if the likes of beams or flooring isn't of a suitable standard.

This is sometimes charged per beam, at a labour cost of around £60 to £100, not including materials.

Additional Consultations and Revisions

Additional meetings or the drawing of revisions with the structural engineer can also come at an additional cost, around £90 to £120 per hour, depending on the company and individual circumstances.

Ask a Trade

Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.

Ask your question

Factors That Impact Structural Engineer Costs

The cost of hiring a structural engineer is affected by several factors, including the type of job, where your property is, how easy it is to access, how experienced the engineer is and how quickly you need the work done.

Type of Job

Structural engineering fees are usually charged at an hourly or daily rate, but most domestic projects are quoted as a fixed fee based on how much design work and how many site visits are needed.

Smaller jobs, such as checking a single load bearing wall, advising on a chimney breast removal or modifying one or two openings for doors and windows, often fall at the lower end of the price ranges in the table above.

The pricing for larger or more complex projects, such as fully transforming a loft space, house extensions or the structural design for a new build, cost more because they need more calculations, drawings and coordination with your architect and builder.

If you are unsure how a structural engineer will price your project, it is worth giving as much detail as you can when you first ask for quotes, including any drawings, photos and planning information you already have.

Location of Property

Where you live has a big impact on price, because structural engineers in London and the South East typically charge higher hourly and daily rates than those in other parts of the UK.

You may also pay more if the engineer has to travel a long way to site, which is why it often makes sense to use a local structural engineer where possible.

These regional figures are guide prices only, but they show how much rates can vary and why it pays to compare a few local quotes.

Ease of Access

Structural engineers may put their prices up if there is restricted access to a property. For instance, if a roof survey is conducted on a steep roof, they may charge extra, as it will take longer to inspect.

Third-Party Consultation

If the engineer needs to liaise with the likes of architects, builders, or local authorities, this may take additional time and could be billed separately for each case.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Professionals who are a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE) or a Member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (MIStructE) will potentially charge higher fees.

Both are protected titles in the UK and are well-respected internationally, as such often result in higher structural engineering fees due to their expertise and any liability cover needed.

Urgency of the Job

In some cases you may need a structural engineer to attend a job with more urgency than others, even to the extent of a same-day visit if it's an emergency.

As with many tradesmen, a last-minute turnaround or visit outside of normal working hours can come at a minimum charge or additional fee.

What's Involved in Structural Engineering?

On a typical home project, a structural engineer will review your plans, visit the property where needed, check how loads are carried through the building and then produce the calculations and drawings that your builder and building control need to carry out the work safely.

The examples below show what a structural engineer does on the most common types of household jobs and how much their fees might be.

What Does a Structural Engineer Do for an Extension?

For a house extension, structural engineer fees usually range from £400 to £2,000 depending on size and complexity. This usually covers checking the existing structure and providing calculations for foundations, beams, walls and roof elements.

What Does a Structural Engineer Do When Removing a Chimney Breast?

For chimney breast removal, fees usually range from £100 to £500. The engineer checks how the remaining chimney will be supported and provides calculations for steel beams or other structural support where needed.

What Does a Structural Engineer Do for a Loft Conversion?

For a loft conversion, fees usually range from £600 to £1,800. The structural engineer will inspect the existing roof and ceiling structure, measure the spans and loads, and review the proposed layout with any dormers or roof changes.

What Does a Structural Engineer Check Before Fitting Solar Panels?

If you want to install solar panels, a structural engineer will typically assess the roof structure and coverings to confirm it can support the extra weight of the panels and the forces from wind uplift, for a fee of around £150 - £500.

When Do You Need a Structural Engineer for Doors and Windows?

Structural engineer fees for altering doors or windows usually range from £150 to £500, depending on whether a simple lintel is needed or a larger structural opening is being created. This usually covers checking whether the wall is load-bearing and providing calculations for the correct lintel or steel support.

What Does a Structural Engineer Do When You Are Building a New House?

For building a new house, structural engineer fees usually range from £2,000 to £5,000 depending on the size and complexity of the design. This covers structural calculations and drawings for foundations, walls, floors, beams and roof elements, usually prepared alongside your architect’s plans.

When Do You Need a Structural Engineer for Internal Walls?

If you are removing internal walls to create a more open plan layout, a structural engineer will first confirm which walls are load-bearing and which are simply partitions (expect to pay £300 - £500).

For the removal of any indoor walls that impact the infrastructure of a building, they will design the rolled steel joists or other supports that take over the load, and set out how these should be supported on new or existing foundations.

How Can a Structural Engineer Help With Cracks and Movement?

If you notice cracks in walls, sloping floors or doors and windows that start to stick, a structural engineer can investigate whether there is a structural problem such as subsidence, inadequate foundations or overloaded beams. This type of inspection and report usually costs around £300 to £1,500+.

Timescales for Structural Engineer Work

Structural engineers usually charge by the hour, day or fixed job fee, so the time needed for site visits, calculations and drawings directly affects the overall cost.

Simple domestic jobs, such as checking a load-bearing wall or carrying out a basic roof survey, can often be inspected within a few hours, with calculations usually issued within a few working days.

Larger projects, such as loft conversions, extensions or new-build structural design, often involve more calculations, drawings and revisions, so the full process can take several days or longer depending on complexity and coordination with builders, architects or Building Control.

The table below shows typical on-site timescales for common structural engineering jobs.

If you are working to a deadline, ask how quickly the engineer can attend and when calculations or drawings are likely to be ready. Providing photos, existing drawings and planning details upfront can help reduce delays and make quoting more accurate.

Cost of Building Regulations and Planning Permission

As well as paying for a structural engineer, many projects also involve separate approval costs for building regulations and, in some cases, planning permission.

Building Control fees for domestic structural work typically cost around £200 to £500, depending on the size of the project and your local authority. This usually applies to work such as removing a load-bearing wall, fitting an RSJ, loft conversions and extensions, where structural calculations must be submitted for approval.

Planning permission costs £258 for standard householder applications in England, although many smaller projects may fall within permitted development and not require a full application.

A structural engineer does not submit planning applications, but they often provide the calculations and drawings needed for Building Control when structural changes are involved.

This is why structural engineer fees are often separate from approval costs. Even where planning permission is not needed, Building Control may still require structural calculations before work can be signed off.

If work is carried out without the correct approvals, you may face delays, extra inspection costs or remedial work later if the structure cannot be shown to meet current standards.

What is a Structural Engineer?

A structural engineer is a type of qualified civil engineer who specialises in the strength and stability of buildings. They check whether structural changes can be carried out safely and provide the calculations, drawings and reports needed for Building Control approval.

Homeowners commonly hire structural engineers for jobs such as:

• House extensions and garage conversions
• Loft conversions and dormer additions
• Removing or altering internal walls
• Removing a chimney breast or chimney stack
• Checking a roof before fitting solar panels
• Making new openings for windows and doors in structural walls
• Investigating cracks, subsidence or sagging floors and ceilings

You may not need a structural engineer for:

• Removing a non-load-bearing partition wall
• Replacing kitchen units, bathrooms or other non-structural fittings
• Like-for-like window or door replacements where the opening size stays the same
• Minor internal alterations that do not affect walls, floors, roofs or foundations

However, if there is any doubt about whether a wall is load-bearing or whether a structural element is affected, it is always safest to check before work begins.

How Is a Structural Engineer Different From an Architect?

Architects focus on layout, design and how a space will look and function. For a house extension, drawings from an architect cost around £3,000 to £5,000 on average. A structural engineer focuses on whether their design will work safely, using calculations for beams, supports, foundations and other load-bearing elements.

For many projects, both are needed: the architect develops the design, while the structural engineer provides the structural details required for building work and approval.

As a guide, you usually speak to an architect first for design and planning, and bring in a structural engineer when work affects walls, roofs, foundations or any part of the building’s structure.

Checklist: Hiring a Structural Engineer

Hiring a structural engineer is different from hiring a builder or other trade. You are paying for professional design advice, calculations and liability, not just manual labour, so it is important to choose the right person for your project.

• Do they have the right qualifications? Ask about their degree, and whether they are a member of a recognised professional body such as the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) or the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
• Do they have chartered status? For more complex or higher risk projects, homeowners may want a chartered engineer, but for many straightforward domestic jobs an experienced non-chartered engineer who works under a chartered supervisor can still be suitable.
• Do they have experience with similar jobs? Check they have worked on like-minded projects to yours and ask when the most recent work was carried out. Also ensure the work is in relation to residential properties and not within a commercial or industrial environment.
• Are they fully insured? Check that they hold current Professional Indemnity Insurance and ask for confirmation of the cover level if you are planning a major project. Likewise with Public Liability Insurance, as this not only protects the worker but is also there for the homeowner's benefit too
• What is included with the quote? Ask whether the quote covers the initial site visit, structural calculations, drawings, responding to building control queries, visits throughout the project and any revisions if your architect’s plans change.
• Do they have plenty of local knowledge? It helps if they are familiar with the area and the homeowner's local building control requirements and have worked on similar properties in close proximity to your property.
• Have you seen reviews of previous work? Ask to see sample drawings or reports from previous jobs and look at their MyJobQuote profile for reviews or recommendations from architects, builders or past clients.
• Have timescales been agreed? Before you commit, confirm how quickly they can visit, when you can expect the calculations and drawings, and how they prefer to communicate during the project. It is also important, especially with complex projects, that any contingency plans are in place in the event of any unexpected delays.

FAQs