LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 11, 2026
Load Bearing Wall Removal North Finchley (N12)
Specialist structural wall removal, RSJ installation, and open-plan conversions for homes across North Finchley and Woodside Park.
Removing a load-bearing wall is not guesswork. The real risk is ensuring the structure above is supported correctly once the wall is removed.
We assess your layout carefully, confirm whether the wall is structural, and put a clear engineering plan in place before any work begins.
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Modern Open-Plan Living in N12’s 1930s & Edwardian Homes
Structural Changes Done Safely, With Clear Costs From the Start
North Finchley and Woodside Park are known for their spacious 1930s semi-detached houses and solid Edwardian terraces. While these “Metroland” homes offer generous room sizes, they are often divided by a load-bearing spine wall separating reception rooms from dining areas or kitchens.
We specialise in unlocking the potential of these N12 properties. Whether you are opening up the front and rear reception rooms in a Woodside Park semi or creating a larger kitchen-diner in a Friern Barnet terrace, we manage the specific structural demands of these brick-built homes.
Unlike lighter modern construction, 1930s masonry requires robust engineering. We provide a complete structural solution so your new open-plan space is safe, compliant with Barnet regulations, and finished to a high standard.
Quick next step: If you have a photo, sketch, or plan (png, jpeg), jump straight to the AI estimate below and get an instant, practical breakdown.
wall removal specialist in North Finchley
Why N12 Homeowners Choose Us
We do not simply remove walls. We manage structural alterations properly, with experience tailored to Barnet’s housing stock.
Inter-war semi-detached houses often carry heavy loads, including tiled roofs and chimney stacks. We understand these load paths and design safe spans for wider openings.
We work directly with the London Borough of Barnet Building Control team and ensure applications are submitted correctly, whether under a Building Notice or full plans where required.
From streets off Ballards Lane to quieter Woodside Park avenues, we understand local access constraints, skip placement, and parking considerations common in N12 projects.
One team, one plan, one point of contact
Wall removal our steps
Our Wall Removal Process
We follow a strict six-step structural protocol to keep your home safe at every stage.
01.
Step
Assessment
We confirm whether the wall is load-bearing, which is common in 1930s hallway walls and reception room dividers.
02.
Step
Engineering
A structural engineer prepares the calculations and steel beam specification required for approval.
03.
Step
Protection
Dust screens and floor protection are installed before any structural work begins.
04.
Step
Temporary Support
Acrow props and strongboys are used to safely support the structure during removal.
05.
Step
RSJ Installation
The steel beam is installed on padstones to permanently carry the load.
06.
Step
Sign-Off
We coordinate inspections so you receive a Building Control completion certificate.
Cost of Removing a Load-Bearing Wall in North Finchley
Costs vary depending on the width of the opening and the load above it. N12 homes often have wider rooms than inner-London terraces, which can require larger steel beams.
Typical Guide Ranges for N12 Projects
Structural Removal Only
£1,250 – £2,100
For straightforward removals where access is good and finishes are minimal.
Full Structural Project
Typically £7,862 – £9,212
This usually includes the structural engineer, steel beam, Building Control fees, labour, waste removal, and making good to a high standard.
These figures are guide ranges based on similar North Finchley projects. Final costs depend on structural load, access, steel size, and finish level.
load-bearing wall removal building notice
Regulations, Engineers & Approval
Most load-bearing wall removals in North Finchley require approval under the Building Regulations, even where planning permission is not needed. This ensures the structure remains safe and compliant once the wall is removed.
For properties within the London Borough of Barnet, this type of work is usually carried out under a Building Notice rather than full plans approval.
As of 2026, the Building Control charge for a load-bearing wall removal under a Building Notice is £528.
👉 Barnet Council current Building Control charges
We always confirm the applicable fee before submission, as charges are set by the council and can be updated periodically.
A structural engineer is almost always required for North Finchley’s 1930s and Edwardian homes, where internal walls commonly support floors, masonry, or chimney structures. The engineer’s calculations form part of the Building Control submission and are essential for final sign-off.
For a wider overview of how we manage structural work and approvals across London, see:
Wall removal instant estimate
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👉 Next steps if a site visit or engineer confirmation is needed
Real questions London homeowners ask before removing a supporting wall in North Finchley
FAQ
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Do I need planning permission for internal work in Barnet?
In most cases, no. Removing an internal wall is usually permitted development and does not require planning permission. However, Building Control approval is still mandatory to ensure the structure remains safe. If the property is a flat or maisonette, which is common in parts of N12, you may also need consent from the freeholder. We confirm what applies before work begins.
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My house is a 1930s semi — is the wall between the lounge and dining room load-bearing?
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How much are Building Control fees in Barnet?
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Can you remove the chimney breast as well?
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Do I need a Party Wall Agreement in a semi-detached house?
Ready to Open Up Your Space?
Do not guess when it comes to your home’s structure. Get a clear, data-backed price range and understand exactly what is involved before committing.
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Or speak with a specialist about your North Finchley renovation plans.