A structural engineer may be required when there are questions about a building’s structure, or when engineering input is needed for renovation, design, or approval purposes, including:

• visible cracking, movement, or deformation

• renovating or altering a building, such as wall removal, extensions, or additions

• preparation of structural design for renovations or new works

• certification or engineering documentation required for building approval

• concerns raised in a building or pre-purchase inspection report

• uncertainty about whether an issue is cosmetic or structurally significant

A structural engineer assesses how loads are carried through the structure and, where required, prepares structural design, details, or certification to support construction or approval processes.

Not all properties or defects require structural engineering input. In some cases, an engineer may simply confirm that the structure is performing as intended and that no further action is required.

Whether a wall can be removed depends on its role in the structure, including whether it carries load from above (such as supporting the roof or floor above) or acts as a bracing wall (helping keep the building stable during strong winds or other sideways forces).

There are sometimes visible clues to how a wall is functioning. For example, walls that connect directly to the roof or floor structure above may be load-bearing, while a visible gap between the top of the wall and the roof structure can indicate it is not carrying vertical load. These are general indicators only and vary by construction type.

A structural engineer can assess whether a wall is load-bearing, a bracing wall, or non-structural, and advise what structural support or bracing may be required if it is removed.

Many buildings show signs of minor cracking or movement over time. This can occur due to normal settlement, temperature changes, moisture variation, or the age of the building, and does not necessarily indicate a serious structural problem.

A structural issue is more likely where there are signs that suggest the structure may not be performing as intended, such as cracking that is widening over time, uneven floors, noticeable movement, or distortion of structural elements.

A structural engineer can assess the observed condition in context, considering the building type, age, and construction, and advise whether the issue is consistent with normal behaviour or requires further investigation or remedial work.

The appropriate level of structural review depends on the nature of the concern, the information available, and the level of certainty required.

A desktop review may be suitable where there is sufficient documentation, photographs, and background information to assess the issue remotely. An on-site inspection is generally required where conditions cannot be reliably assessed from available information, or where direct observation is needed to confirm structural behaviour.

A structural engineer can advise on the most appropriate approach based on the specific circumstances of the property and the issue being considered.

A structural inspection involves a visual assessment of the accessible structural elements of a building to understand how it is performing and whether any observed issues may be structurally significant, including in the context of proposed renovations or wall removal.

This typically includes reviewing items such as slabs, walls, framing, beams, lintels, and bracing elements, as well as considering how loads are carried through the structure. Inspections are generally non-intrusive and do not involve opening up walls, ceilings, or finishes unless specifically agreed.

For renovation works, a structural inspection may also consider the feasibility of proposed changes, identify structural constraints, and determine whether structural design or additional support is likely to be required.

Williams Structural focuses on providing practical structural advice that helps buyers, owners, and renovators make informed decisions without unnecessary complexity or cost.

Typical examples include reviewing issues raised in a building inspection, helping buyers understand whether observed cracking or movement is likely to be significant, advising on whether a proposed renovation such as wall removal is feasible, and preparing full structural designs and certification where required for renovations or new works.

Advice is provided in clear, plain language, with recommendations proportionate to the level of risk and uncertainty identified. Services are offered with defined scopes and upfront pricing so clients can select an appropriate level of review and avoid paying for more than is needed.

Through working with residential buyers and property owners, we noticed that when people first need a structural engineer, it is often unclear what service they actually need, what is included, or what the likely cost will be.

Many enquiries relate to common situations such as pre-purchase concerns, wall removal, or issues raised in a building inspection. Traditionally, these start as open-ended engagements, which can make it difficult for clients to understand scope, timing, or fees upfront.

Defined service packages were developed to address this. They provide clear scopes, upfront pricing, and a choice of review level suited to typical residential scenarios, while still allowing for more detailed inspection, design, or certification where required. This approach is intended to make structural advice more accessible and proportionate to the problem being considered.