LAST UPDATED: DECEMBER 26, 2025
Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall in London (2026 Guide)
RSJ Installation & Structural Engineer Costs
Removing a load-bearing wall can transform how your home feels, but it is also a structural alteration that must be planned, approved, and budgeted correctly.
This guide is written to help you understand realistic costs. It explains what drives pricing, what is typically included in a full project, what Building Control usually requires, and shows a real example based on a completed UK project.
If you’ve arrived here from our service page, this page focuses purely on cost and budgeting. For safety, process, and execution details, you can return to the service page at any time.
Example Cost: Removing a 4m Load-Bearing Wall (UK)
This is an illustrative example based on a completed UK project. Costs vary by structure, access, approvals, and finish level.
| Item | Typical cost (guide) |
|---|---|
| Initial assessment / home visit | £250 (refundable) |
| Structural engineer (calculations & drawings) | £550 – £750 |
| Building Control notice / approval | £450 – £600 |
| Temporary supports & safety setup | ~£300 |
| Steel beam and padstones | ~£330 |
| Waste removal / skip hire | ~£480 |
| Structural work & installation labour | £5,000 – £6,000 |
| Other materials & making good allowance | ~£500 |
| Estimated total project cost | £7,862 – £9,212 (excl. VAT) |
What can move this cost up or down
- Span and load above: wider openings or heavier loads may require a different support solution.
- Access and working conditions: restricted access can affect labour time and logistics.
- Finish level: structural completion only vs fully finished and redecorated.
- Local authority fees: Building Control charges vary by borough and route.
- Services within the wall: heating, electrics, or hidden services can add scope.
USEFUL LINKS / CALCULATORS
Typical Cost to Remove a Load-Bearing Wall in London
Most homeowners want a realistic starting figure before going any further. While every load-bearing wall is different, London projects usually fall within a clear range once structural engineering and steelwork are included.
The figures below are based on real UK projects, reviewed regularly to reflect current market conditions.
LIVE PRICE TRACKER (UPDATED MONTHLY)
Load-Bearing Wall Removal (UK)
Average price
£1,650
Typical range
£1,250 – £2,100
Our price starts from
£1,403
👉 Prices are guide-only and may vary by site conditions.
Many online prices refer to different scopes of work. In practice, people are usually talking about two different costs:
- The structural removal work itself (simpler cases)
- The full project cost, including engineering, approvals, and making good
As a general guide:
- Smaller openings and simpler conditions tend to sit at the lower end
- Larger spans, complex load paths, or restricted access increase costs
- Full projects that include engineering and Building Control usually cost more
Planning with a full-project mindset helps avoid under-budgeting.
Structural Engineer Costs for Load-Bearing Wall Removal
What this cost covers — and why it matters
For most load-bearing wall projects, a structural engineer is required to confirm how the building’s weight will be safely supported once the wall is removed. This is not a formality. It’s the step that determines the correct beam size, support method, and whether the work can be approved by Building Control.
A structural engineer typically reviews your layout, assesses load paths, and produces calculations and drawings that specify the correct structural solution. These documents are usually required for Building Control approval and form part of the permanent record for your property.
For a single load-bearing wall, homeowners in London should typically budget:
Fees: £450 – £600 (excl. VAT)
For inspection, structural calculations, and drawings for one wall
This range usually applies to straightforward layouts where the engineer can assess the structure from drawings or a single site visit. More complex properties, wider spans, or unclear load paths may increase this cost.
What affects engineer cost?
load-bearing wall removal building notice
Building Control Fees by London Boroughs
Building Control costs can vary depending on your local authority and the type of application. To make this easier, we use borough-based fee estimates so homeowners can plan more accurately.
Choose your borough for a fee estimate
Load bearing wall building notice fees
Please select your borough from the list below to find the applicable building control fees. Be sure to verify the fees with your local council to ensure they are up-to-date and accurate.
If you’re not sure which borough applies, choose the one the property is located in—this is mainly to help your budgeting early on. Final fees can depend on scope and the route (local authority vs approved inspector).
These aren’t problems — they’re part of planning properly.
Commonly Missed Cost for Load-Bearing Wall Removal
Even careful homeowners often forget to allow for:
basic load-bearing wall removal calculator
Load-Bearing Wall Removal Cost Calculator (2026)
Use the calculator below to get a quick early-stage cost estimate based on wall length, layout, and basic project details. It is designed for budget planning only, not as a final quote.
This is the fastest way to understand whether your plans are likely to sit at the lower or higher end of typical price ranges.
If you are unsure whether a wall is load-bearing or how the structure is assessed safely, our service page explains this in full.
Cost of Removing a Load-Bearing Wall in London
FAQ
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Why does the cost of removing a load-bearing wall vary so much?
The cost varies because no two properties carry loads in exactly the same way. Span width, what the wall is supporting above, access conditions, and the level of finishing required all affect the final figure. Regulatory requirements, such as structural calculations and Building Control involvement, also form part of the total budget. This is why broad “from £X” prices are rarely reliable on their own.
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What’s usually included in a full project cost, compared to basic online prices?
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Is the live price tracker on this page a quote or a guide?
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How do structural engineer costs affect the overall budget?
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Do Building Control fees vary by London borough?
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What costs are most commonly missed when budgeting?
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When does a site visit become necessary for accurate pricing?
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How accurate is a smart or AI estimate compared to a site assessment?
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How should I use this cost guide when planning my project?
Prefer to Speak With Someone?
If you’d like to move from guide pricing to a figure tailored to your home, you can use the smart estimate tool or request a professional assessment to confirm scope and budget.