How We Deliver Structural Calculations
From your first quote through to Building Control approval, here's what working with PorthouseDean actually looks like. We've kept things simple because structural engineering shouldn't feel complicated.
The Process
Whether you're a homeowner planning an extension or an architect managing multiple projects, it works the same way.
Get a Quote
Every project starts here. Pick whichever route works for you.
Every instant quote gets reviewed by an engineer before work starts. If something doesn't add up, we'll tell you and adjust the price.
Review Your Quote
Your quote arrives by email with a full breakdown — what's included, delivery timeframe, payment options. You also get a link to your quote page where you can review everything and order when you're ready.
No rush. The quote stays live, so come back to it whenever the timing works. If your project scope changes, let us know and we'll update it.
Place Your Order
Pay by card, PayPal, or bank transfer. If you'd rather spread the cost, Klarna lets you split it into three interest-free payments.
Once you've ordered, you'll get a confirmation email with your invoice and login details for the client portal — that's where you can track progress, upload documents, and message your engineer.
Meet Your Engineer
We assign a dedicated structural engineer to your project. Not a call centre, not a rotating team — one person who knows your project inside out.
They'll introduce themselves, review what you've submitted, and become your single point of contact from here on. When the builder has questions or Building Control needs clarification, you're talking to someone who already has the full picture.
Site Visit
Your engineer needs to gather information about the site — measurements, photos, existing construction details. Two options here:
You can start with virtual and add in-person later if needed. No double charge.
Calculations Are Produced
This is the actual engineering work — your engineer takes everything gathered and produces the full structural calculations. Beam specs, column calculations, foundation details, load assessments. All designed to UK Building Regulations.
Delivery
You receive the completed calculations plus a contractor pack — everything the builder needs to do the work. Clear instructions, no ambiguity. We've designed it that way because vague documentation leads to phone calls, delays, and expensive on-site mistakes.
Your engineer will walk you through the deliverables before you hand anything over. Make sure it all makes sense first.
Building Control
Everything we produce is designed to pass Building Control first time. When it does, great. If they come back with questions — which happens occasionally — your engineer handles it. You don't need to interpret technical queries or play messenger.
Aftercare
The relationship doesn't end when calculations are delivered. Projects evolve — things change on site, Building Control asks for tweaks, the design gets refined halfway through. That's normal.
A free change request is included with every project. If Building Control requests a change or the contractor needs something adjusted, it's covered. Need more changes after that? We can do additional revisions at a fraction of the original cost.
Whether your project takes three months or a year, your engineer stays available. Questions about the steels six months later? Call they know your project.
What Every Quote Includes
The full package, not a stripped-down version.
Full Structural Calculations
Beam specifications, column calculations, foundation details, load assessments — everything needed for your project.
Building Control Documents
Submission-ready documentation designed to pass first time. Your engineer handles any queries.
Contractor Pack
Clear documentation to build from. Reduces on-site confusion and costly misunderstandings.
A Free Change Request
Building Control changes, contractor modifications, design adjustments — the first change is on us, and further changes cost less than a new quote.
£500,000 PI Insurance
Professional indemnity cover for everything we produce.
Ground Conditions Check
Site-specific ground assessment integrated into the design. Helps avoid unexpected foundation costs later.
Virtual Site Visit
Included as standard. Your engineer guides you through capturing everything they need via video call.
Dedicated Engineer
One person who knows your project. Not a call centre, not a different voice every time you ring.
Common Questions
We design the bones of your building — the steels, foundations, load-bearing elements, and structural connections that keep everything standing. We calculate the loads your structure needs to support, specify materials and sizes, and produce the documentation that proves to Building Control (and the contractor) that the design is safe and compliant.
If you're doing any of these, almost certainly yes:
- Removing or altering a load-bearing wall
- Building an extension
- Converting a loft
- Adding a new opening in an external wall
- Any work that needs Building Control sign-off
Not sure? Book a quick call and we'll tell you.
There is no standard turnaround. You choose the delivery date when you book, and the price follows the date: pick a later one and it costs less, or an earlier one if you're up against a deadline.
Rare, but it happens. When it does, your engineer deals with it directly. They'll respond to queries, provide additional information if needed, and make any necessary adjustments. That's covered by your free change request — you won't pay extra for Building Control-related changes.
Yes. Your engineer stays available throughout the project. If the builder has questions about the steels or foundation details while they're on site, they can get in touch. We recommend email or scheduled calls so your engineer is definitely available — but support doesn't disappear once the calculations are delivered.
Virtual (included free): Video call where your engineer guides you through taking the photos and measurements they need. Works well for most standard residential projects — extensions, loft conversions, wall removals.
Physical (priced at checkout, by location): An engineer comes to site and does it themselves. Optional add-on for complex projects, unusual properties, or if you'd just rather have someone there. You can start virtual and add physical later if needed.
Card, PayPal, or bank transfer. If you'd rather spread the cost, Klarna lets you split into three interest-free payments. You can also place an order and pay later via BACS if that's easier for your accounting.
Get in Touch
Questions before you start? Give us a call.
Ready to Start?
Get a quote in minutes, or book a call if you'd rather talk it through first.