New IStructE guide for homeowners planning building work
July 8, 2026
The Institution of Structural Engineers has published Introduction to structural engineering for domestic clients, a guide for homeowners planning work such as extensions, loft conversions and the removal of load-bearing walls. It was written by members of the Institution’s Small Practitioners Panel: Sunil Malhotra, Ralph Tiemann and our Managing Director, Ummer Daraz, who is Vice Chair of the panel.
The guide explains in plain terms what a structural engineer does on a home project and when you are likely to need one. It covers:
- choosing a suitably qualified engineer with relevant domestic experience and professional indemnity insurance;
- common concerns, from opening up walls to cracking, damp and signs of movement in older homes;
- surveys, investigations and temporary works, and allowing for them in your budget;
- what the Building Safety Act 2022 means for homeowners.
It ends with a practical checklist to work through before appointing an engineer. The guide is also due to appear in The Structural Engineer, the Institution’s journal.