Structural Design in Dorset (5)

Structural design is an important part of structural engineering and it focuses on building safe and strong structures. During the design stage, a structural designer will look at the following components:

• The load of a building

• The stability of a building

• The safety of a building

• The different dimensions of the building's members (more on this later).

What does a structural designer do?

Structural designers draw up plans for the construction of a building or structure. They work on a wide range of projects from residential homes to offices, retail establishments, factories and bridges. The role of a structural designer is to:

• Draw up sketches for builders to work off

• Calculate the load of a structure

• Ensure the structure is safe and stable

• Choose the best materials to use

• Create reports

When it comes to structural design, one of the most important considerations is structural members. These are essential for supporting the load of a structure and ensuring it can withstand any stresses.

Below is a list of common structural members used during construction:

• Beams

• Columns

• Retaining walls

• Footings

• Roof trusses

• Concrete slabs

While architects and structural designers both play essential roles in the design of new structures, they don't offer the same services. Architects are mainly concerned with drawing plans for structures and how they’ll look. They often use data from structural designers regarding load and building stability.

Structural designers look more closely at the strength and stability of a building, plus the right materials to use.

What do structural engineers do?

Structural design is one of the many roles a structural engineer can carry out. Not only do they look at drawing up plans for a structure, they also offer guidance throughout construction. Some of the jobs covered by structural engineers include:

• Structural design

• Building safety and stability assessments

• Getting planning permission

• Checking the structure follows building regulations

• Structural inspections

• Support during construction

The amount you pay for structural design will vary from job to job. Each project is unique so it’s important to consider the following factors when calculating structural design costs:

• Size of the structure: Larger structures will require more labour time and will be more expensive.

• Complexity of the structure: Simple structures are much cheaper to design and plan.

• Level of support needed: If you’ve already had plans drawn up for your structure, your structural designer will need to do less work, reducing labour fees.

• Location: Labour prices vary throughout the UK.

Structural design fees

Once of the best professionals to hire for a structural design project is a structural engineer. They’ll be able to carry out the design phase of the job while also overseeing construction and advising other tradespeople during the process.

The average structural engineer design cost is from £400 - £5,000. You can find more prices and information in our structural engineer cost guide.

Finding the right structural design company for your project is essential to getting great results. It’s really important to hire a professional you can trust so if you’re unsure what to look for in a structural design company, consider the following:

• Are they open to answering your questions?

• Are they happy to come and give you a fair quote?

• Can they show you examples of past jobs?

• Do they have the right qualifications?

• Do they have years of experience?

• Can they explain the design process to you?

• Do they have positive reviews on Checkatrade?

Want to speak to structural designers in Dorset?

If you’re looking for a qualified structural designer in Dorset, let us help you find the right professional. Our go through 12 checks before becoming a member and are also recommended by your neighbours.

Rather than wasting your precious time and energy searching online for a structural design company, try our free search feature. Type in your postcode to instantly see the professionals in your area.

Another option is to try our request a quote feature. Simply fill in our online form, then let us do the hard work for you. We’ll send your details to three structural designers in Dorset who’ll then send you three separate quotes.