Full-service structural support for homeowners in Somerset West.
Based in Manchester, with engineers around the country for site visits. We've worked extensively across Somerset and know Somerset West and Taunton well — the Medieval → modern Brick semis, stone cottages, the party wall situations that come with them.
More importantly, we know how Somerset West & Taunton Council’s building control team operates and we write our calculations to match. That saves time on site and avoids queries coming back.
PorthouseDean provides structural engineering for extensions, knock-throughs, loft conversions, and two-storey extensions in Somerset West and Taunton, and has delivered 9,000+ projects across England and Wales since 2012.
The calculations and drawings are ours. So are the things around them that usually land on you: a date you can plan around, one place where everyone sees the same documents, and the change of mind nobody priced for. More than 9,000 projects since 2012 have run through the same process, from a single wall removal to a whole new build.
Every job runs through the same process, so every customer gets the same three answers.
Tell us about the project and we’ll tell you the price and the steps that follow. No hourly rate. If the job changes, there is a free change request on every job.
Pick how fast you need it, and pay less if you can wait. You get a date to work back from.
Never wonder where it’s up to — just look. Your project hub shows what is happening now, what is next and anything we need from you, with your drawings, documents and invoice alongside. Share it directly with everyone involved in your project.
Building control gets the calculations. Your builder gets the contractor pack. If either of them has a question about the structure, it comes to us, not to you. How we check and what the process looks like.
No extras for building control queries.
A fixed price before you commit. No obligation, no chasing.
It depends on the size and complexity of your project, so we don't publish a price range for Somerset West and Taunton. Tell us about your project and you get a clear, fixed-fee quote before you commit.
Sure, we have worked on a wide variety of Somerset West and Taunton's Medieval - modern properties. Our engineers aim to understand the specific requirements of your property from Brick semis, stone cottages construction, ensuring calculations that respect the original structure while meeting modern standards.
Somerset West and Taunton typically has Floodplain alluvium & clay. Alluvium over clay & sand. We factor these conditions into our foundation designs, which may affect the depth and type of foundations required.
On a full plans application, Somerset West & Taunton Council has five weeks to decide, or longer if you both agree it in writing (regulation 14A of the Building Regulations 2010). On a building notice there is no plans decision: building control checks the work, and our calculations, as it goes. If they raise a question about the structure, your engineer answers it.
We provide structural calculations throughout Somerset West and Taunton and the surrounding Somerset area. Our engineers regularly work on projects across the region, and you choose the delivery date that suits you.
If you're removing a wall, converting a loft, building an extension, or doing anything that affects the structure of your house — yes. Building control will require structural calculations before they sign off the work.
A virtual site visit is included in every quote — it's a chance to put a face to the name and talk through specific design requirements with your engineer. But we don't believe a physical visit is necessary for most residential projects. Working remotely allows us to be more economical while maintaining the same quality throughout. If your project does need a physical visit, we have engineers around the country who can arrange one.
On the date you choose when you book. The price follows the date: pick a later one and it costs less, or an earlier one if you need them sooner.
Every quote includes one free amendment because we know projects change — that's normal. Beyond that, we'll quote any further changes clearly so there are no surprises.
The quote's not the product — the project is. The moments that cost you come later: when building control query something, or your builder can't follow the drawings. That's why BC queries, an amendment and a virtual site visit are included — it's where projects actually succeed or fail.
Understanding Somerset West and Taunton's unique characteristics helps us deliver precise structural solutions.
Structural Engineering Excellence in Somerset
Choosing the right structural engineer means finding someone who truly understands your area. We specialize in Somerset properties, working regularly with everything from Medieval → modern homes built with Brick semis, stone cottages. This local expertise means our designs are written to satisfy Somerset West & Taunton Council building regulations.
Successful structural projects begin with proper foundation design. Somerset’s typical Floodplain alluvium & clay presents specific engineering requirements. Alluvium over clay & sand We incorporate this geological knowledge throughout our calculations, ensuring safe, durable foundations for extensions, conversions, and renovations.
Rural villages; suburban semis This diversity means we’ve developed expertise across all property types – whether you’re extending a period property near Dunster Castle; Quantock Hills or renovating a modern home with easy access to Bristol–Exeter Line; A361.
We maintain strong working relationships with Somerset West & Taunton Council building control, streamlining approvals for your project. Our calculations are approved by building control, or you get a refund.
Coverage Across Somerset
Operating throughout Somerset and surrounding areas (population: 155 k), our services include:
• Loft conversion and roof extension calculations
• Extension designs – all configurations
• Internal structural alterations
• Steel beam and RSJ specifications
• Foundation and underpinning calculations
Request Your Free Somerset Structural Engineering Quote
Starting your project? Get in touch with PorthouseDean for structural calculation pricing in Somerset. You’ll have a detailed, fixed-fee quotation before you commit.
Send us your plans and you'll have a clear, fixed price before you commit. Or give us a call.