Thinking of Altering Your Home? Transform your home with confidence.

At STL Projects Ltd, our expertise extends beyond structural engineering—we’ve been involved in numerous renovation projects ourselves. We understand the challenges and excitement of home alterations and have key insights to help you plan your project effectively.

What Do You Want to Achieve?

Building costs in 2025 remain high, so it’s essential to carefully consider what you want from your home alteration. Are you looking to add another bathroom, create more communal space, or increase the number of bedrooms? If you have a rough idea but aren’t sure what’s feasible, get in touch—we can help assess your options and provide expert guidance.

Project Size and Planning Permission

The scope of your project determines whether you need an architect. If your alteration affects the external appearance of your home, check your local authority’s planning portal to see if planning permission is required. If it is, consulting an architect is a wise next step. Architects not only help design your space but also guide you through the planning process with professionally prepared drawings.  We can put you in touch with some local architects who can help.

On one of our first projects we decided to separate a property into a flat and an office. Since this involved a change of use and external modifications, planning permission was required, and we worked closely with an architect to navigate the process successfully.

Permitted Development and Structural Engineering

If your project falls within permitted development rights, you may not need planning permission. In this case, contact us to discuss your requirements. We will:

• Visit your property to listen to your needs and assess the existing structure.
• Measure up to facilitate accurate structural calculations, and to enable us to provide a quotation for the drawings and calculations.
• Following your instruction, we will provided detailed drawings you can give your contractor. 
• Supply calculations required for Building Regulations Approval.

Planning Beyond the Drawings

Before appointing a contractor, take a moment to review your project in detail. Whether you’re removing a wall or building an extension, consider how you will use the new space:

• Heating: Will you need to relocate or add radiators?
• Electrics: Where do you need power points?
• Lighting: How will you illuminate the space?

Providing your contractor with a clear list of requirements helps them price the job accurately and estimate the timeline effectively. Making changes mid-project can increase costs and cause delays, so thinking ahead is crucial.

Construction Phase and On-Site Support

Once construction starts and your contractor is on-site, unexpected challenges may arise—such as poor ground conditions or unexpected obstructions in foundation areas. If this happens, we’re here to help troubleshoot and provide structural solutions to keep your project on track.

Despite the inevitable disruption that comes with construction, with the right planning and professional support, you’ll soon be enjoying the transformed space you envisioned.