Opening up a kitchen and dining room, or knocking through to a rear extension, almost always involves removing a load-bearing wall and inserting a structural steel beam. It is one of the most common jobs we do across Redditch and the West Midlands and also one of the most misunderstood. Here is what the process actually involves.
First: is the wall load-bearing?
If the wall runs perpendicular to the first-floor joists above, it is almost certainly load-bearing. If it runs parallel to the joists it may still carry weight from above (a partition on the floor above lining up with it, for example). The only safe way to know is to lift floorboards above and look. We do this at survey stage before quoting.
Second: structural engineer calculations
Every steel beam over a load-bearing opening needs calculations from a qualified structural engineer. The calculations determine:
- The size and grade of beam (typically a UB 203x133x25 or UB 254x146x31 for a domestic opening)
- The required bearing length at each end (usually 150mm minimum)
- The type and strength of the pad stones that spread the load into the walls below
- Whether a single beam will do or if a goalpost arrangement with posts is needed
We organise this directly with our regular structural engineers. Allow £350-£650 for calculations on a typical opening.
Third: Building Regulations approval
You need Building Control approval for any structural alteration. We submit either a Full Plans application or (more commonly for a straightforward beam) a Building Notice. Inspections happen when the beam is in and again before plasterboard goes up.
Fourth: the actual works
- Strongboys and props installed to carry the floor above
- Needles pushed through the wall at beam height to support the brickwork above
- Opening cut below the needles
- Pad stones bedded and beam lifted into position
- Beam packed tight against the brickwork above with slate pinnings
- Props and needles removed in sequence
- Pad stones encased, beam fire-protected with intumescent paint or boxing
For a typical five-metre opening in a Birmingham semi this takes two to three days on site.
Typical costs in 2026
- Single beam, 3-4m opening: £3,500-£5,500 all in
- Single beam, 5m+ opening: £5,000-£8,500 all in
- Goalpost arrangement with two posts and beam: £6,500-£12,000 all in
These are turnkey figures including structural calcs, Building Control, beam, labour, making good plasterwork, redecoration and skip hire.
Planning an open-plan reconfiguration? Call 01527 521835 or use the contact form and we will send a surveyor round for a free fixed-price quote.