Specialist Services
Structural Works
Professional structural works across Essex. From steel beam installation and load-bearing wall removal to underpinning and structural alterations — we deliver safe, compliant, and expertly executed structural solutions.
What We Offer
Structural works are the backbone of any major building project. Whether you're opening up your ground floor with a load-bearing wall removal, installing steelwork for a new extension, or strengthening foundations with underpinning, Paul Bailey Construction Ltd delivers safe, precise, and fully compliant structural solutions across Essex.
Every structural alteration we carry out is designed by a qualified structural engineer and approved by Building Control before work begins. We don't cut corners — every beam is correctly sized, every padstone is properly installed, and every temporary support is in place before any load-bearing element is disturbed.
Our experienced team has completed hundreds of structural projects across Essex — from simple lintel replacements to complex multi-beam steel frames for large extensions. We understand the importance of getting structural work right first time, and we take the time and care to ensure every installation is safe, solid, and built to last.
All structural work includes full making good — plastering, patching, and finishing so you're left with a seamless result, not an exposed beam and a pile of rubble.
Our Structural Services
Steel Beam (RSJ) Installation
We supply and install rolled steel joists (RSJs) and universal beams to support structural openings. Whether you're removing a load-bearing wall to create an open-plan living space, or installing a steel frame for a large extension, our team works to structural engineer specifications with precision. Every steel beam is properly padded, fire-wrapped where required, and finished to a high standard.
Load-Bearing Wall Removal
Removing a load-bearing wall is one of the most transformative structural alterations you can make to a property. We carefully remove internal walls and install steel beams, timber lintels, or concrete padstones to safely redistribute the load. The result is a bright, open-plan living space that completely changes how your home feels.
Structural Openings
Creating new doorways, windows, or wider openings in existing walls requires careful structural work. We form new openings in brick, block, and stone walls — installing appropriate lintels, padstones, and temporary supports (Acrow props) throughout the process. All openings are formed to structural engineer specifications.
Underpinning
If your property has experienced subsidence or the existing foundations are inadequate for a new extension, we provide professional underpinning services. We use traditional mass concrete underpinning methods to strengthen and stabilise your foundations, working in carefully planned sequences to maintain structural integrity throughout.
Chimney Breast Removal
Removing a chimney breast frees up valuable floor space in bedrooms and living rooms. We safely remove chimney breasts at ground and first floor level, installing gallows brackets or steel supports to carry the remaining structure above. All work is completed to Building Regulations standards with proper fire stopping.
Structural Steelwork for Extensions
Large extensions — particularly those with wide openings for bifolding or sliding doors — require structural steelwork to carry roof and upper floor loads. We install steel portal frames, goalpost frames, and individual beams to create the wide, open spans that modern extension designs demand.
Floor Strengthening
Loft conversions and upper floor alterations often require the existing floor structure to be strengthened. We install additional joists, steel beams, and engineered timber to upgrade floor capacity — ensuring your new living space meets all structural and Building Regulations requirements.
Lintel Replacement & Installation
Failed or inadequate lintels above windows and doors can cause cracking and structural issues. We remove and replace damaged lintels with new concrete or steel alternatives, properly supported and finished. We also install new lintels when forming openings in existing walls.
How We Approach Structural Work
Structural Survey
We assess the existing structure and discuss your requirements. For complex alterations, we arrange a structural engineer to survey the property and produce calculations.
Structural Drawings & Calculations
Our structural engineers produce detailed drawings and calculations specifying beam sizes, padstone requirements, foundation details, and temporary support methods.
Building Regulations Submission
We submit the structural drawings to Building Control for approval before any work begins. This ensures your project is fully compliant from the start.
Temporary Support & Propping
Before any structural element is removed, we install Acrow props and temporary supports to safely carry the load. This is a critical safety step that we never shortcut.
Structural Work
We carry out the structural alterations — installing steelwork, forming openings, removing walls, or strengthening floors — all to the approved structural drawings.
Building Control Inspection & Sign-Off
Building Control inspect the completed structural work before it's covered up. Once approved, we proceed with finishing — plastering, decoration, and making good.
Safety First — Always
Structural work is not something to take lightly. Every load-bearing alteration we carry out is designed by a qualified structural engineer, approved by Building Control, and executed by experienced tradespeople. We never remove a structural element without proper temporary support in place, and we never proceed without approved drawings. Your safety — and the structural integrity of your home — is our absolute priority.
Why Choose Us for Structural Works?
Engineer-Designed
Every structural alteration is backed by full structural engineer calculations and drawings — no guesswork.
Building Control Approved
We submit to Building Control and coordinate all inspections. Your project is fully signed off and compliant.
Experienced Team
Hundreds of structural projects completed across Essex. Our team knows how to handle complex structural work safely.
Complete Finish
We don't just install the steel — we plaster, patch, and finish so you're left with a seamless result.
- Steel beam (RSJ) supply and installation
- Load-bearing wall removal with steel support
- Structural openings in brick, block, and stone walls
- Underpinning for subsidence and foundation strengthening
- Chimney breast removal with gallows bracket support
- Structural steelwork for extensions and wide openings
- Floor strengthening for loft conversions and alterations
- Lintel replacement and installation
- All work to structural engineer specifications
- Building Regulations compliant — inspected and signed off
- Temporary propping and Acrow prop support throughout
- Full making good, plastering, and finishing included
Why Choose Paul Bailey?
Fully Insured
Complete public liability and professional indemnity cover
On Time, On Budget
We stick to agreed timelines and costs
Quality Guaranteed
Exceptional craftsmanship on every project
Start Your Project Today
Contact Paul Bailey Construction for a free consultation and quote.