Lateral restraint strap installation

Question

Hi we had this on our structural survey of a 1930s property we are hoping to buy in Manchester:

'To eliminate further lateral movement affecting the front and rear elevation a series of lateral restraint straps need to be installed to tie the affected wall back to the first floor joists.' Any ideas of price for this job? And would it involve much disruption/need for redecorating to the inside of the property? Thanks

David · Accepted Answer

A lot would depend on the structural engineer design but it would involve some disruption and need remedial work doing ie plastering etc  the price would would range from £2000 to £4000   Hopefully that is some help

Joe · Answer

It would cost between £3000-4500 and would recommend walls to be plastered and painted again

Andrew · Answer

Hi 

There are several lateral restraints out there so price would depend upon what surveyor has specified and asked for 
Standard lateral fix 
Heli fix through joists 
Sok fix depending on wall material 
Or a mixture 
As you could have a price have work done and still not be in right place with what’s been done 
Some of the above works are intrusive to decor and some can be done from external works  
Hope this helps 
Kindest regards 
A. Ward & sons

Ross · Answer

To eliminate the lateral movement affecting the front and rear elevation of the 1930s property in Manchester, installing lateral restraint straps to tie the affected wall back to the first-floor joists is crucial. The cost of this job can vary depending on the extent of work needed and the specific conditions of the property. Typically, the price for such structural work can range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand pounds.

Regarding disruption and redecorating, installing lateral restraint straps may involve some disruption, especially if access to the affected areas is needed. The extent of redecorating required inside the property would depend on the access points and the specific locations where the straps need to be installed. It's advisable to consult with a structural engineer or a builder to get a more accurate assessment of the potential disruption and redecorating needs for this type of structural work.

Colin · Answer

Price depending on number of restraints needed and access. Work should be hidden under floor so access will be needed to floorboards.

William · Answer

Not sure on the price, and as the description looks there would probably not be to much desruption to worry about.

Dan · Answer

That’s a really common issue in 1930s UK homes — over time, walls can bulge or shift slightly outward, especially if they were built with solid walls and no cavity ties (which is likely in your case). The solution your surveyor recommended — lateral restraint straps — is a known and accepted fix.

Here's a breakdown of costs, disruption, and what to expect.

Estimated Cost in Manchester (2024–2025)
Item	Cost Estimate
Structural engineer (design & sign-off)	£300–£600
Supply & installation of straps (per wall)	£800–£1,500
Plaster repair/redecoration (if needed)	£300–£600
Total (for front & rear elevation)	£1,500–£2,500 (possibly more for larger homes or complex access)

Prices are lower in the North West than in London or the South East.

🔧 What's Involved / Level of Disruption
Internally:

Floorboards are lifted on the first floor to access joists.

Small sections of plaster or ceiling may be cut to expose where straps go into the wall.

Restraint straps are fixed between the wall and multiple floor joists (usually spaced ~2m apart).

Disruption Level:

Moderate if only floorboards are lifted.

Higher if walls or ceilings need opening, which is often the case in 1930s homes with old plaster or where straps need to run behind skirting or coving.

🖌️ Redeoration
Minor re-plastering may be needed where straps are inserted.

Expect some need to repaint or touch up skirting boards, walls, or ceilings in affected rooms.

You’ll likely need:

Patching plaster

Skim and paint around 2–3 square metres per strap, depending on method used

🧱 Optional Add-Ons or Related Fixes
You might be offered Helifix ties or brick stitching if cracks are present.

If there’s significant movement, a full wall tie replacement could be suggested, but this is usually only in cavity walls — which yours likely aren’t.

✅ Summary
Ballpark cost: £1,500–£2,500

Disruption: Moderate (some floorboard lifting and patch redecorating)

Time on site: 1–3 days typically

Lateral restraint strap installation

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